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Robin Transportation Systems Inc.

Customs Support & Coordination Services

Customs Support & Coordination

Classification. Clearance. Compliance.

Customs support coordination for Canadian imports. CARM guidance, tariff classification coordination, duty planning, and AMPS prevention through licensed customs broker partners. 15-minute response.

Get Customs Clearance SupportCall +1-905-612-0755
Customs Support30+ YearsCARM Support15-Min Response

Coordinated Freight and Customs Support

Most importers use one company to move freight and a separate licensed broker to clear customs. RTSI coordinates freight, documents, delivery timing, and licensed broker communication in one managed workflow.

Without RTSI

Forwarder→Broker→Drayage

3 companies. 3 invoices. 3 points of failure.

With RTSI

RTSI Coordination

Freight + licensed customs broker partner + delivery. Coordinated by RTSI. Clear statement.

Customs coordination desk with shipment scheduling system and fulfilment centre code planning

Faster Clearance

Documentation prepared while freight is in transit, not after it arrives.

Fewer Errors

Single data entry across shipping and customs. No re-keying between companies.

Lower Cost

One RTSI contact. Freight charges and licensed broker partner disbursements shown clearly.

Single Accountability

One RTSI point of contact coordinates freight movement, documents, delivery timing, and broker communication.

Ground Freight →Air Freight →Ocean Freight →

Canadian Import Process

1

ACI / eManifest

Advance cargo data submitted to CBSA before goods arrive. Highway: 1hr, Air: 4hrs, Marine: 24-96hrs before arrival.

2

Release

Goods released via RPP (Release Prior to Payment) or full accounting. RPP requires CARM registration and financial security.

3

Accounting (CAD)

Commercial Accounting Declaration submitted via CARM portal. Contains classification, value for duty, origin, and duty calculations.

4

Payment

Harmonized billing cycle: Statement of Account issued on the 25th. Payment due 10 weekdays after the 17th of the following month.

5

Verification

CBSA may audit classification, valuation, or origin post-release. Records must be retained for 6 years.

CARM Portal Compliance

CARM changed the rules for every commercial importer in Canada. Without registration and financial security, you cannot use Release Prior to Payment, meaning duties must be paid before your goods are released.

Mandatory Since

Oct 21, 2024

Replaces

ACROSS + CADEX

Key Change

Importers post own security

Without RPP

Pay duties at release

Read: CARM Guide for Importers →
Container handoff at a terminal gate before warehouse delivery for cross-border fulfilment workflows

Portal Registration

GCKey or Interac sign-in, multi-factor authentication, Business Account Manager setup, broker delegation. RTSI walks you through every step.

Financial Security

RPP requires posting your own financial security. Importers can no longer rely on a broker's bond. RTSI helps determine the right amount and method.

CAD Submissions

Commercial Accounting Declarations replaced B3/B2 forms. Our designated licensed customs broker partner submits CADs electronically, manages adjustments, and helps monitor your Statement of Account inside the CARM portal.

Not Registered Yet?

Call +1 (905) 612-0755 or email sales@robintransportation.com. We will get you compliant.

Tariff Classification

Every imported product needs a 10-digit Harmonized System (HS) code. This code determines your duty rate, applicable trade agreements, OGD requirements, and reporting obligations. Use our HS Code Lookup Tool to search Canadian and US tariff codes and duty rates.

HS Code Structure: Example, Fresh Apples

08

Chapter

Edible fruit and nuts

0808

Heading

Apples, pears, quinces

0808.10

Subheading

Apples (international standard)

0808.10.10

Tariff Item

Apples for processing (Canadian duty rate)

0808.10.10.10

Statistical

Specific variety/size (Stats Canada)

Cargo inspection workflow with digital checklist used for classification and valuation documentation

Why Classification Matters

  • Wrong code = overpaid duties (money lost)
  • Wrong code = underpaid duties (AMPS penalties, retroactive to 4 years)
  • Wrong code = denied FTA preferential treatment
  • Wrong code = seized goods if restricted category

Customs Valuation

Value for duty uses 6 methods applied in sequence. The primary method, transaction value (price paid or payable), is used whenever possible.

Common issues: related-party transactions, royalties, assists not properly declared, currency conversion. RTSI reviews transaction structures proactively to ensure your VFD is defensible.

Trade Agreements & Duty Optimization

Canada has 14+ free trade agreements covering 51 countries. We find every legal way to reduce your duty obligation.

Regional trade corridor map highlighting Ontario distribution reach and cross-border routing lanes

CUSMA

US, Mexico

99.9% of CA-US bilateral trade duty-free

CETA

EU (27 states)

98.4% tariff elimination on non-ag goods

CPTPP

11 Asia-Pacific nations

25% export increase in first year

Canada-UK TCA

United Kingdom

99% tariff elimination

Duty Relief Programs

Duties Relief (DRP)

Upfront relief on imports that will be re-exported

Best for: Manufacturers, re-exporters

Drawback

Refund of duties on goods subsequently exported

Best for: Exporters importing raw materials

Bonded Warehouse

Full deferral of duties on stored imports

Best for: Distributors, consolidators

ATA Carnet

Duty-free temporary admission

Best for: Trade shows, professional equipment

CBSA Compliance & AMPS Prevention

CBSA can assess penalties retroactively for up to 4 years. Penalties stay on your profile for 3 years, increasing inspection frequency.

LevelPenalty RangeEscalation
1st$150 - $25,00030-day waiting period before escalation
2nd$225 - $200,000Same contravention type within retention period
3rd+$450 - $400,000Maximum penalties for repeat offenders

Voluntary Disclosure

Self-identified errors reported before CBSA detection may receive reduced or waived penalties. RTSI helps gather records and coordinates voluntary disclosure review with licensed broker partners or qualified advisors.

Trusted Trader Programs

Cross-border freight lanes between Canada and the United States used for trusted trader program benefits
PIPPartners in Protection

Lower inspection rate, FAST eligibility, international recognition

CSACustoms Self-Assessment

Simplified accounting, improved cash flow

FASTFree and Secure Trade

Dedicated border lanes at CA-US crossings

RTSI's Compliance Approach

  • Coordinate licensed broker partner review before submission
  • Support correction of identified documentation issues
  • Coordinate voluntary disclosure support with licensed broker partners when needed
  • Record retention guidance (6-year requirement)
  • Trusted trader program enrollment support

CFIA, Health Canada & Import Permits

Many imports require permits or inspections from CFIA, Health Canada, ECCC, Transport Canada, or Global Affairs. RTSI coordinates document collection, timing, and communication with licensed broker partners or the responsible agency contact.

CFIA

Food, plants, animals

Import permits, phytosanitary certs, SFCR licences

Health Canada

Drugs, medical devices, NHPs

Drug Establishment Licences, import notifications

ECCC

Ozone, hazardous waste, wildlife

CITES permits, Basel Convention compliance

Transport Canada

Vehicle safety, dangerous goods

CMVSS compliance, TDG certification

GAC

Controlled/strategic goods

Export/import permits under EIPA

Export Compliance

RTSI helps gather export data, permits, and support documents, and coordinates required filings with the appropriate licensed broker or filing partner. Declarations must be submitted 48 hours before export in most cases.

Dangerous Goods →

Cross-Border Canada-US-Mexico

CUSMA documentation support, ACI/eManifest coordination for highway carriers, and FAST lane planning for approved importers. RTSI coordinates document flow and broker communication at major crossings.

Land Freight →

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about customs support coordination in Canada.

What does a customs broker do?
A customs broker acts as your authorized representative to the CBSA, classifying goods under the correct HS tariff code, calculating duties, and submitting electronic declarations inside the CARM portal. RTSI is a freight forwarder, not a licensed broker. We coordinate these clearance services through trusted licensed customs broker partners so physical shipping and border paperwork stay aligned.
How long does customs clearance take in Canada?
Routine commercial shipments with RPP (Release Prior to Payment) can clear in minutes to hours. Complex goods requiring inspections by CFIA, Health Canada, or other agencies may take 1-5 business days. Goods subject to SIMA anti-dumping duties require additional review. Our licensed customs broker partner targets same-day clearance on routine imports.
What is CARM and how does it affect importers?
CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management) is CBSA's mandatory digital portal, live since October 21, 2024. Every commercial importer must register on the CARM Client Portal, post financial security for RPP eligibility, and submit Commercial Accounting Declarations (CADs) electronically. Without CARM registration and financial security, you cannot use RPP and must pay all duties at time of release. RTSI guides clients through registration and ongoing compliance.
What documents do I need to import goods into Canada?
At minimum: Canada Customs Invoice (CCI) or commercial invoice, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, Cargo Control Document, and packing list. For shipments over $2,500 CAD, a formal CCI is required. Certificate of Origin may be needed for preferential rates, and permits may be needed for regulated goods. RTSI helps collect and review support documents, while regulated customs filings are handled by licensed customs broker partners.
How is customs duty calculated on imports to Canada?
Duty rate is determined by HS tariff classification, country of origin, and applicable trade agreements. GST applies on top of value for duty plus customs duty, and HST applies in participating provinces. RTSI coordinates classification review and duty planning with licensed customs broker partners so available preferential rates are assessed before clearance.
What is the difference between a customs broker and a freight forwarder?
A customs broker focuses on regulatory customs declarations, duty calculations, and CBSA compliance. A freight forwarder manages routing and physical transportation. RTSI acts as your single point of coordination by managing shipping documents and working directly with a designated licensed customs broker partner.
What are AMPS penalties and how can I avoid them?
AMPS is CBSA enforcement for trade violations. Penalties can escalate with repeat offences and may be assessed retroactively. Prevention means using a licensed broker, self-auditing regularly, and using voluntary disclosure when errors are found. RTSI helps coordinate document review with licensed customs broker partners before issues become border delays or penalties.
Does RTSI help with CARM portal registration?
Yes. RTSI guides importers through CARM Client Portal registration, sign-in setup, multi-factor authentication, Business Account Manager designation, financial security planning, and broker delegation. Regulated submissions remain with the licensed customs broker partner.
Can RTSI coordinate customs clearance for air, ocean, and ground shipments?
Yes. RTSI coordinates clearance support through vetted licensed customs broker partners for air, ocean, and ground shipments. That includes air cargo at Toronto Pearson, ocean freight from major Canadian ports, and ground shipments at key Canada-US land crossings.
What trade agreements can reduce my import duties?
Canada has 14+ free trade agreements covering 51 countries. The biggest include CUSMA, CETA, and CPTPP. RTSI helps review rules of origin, gather origin documentation, and coordinate preferential-rate review with licensed customs broker partners. We can also help assess whether duty relief, drawback, or bonded warehousing should be reviewed.
What is tariff classification and why does it matter?
Tariff classification assigns a 10-digit HS code to every imported product. This code determines duty rate, trade-agreement eligibility, OGD requirements, and statistical reporting obligations. Incorrect classification can mean overpaid duties, underpaid duties, AMPS exposure, denied FTA treatment, or detained goods. RTSI coordinates classification support with licensed customs broker partners, including advance-ruling review for complex products.
Does RTSI handle imports requiring CFIA, Health Canada, or other permits?
Yes. RTSI coordinates documentation and communication for Other Government Departments, including CFIA, Health Canada, ECCC, Transport Canada, and Global Affairs Canada. Regulated customs submissions are handled through licensed customs broker partners, with RTSI keeping the freight workflow and broker communication aligned.