Customs Rules Canada: How to Declare Parcels from Calgary to Various Countries

Sending international packages isn’t just about putting together a box and postage. There are customs regulations in Canada that protect the country from harmful items and ensure the proper collection of duties and taxes to avoid shipment delays. When sending a box from Calgary, customs will closely review the documents, so knowing these key customs rules will be very helpful. 

Mistakes could cause your package to be delayed, the right fines applied, or your package being sent back to you. A shipment’s ability to be delivered is largely determined by customs procedures for international shipments and for domestic parcels leaving Canada. So, let’s make it all clear! Customs: what to declare?

What You Have to Put in a Customs Declaration Form (CN22/CN23)

What is custom declaration form? Submitting a customs declaration form is a requirement for all international parcels sent. But what specifically needs to be included? Customs form CN22 is for smaller shipments, and CN23 is for larger or packages that are of a higher value. Here are the things to declare at customs Canada:

• Contents: Be clear and specific about each item. Words for “gift” won’t help you, but specifying “Men’s cotton t-shirt, size L, made in Vietnam” is helpful.
• Value: You need to include the true value of each item, or else you could be penalized.
• Country of Origin: Mention the country where the item was made.
• HS Codes: These are also needed for proper classification and duty calculations, so be sure to include them.
• Brand and Authorization Details: If there are any brand-name items in your parcel, add the manufacturer's name and any letters of authorization you may have.
• Prohibited Items: Make sure you know the destination country’s restrictions before you send a parcel; food, plants, animals, and certain electronics may be illegal to ship.

Customs expects you to know what to declare. By applying this knowledge, you will avoid unnecessary inspections and save time in processing your parcel.

Step-by-Step: How to Declare a Parcel from Calgary

Let’s see some parcel from Calgary customs rules. Each parcel sent from Calgary will require precise documentation. Use the following as a guideline:

1. Use the correct forms: Customs will require you to fill out a CN22 or CN23, available at your courier or post office.
2. Provide electronic data: With your shipping carrier, you may be required to provide electronic shipping information over the internet before the item is shipped. This is especially true for shipments heading to the EU and the US.
3. Describe contents accurately: Provide a detailed description of the contents of the parcel. For each item, include the quantity, classification, the material made, and the purpose for which it was meant.
4. Assign HS codes: Use a resource like the Harmonized Tariff Schedule to properly classify your items.
5. State value and origin: Declare the true worth of each item and the country where it was made.
6. Include brand authorization if needed: For branded items, please include letters of authorization or authenticity.
7. Check destination restrictions: Your shipping carrier and the Canada Post International Destination Listing will be good resources for identifying restrictions in quantity or prohibited items for a given country.

Remember that when shipping internationally, each package needs a barcode for tracking throughout the logistic chain. Properly filling out the paperwork ensures smooth export from the origin country and hassle-free import at the destination. Efficient logistic management helps avoid delays and keeps the flow of goods seamless.

Duties, Taxes, Mistakes, and Prohibited Items

There are many aspects of international shipping, and customs is just one part. And, there is more: duty, taxes, customs forms (CN22 and/or CN23), HS codes, associated costs, and more. Here is the bottom line:

• Duties and Taxes: Taxes and duties depend on the HS code and the declared value, so be sure to calculate and anticipate these costs to avoid unpleasant surprises.
• Prohibited and Restricted Items: Animals, plants, food, more than CAN$10,000 in cash, some types of electronics, branded products (may need proof of authorization), and some others may be restricted or prohibited.
• Common Mistakes: Generic or vague descriptions ("gift"), inadequate value declarations, missing HS codes, or any omission of the country of origin on the declaration are almost guaranteed to trigger an inspection, delay, or fine.
• Parcel Size and Value: Smaller parcels may be subject to de minimis (duty-free) rules, but larger shipments will always need full documentation.

Why Shipping Partners Make Customs Much Simpler

Using a shipping partner you can trust, such as Meest, can simplify your process of international shipping. Here are some of the ways they assist you:

• Expert Documentation: They prepare the customs declaration for international shipping and submit the required forms electronically. What is a customs declaration? It is an absolutely essential document that includes all the info needed.
• Knowing the Rules at the Destination: US, EU, UK, Ukraine, Poland, or India – what not to ship, what are the HS codes, and what are the destination country-specific requirements.
• Time and Cost: Estimation of the duties, taxes, shipment price, and delivery period.
• Mistake Avoidance: More efficient clearance and no additional fines.
• Complete Assistance: From drop-off in Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa, or Hamilton, to full tracking and customs support.

Conclusion: International parcel shipments are safe.

From Calgary, the international shipments don't need to be stressful. You can confidently ship to any destination, as long as you understand the customs rules Canada, you do the customs paperwork right, and Meest is your reliable partner. 

You have to clearly declare the contents, mention the HS codes, declare the value and origin, and follow the rules of what can't be shipped. With proper preparation, your shipments will go through customs clearance without problems, and you will not have to fear delays. You can be sure that your delivery will arrive at the right destination.

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