Documents

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.
In order to download these documents you will need to have the free Adobe Acrobat plug in installed.
Canada to the United States
  Shippers are required to prepare the following 3 forms: a Bill of Lading, a Commercial Invoice, and a Certificate of Origin.
Bill of Lading
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.
Commercial Invoice
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.
Certificate of Origin
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.
   
United States 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.
Bill of Lading
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.
Canada Customs Invoice
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.
Certificate of Origin
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.