Understanding the Canadian Import Process

Businesses that ship products to Canada understand that compliance with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) mandates and regulations is a necessary part of any cross border transaction. But less well known is that, in addition to CBSA, more than a dozen government agencies have oversight over importation of certain products. T

hese agencies, known as “other government departments,” or “OGDs,” set standards for “controlled” goods ranging from firearms to vehicles to plants to food to live animals. In some instances, importation is strictly controlled. In other instances – invasive plants, pornography, modified vehicles—importation is prohibited.

CBSA acts on behalf of the OGDs by ensuring that all required permits, licenses, fees and other OGD authorizations are in place. According to CBSA, OGD oversight “protects Canadians and their environment by ensuring that only approved goods are imported.”

For a U.S. business, it’s necessary to determine if a product is subject to OGD regulation, identify the compliance requirements, and ensure that all paperwork is complete and accessible when a shipment arrives at the border.