How To Import Electronics Into Canada
Your how to guide on importing electronics into Canada
If you are importing compact audio products, external power supplies, televisions and video products into Canada, you must know what government parties are involved, what regulations must be followed, and the fundamental aspects of electronics imports.
Parties Involved:
- Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
- Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)
- Customs Broker
- Carrier
Main Regulations:
- Some electrical products have Energy Efficiency Regulations that must be met.
- Regulated energy-using products imported into Canada (or shipped between provinces) must meet specific labelling requirements.
- Before importing, (or shipping between provinces) an energy-using product, a dealer must file an energy efficiency report.
- What is the end use? This can affect import requirements. If it is for other than personal use, the brand name, model and generic name must be reported.
Import Fundamentals:
- You will be acting as the Importer of Record. Therefore, you are the party ultimately responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the import declaration; as well as, the payment of applicable duties and taxes into Canada
- Duty and tax must be paid upon importation into Canada.
- The rate of duty is determined by the tariff of the commodity being imported, the value of the goods and, the origin of the goods.
- Certain import documentation is required to be presented to the border services officer at the port of entry.
- Your import may be subject to a customs review, inspection or audit prior to, or after the importation. Additional fees may be levied by the Government of Canada for these services.
- You are required to keep your import records for six years following the date of import and can be audited by Customs at any point during this time.
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FAQ: Electronics Imports
- Household appliances such as washers and dryers, dishwashers, freezers, gas ranges and refrigerators
- Water heaters powered by oil, gas or electricity
- Heating and air-conditioning equipment
- Lighting products including ceiling fans, light bulbs and light up signs
- Electronic products such as TVs, AV equipment and devices
- Other energy-using products
Labelling requirements for an importer of electrical goods into Canada are enforced by both Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
For NRCan, an energy efficiency verification mark from a certification body must be affixed and accredited for energy efficiency by the Standards Council of Canada. This mark is different from Safety Certification marks. It is to be affixed to an easily visible surface.
This labelling requirement is in addition to standard labelling requirements of the CBSA.
Each Canadian Province has an energy efficiency standard for products powered by electricity. An importer must file an energy efficiency report with NRCan using the most recent version of the energy efficiency reporting template prior to importing to ensure the goods meet those requirements. A full list of commodities that fall under energy-using products can be found on the Natural Resources Canada website.
Customs duty on electronics is calculated by using one of the six methods of valuation.
Yes, before you can import into Canada, you are required to obtain an import account.
