Importing goods into Canada can be profitable — but only if you understand how to manage your duties, taxes, and brokerage fees effectively. For many businesses, these costs are confusing, unpredictable, and sometimes unnecessarily high.
At Naraz Logistics, we specialize in helping importers cut through the confusion. Here’s a clear guide to what these charges are, how they’re calculated, and how our team helps you stay compliant and cost-efficient.
What Are Import Duties?
Import duties (also known as customs duties) are taxes imposed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) on goods entering the country. The amount depends on:
- HS Code (tariff classification) of the product
- Country of origin
- Declared value of the shipment
- Trade agreements (e.g., CUSMA/USMCA can reduce or eliminate duties)
Example: If you’re importing clothing from China with a duty rate of 16–18% (depending on the specific HS code) and a shipment value of $10,000, you could pay between $1,600 and $1,800 in duties. You can look up specific rates using the Canada Tariff Finder.
What Are Import Taxes?
In addition to duties, you’ll also be charged:
- GST/HST: Applied at the federal and provincial levels
- Excise Taxes: On specific items like alcohol, tobacco, or fuel
- Environmental or recycling fees: On certain electronics or batteries
For most commercial goods, the federal GST is 5% of the total value (including duties, shipping, and insurance). In provinces that use the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), rates are higher — for example, 13% in Ontario or 15% in the Atlantic provinces. Be sure to factor in the applicable provincial rate when forecasting your landed costs.
What Are Brokerage Fees?
If you’re using a courier like FedEx, UPS, or DHL — or even a freight forwarder — they often act as customs brokers on your behalf. Their job is to:
- File your declaration with CBSA
- Classify your goods correctly
- Pay duties and taxes upfront
- Deliver your shipment
But this comes at a price: brokerage fees typically range from $50 to several hundred dollars per shipment, depending on the value, mode of transport, and whether the brokerage is automated or handled manually. Using your own licensed customs broker — rather than the courier’s default brokerage — can often save you money on higher-value or more complex shipments.
How Naraz Logistics Helps
Importing is complex — but we make it simple. Here’s how we support your logistics journey:
Tariff Classification & Duty Optimization
We ensure your goods are properly classified under the Canadian Customs Tariff to avoid overpaying duties, and we help identify exemptions or trade agreement benefits that apply to your products.
Customs Brokerage Coordination
Whether you use your own broker or ours, we streamline the documentation process and reduce delays at the border.
Transparent Cost Forecasting
We give you upfront visibility on all import charges — so you’re never surprised by hidden fees.
Consolidated Shipments = Lower Costs
We group shipments to minimize the number of customs declarations and save you significantly on per-shipment brokerage charges.
CARM-Ready Import Compliance
CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management) is now fully implemented in Canada. As of January 1, 2026, all transition measures have ended and CARM is the official system of record for assessing and collecting duties and taxes on commercial imports. Importers are now directly responsible for posting their own financial security and managing their accounts through the CARM Client Portal. We help you stay compliant with CBSA’s latest regulations and ensure your CARM account is in order.
Why Importers Choose Naraz Logistics
- Nationwide fulfillment from Vancouver
- Direct freight, warehousing & last-mile delivery
- Full compliance with CBSA & Health Canada requirements
- Transparent pricing — no surprise fees
Whether you’re a growing eCommerce brand or an established importer, Naraz Logistics is your trusted partner for navigating Canadian customs. Get a free quote or book a consultation to find out how we can reduce your import costs.