For Purchases originating outside Canada  

All shipments destined for Queen's that are originating from outside Canada require Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) documentation. 

If Queen's is the designated Importer of Record for the shipment then Customs Broker information must be noted on Purchase Order.

Customs Broker Information 

Queen's has only one authorized Customs Broker for processing imports on behalf of the University.

If you are purchasing a product that requires import into Canada, it is important that all shipping documents include:

Employee name

c/o Queen's University

Delivery address

Customs Broker: Thompson Ahern queensu@taco.ca or pars@taco.ca

CARMS

October 2024 the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) implemented an electronic import processing system known as CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management System (CARMS).

Queen's is registered and fully compliant with all import requirements for CARMS, CBSA and CRA. 

If you are contacted by a courier / carrier in regards to import clearance authorization, decline and direct the inquiry to logistics@queensu.ca 

Important Information for Importers

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is 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. For customs purposes, a Canada customs Invoice or Commercial Invoice must be attached to the carriers waybill.

The vendor must reference Queens University on the shipping paperwork as well as the appropriate purchase order number and 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.)

Copy of the Canadian Customs Invoice (CCI)

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 of tariff rates charged to your purchase.

Every shipment arriving in Canada, regardless of the reason for the shipment (E.G. purchase, free sample, loan), is subject to the application of duty and tax on importation.

Vendors, shippers, carriers, purchasers, and importers each have a responsibility for various aspects of a shipment, but the Importer of Record is the party legally liable for the accuracy and completeness of information submitted to Canada Customs.

The Importer of Record is defined as the "Party" who causes the goods to be brought into Canada. A Party can be an individual, partnership, corporation ot institution. The University is a registered commercial importer and exporter.

SPS Business Services & Logistics manages the Customs affairs of the University and works with a contracted Custom broker to release and account for the University shipments. Where the University is the Importer of Record, clearance in the University's name approved by  Queen's Business Services & Logistics is required.

The following documents must accompany your shipment:

• Commercial Invoice. The information must include:
  • Purchaser of the goods (Employee Name as well as c/o Queen's University)
  • 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).

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.

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.

PERSONAL SHIPMENTS

Shipments containing goods purchased using a personal credit card, or gifts of a personal nature, are not considered University business. The responsibility for the Customs formalities will rest with the purchaser or the individual who causes the goods to be shipped to Canada. Personal shipments are not to be consigned to individuals in care of their work address at Queen's as this creates confusion regarding the true Importer of Record and can create liability to the University. Most carriers are able to deliver to residential addresses and handle personal transactions.

General Import Information

Importing in Canada - Customs Broker Information