Our Service. Your Questions. We're Here to Help.
Top questions
The invoice should include these details:
- Vendor information
- Recipient information
- Date of purchase
- Item description
- Item quantity
- Item value
The document must be clear and legible as it is what we will be provided to customs.
Please note that screenshots and PayPal transaction documents are not acceptable forms of invoices.
Do you think it's helpful? YES / NO
Only registered businesses qualify for our Returns Service. You will need to register your business with us by and providing your import number and signed PoA, which is available under Business Info under your account in your portal. If you do not have an import number but have a federally registered business number, compete the Import Number Application form along with the PoA and CBP will request one on your behalf at no extra charge.
Do you think it's helpful? YES / NO
The business number is the master number used by Ottawa to track Canadian business activity, and the importer number is a sub-account (business number + RM0001) that is activated when your business imports commercial goods. It should be noted the import number must be applied for. You can find this form when you log into your portal, under your account profile, within the Business Info section. Click here on how to obtain an importer number with the help of CrossBorder Pickups.
Do you think it's helpful? YES / NO
As you may know, businesses are subject to only a 5% tax instead of 13%.
The owner or importer of record is responsible for paying the GST/HST on imported goods. If you are for the GST/HST and you are the importer (the person who caused the goods to be imported into Canada), you may claim an input tax credit (ITC) for the tax you paid on the imported goods, as long as you meet the requirement for claiming ITCs.
Do you think it's helpful? YES / NO
No. The import/export account is free of charge and takes a few days as we have to work with both broker and customs to get the number. The import number will be emailed to you when it’s completed.
Do you think it's helpful? YES / NO
If you are planning to import commercial goods into Canada, you have to register. An importer account number is used by the Canada Border Services Agency to identify importers and to process Customs accounting documentation.
Interesting Fact: 45 million parcels and pallets enter Canada each year, and to keep track of all that cargo, Customs uses your business number (or ‘importer number’) for identification and compliance
Do you think it's helpful? YES / NO
Any Canadian resident or non-resident business is eligible for an importer number.
Do you think it's helpful? YES / NO
As the CBSA now conducts most of its compliance checks following importation, the business number allows Customs to release cargo and audit later. As well, since verification is required to obtain an importer number, it eliminates confusion or debate about who is responsible when a Customs problem does arise.
Do you think it's helpful? YES / NO
Yes, all commercial cargo imported into Canada requires a business number. Please note the CBSA’s definition of “commercial” is extremely broad: anything for “commercial, institutional, or occupational use” is considered commercial. Personal orders of a high volume (e.g. 100x of the same item) or peculiar in nature (industrial machinery) may also require a business number regardless of their end-use.
Do you think it's helpful? YES / NO
An invoice is a document required to show the proof of purchase. It is required as part of the shipping service across the border. CrossBorder Pickups provides the invoice to customs when your item is making its way across the border.
Do you think it's helpful? YES / NO