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The short answer
A licensed Canadian customs broker, authorized by the importer, prepares and transmits the release request and accounting to CBSA, and helps with classification, valuation, origin and permits. The importer stays responsible: CBSA says an importer that uses a broker remains fully liable for duties, taxes, penalties and interest if the broker gets it wrong. Choose and delegate the broker before the truck is dispatched.
This page is part of the U.S.–Canada freight shipping guide.
How the arrangement works
The importer finds a customs broker licensed by CBSA, signs a general agency agreement, and delegates authority to the broker in the CARM Client Portal. From then on the broker can transact with CBSA for that importer. The delegation steps themselves are covered in CARM explained.
For each shipment, the broker takes the commercial invoice and product facts, files the release request so it is waiting when the truck arrives, and later files the accounting that settles duties and taxes.
What a customs broker can help with
Depending on the engagement:
- tariff classification and valuation
- release requests and commercial accounting declarations
- duty, tax and surtax calculations
- CUSMA preference claims
- other government department permits
- corrections and post-entry work
Confirm the exact scope with the broker.
What the importer still owns
Even with a broker, the importer needs to know what is being imported, who made it, where it originated, its value, and whether it needs a permit or qualifies for preference. "The broker handles it" is not a reason to send incomplete product information: the broker can only file what it is given.
Freight broker or customs broker?
| Question | Freight broker / transport provider | Customs broker |
|---|---|---|
| Works on | The truck: lane, carrier, price, pickup and delivery | The goods: release, accounting, classification |
| Works with | Shipper, carrier, receiver | Importer and CBSA |
| Needs | Freight facts, lane, dates, equipment | Invoice, origin, value, product details |
Our brokerage services are through UCW Logistics, a freight broker. We are not a customs broker.
What changes the plan
- A new commodity, importer or origin. Bring the broker in early; routine repeat loads can move faster.
- Regulated goods. The broker needs time to line up permits.
- A preference claim. The broker needs the CUSMA certification information before release.
Common failure points
- Dispatching before the broker has the invoice.
- The broker not delegated in CARM.
- The carrier arriving with references the broker has never seen.
Before requesting a quote
- Customs broker name and contact, or "pending"
- Confirmation the broker is delegated in CARM
- Importer of record
- Preferred crossing
- Freight facts: lane, dates, dimensions, weight, pieces
Common questions
When should the customs broker be involved?
Before the truck is dispatched. For a new importer or product, earlier still.
What should be sent to the customs broker?
The commercial invoice, packing list, product descriptions and part numbers, country of origin, value and currency, the parties, the expected crossing and carrier, and any CUSMA certification or permits.
Can FCC recommend or act as the customs broker?
We are not a customs broker and do not file customs entries. We coordinate the transportation with the broker the importer chooses.
Broker lined up, truck not yet?
Tell us the lane, the freight and who the customs broker is, and we will plan the transportation alongside the customs work.
Request a Freight QuoteOfficial sources
- CBSA: Set up your business to import (CARM, broker delegation)
- CBSA Memorandum D1-6-1: Authority to act as an agent
- CBSA: Licensed customs brokers
Last verified: 27 September 2026 against the official sources listed.