Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is now enforcing strict customs compliance through the use of a monetary penalty system.

All shipments entering Canada must be cleared through Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) prior to their delivery to Queens University. PERSONAL SHIPMENTS ARE NOT TO BE ADDRESSED TO THE UNIVERSITY. For customs purposes, a Canada customs Invoice or Commercial Invoice is to be attached to the carriers waybill. The vendor must reference Queens University purchase order number and/or chart of account on the invoice along with the Country of Origin for each item. (The country of origin refers to the country in which the item was manufactured, not just where the item is coming from,(i.e, the country of origin is not Canada unless the item was MADE in Canada.))

For a copy of the Canada Customs invoice (CCI), go to  http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html

When importing goods from suppliers outside Canada, Canada Customs and Revenue Agency requires certain forms are appropriately completed by the supplier and accompany the goods (attached to the waybill). Failure to do so will result in delays at customs and possibly higher duty rates.

The following documents must accompany your shipment

• Goods under $1,600.00 in value must have a Commercial Invoice. The information must include:
  • Purchaser of the goods
  • Vendor(shipper name/address)
  • Queens Custom Broker Name
  • Detailed product description
  • Commodity value (unit price)-if there are more than one commodity, the values must be listed separately
  • Currency of settlement is the money due for the product in US or Canadian $
  • Date of shipment
  • Country of Origin (where the commodity was produced / manufactured).

• Goods over $1,600.00 must have a Canadian Customs Invoice (CCI)
  • A Commercial Invoice, as per above
  • NAFTA Certificate Origin (North American Free Trade Agreement). This must be attached to the commercial invoice.

This documentation is required no matter what the purchase process - Purchase Order (PO), Credit Card order or if you are invoiced and sending Finance with a cheque requisition.

If a PO is used Strategic Procurement Services will ensure the appropriate information is obtained from the requisitioner and sent to the supplier with the PO.

If not then it is the responsibility of the person placing the order to ensure the supplier has the appropriate information to complete the customs documentation, as explained here.