What documents do you need to ship freight into Canada?

This page is part of the U.S.–Canada freight shipping guide.

How the documents are used

Each document does a different job. The commercial invoice is the main evidence CBSA relies on for what the goods are and what they are worth. The bill of lading describes the transport. The packing list says what is in each package. The origin certification supports a CUSMA claim. The customs broker builds the release request from them, and the carrier's eManifest report has to describe the same shipment.

The commercial invoice

CBSA's invoice requirements (Memorandum D1-4-1) accept any format that carries the required information, in English or French. A useful invoice identifies:

• seller or exporter, and buyer or purchaser
• consignee, when different from the buyer
• a specific description of the goods
• quantity, unit price and total, with currency
• country of origin
• terms of sale and shipment date
• package count and weights

"Parts", "materials" or "equipment" is not a description. Classification and admissibility depend on what the goods actually are.

Bill of lading and packing list

The bill of lading names the shipper, consignee, carrier, piece count, weight and commodity, and carries the references that tie the load to the customs entry. See the bill of lading checklist.

A packing list shows contents by package, dimensions, weights, marks and SKUs. It supports the invoice but does not replace it. See the packing list checklist.

CUSMA origin information

There is no prescribed CUSMA certificate form. The certification must contain the agreement's minimum data elements and can be completed by the importer, exporter or producer. CBSA does not require a certification for commercial goods valued under CAN$3,300, but the importer must still keep records showing the goods qualify. See CUSMA / USMCA and Canada freight.

What changes the plan

• Regulated goods. Food, plants, animals and animal products, vehicles, chemicals and controlled goods can need permits from another government department.
• Mixed loads. Many product lines on one truck need a clear packing list and invoice lines that match it.
• A preference claim. CUSMA certification must be in the importer's or broker's hands before release.

Common failure points

• Invoice and bill of lading show different piece counts or weights.
• The invoice is missing the buyer, currency or origin.
• A permit-controlled product is found at the port rather than before pickup.
• The carrier and broker have different references for the same load.

Common questions

Can the commercial invoice be used instead of the CI1?

Yes, if it contains all the information CBSA requires. Otherwise it can be supplemented with the CI1, or the CI1 can be used on its own.

Does the invoice have to be in English?

CBSA requires the invoice in English or French.

Do the documents go to FCC?

For the quote, we need the freight facts, not the customs file. The documents go to the importer's customs broker. We make sure the physical shipment and the transport plan match what they describe.

Official sources

• CBSA Memorandum D1-4-1: Invoice requirements
• CBSA: Origin of goods and CUSMA certification
• CBSA: Guide to importing commercial goods into Canada

Last verified: 27 September 2026 against the official sources listed.