Cross-border shipping between the U.S. and Canada is easy. To ensure your shipments clear customs in a timely manner, it is essential that all the necessary documents are properly completed since inaccurate or missing information can result in unfortunate delays.

To assist you in completing the required documentation, please see the instructions listed below.

From Canada to the U.S.

Shippers are required to prepare the following 3 forms: a Bill of Lading, a Commercial Invoice, and a Certificate of Origin.

The information on the Bill of Lading must be consistent with the information listed on the Commercial Invoice, it must contain a complete and accurate description of the goods, and it must be legible. Please clearly indicate the the name of the Customs Broker (or their appointed agents) at the frontier port or inland sufferance warehouse.

You will need two copies of the Commercial Invoice, one must accompany the freight from the point of pickup to the point of customs clearance, the other should be attached to the Bill of Lading. This document is simply an invoice, usually supplied by the vendor, with a complete description of the goods being shipped, along with the proper valuations and currency information.

The Certificate of Origin is used by the broker to determine the correct rate of duty under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). If this document is missing, the highest rates may be applied to each consignment, and U.S. Customs may not allow the goods into the country.

From the U.S. to Canada

Unless special circumstances exist, shippers are required to prepare the following 3 forms: a Bill of Lading, a Canada Customs Invoice, and a Certificate of Origin.

There are two ways to clear freight moving into Canada; either at the border (PARS) or at an inland sufferance warehouse. Unless your customer requests otherwise, you should request a border clearance via PARS (Pre-arrival review system) in order to minimize cost and expedite your shipment.

*Note: If any forms are incomplete, your shipment may fail PARS which may result in your shipment being re-directed to an inland sufferance warehouse for clearance.

If you have any questions about PARS, click here or contact our PARS Help Desk at 1-800-258-PLUS (7587).

Quick Clear

( Click here for the instructions )

This handy form allows you to reduce the amount of paperwork involved in cross-border shipping since it replaces the need to complete the bill of lading, commercial invoice, and certificate of origin.

The information on the Bill of Lading must be consistent with the information listed on the Canada Customs Invoice, it must contain a complete and accurate description of the goods, and it must be legible. In addition, the name of the Customs Broker (or their appointed agents) must be clearly indicated.

This document should accompany the freight from the point of pickup to the point of customs clearance. An additional copy should be attached to the Bill of Lading.

The Certificate of Origin is used by the broker to determine the correct rate of duty under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). If this document is missing, the highest rates may be applied to each consignment, and Canada Customs may not allow the goods into the country.