Canadian ecommerce continues to expand, with thousands of sellers importing products from the U.S., China, Europe, and beyond. Whether you sell on Amazon FBA Canada, Shopify, Walmart Marketplace, or a private ecommerce site, importing goods into Canada requires proper classification, valuation, documentation, and compliance with CBSA’s rules.
This guide explains how Canadian ecommerce sellers can import products smoothly, avoid clearance delays, and keep costs predictable—whether you’re shipping one pallet or hundreds of containers per year.
Also Read: How to Import Products to Amazon FBA as a Non-Resident Seller
Why E-Commerce Sellers Face Unique Import Challenges
Unlike traditional importers, e-commerce brands deal with:
- High SKU counts
- Frequent supplier changes
- Rapid product testing cycles
- Multiple carriers and warehouse locations
- Tight margins
- Fast-moving delivery expectations
These factors increase the risk of:
- misclassifying HS codes,
- undervaluing shipments,
- missing PGA documentation,
- incorrect GST/HST treatment,
- delayed B3 release, or
- AMPS penalties for clerical mistakes.
A structured import process is essential.
Expand your perspective with this engaging related read crafted for you.
Understanding Your Responsibilities as an Importer
For Amazon, Shopify, and Walmart sellers, CBSA considers you the importer of record (IOR)—even if:
- a courier handled the delivery,
- a 3PL receives the goods, or
- a supplier “included shipping.”
As the importer of record, you must ensure:
- HS codes are accurate
- Valuation is correct
- Duties & taxes are paid
- All PGA requirements are met
- Records are kept for 6+ years
- Adjustments (B2s) are filed when errors occur
Amazon or Shopify does not handle compliance for you.
Where Your Goods Will Go: FBA, 3PL, or Your Own Warehouse
Most ecommerce sellers import into Canada using one of three destinations.
1. Amazon FBA Canada (Fulfillment by Amazon)
When sending stock to an FBA warehouse, you must ensure the shipment is:
- properly labeled,
- routed to the correct FC (fulfillment centre),
- declared under your BN/Business Number or NRI number,
- compliant with Amazon packaging rules,
- supported by accurate customs documents.
Amazon does not act as the importer of record—you do.
2. Shopify Sellers with 3PLs
If using a 3PL:
- ensure the 3PL’s address is not listed as importer,
- maintain your import records,
- verify product labeling,
- ensure proper ASIN/SKU traceability.
3. Your Own Warehouse
Direct delivery to your facility requires:
- warehouse receiving personnel,
- pallet-ready shipments,
- advance ship notices,
- correct incoterms (usually FOB or EXW).
Step-by-Step: How Ecommerce Sellers Import Into Canada
1. Determine the Correct HS Code for Every SKU
HS codes determine:
- duty rate
- PGA requirements (CFIA, Health Canada, NRCan)
- admissibility
- documentation requirements
For example:
- Toys require CCPSA compliance
- Electronics may need NRCan energy registration
- Food products fall under CFIA rules
Misclassification is the #1 reason for CBSA verifications and penalties.
2. Understand Duties, GST/HST, and Other Import Taxes
Duty
Different product categories range from 0% to 20% depending on origin.
GST/HST
- Applied to most imported goods
- Recoverable if you’re GST/HST registered
Provincial Sales Tax (PST)
If your goods are warehoused in BC, SK, or MB → PST may apply.
Excise Duties
Alcohol, tobacco, and certain goods require excise tax.
3. Prepare a “Canada-Ready” Commercial Invoice
Your supplier’s invoice must include:
- Importer of record (you)
- Full product descriptions (not model numbers only)
- Material composition
- Quantities, unit values, total values
- Country of origin
- Incoterms
- Currency
- HTS codes
Missing or vague descriptions cause CBSA holds.
4. Check PGA Requirements (CFIA, Health Canada, NRCan, etc.)
Some ecommerce categories require additional documentation:
Consumer products → Health Canada
Children’s toys, baby goods, cosmetics, electronics.
Food & agricultural products → CFIA
Labels, SFCR license, AIRS compliance.
Energy-using appliances → NRCan
Energy efficiency registration required.
Environmental controls → ECCC
Chemicals, plastics, engines.
A digital customs broker can identify all PGA requirements automatically.
5. File the Required Customs Entries (B3 / Courier LVS)
Depending on carrier and shipment size:
Courier Shipments (LVS program)
FedEx, UPS, DHL may self-clear smaller shipments.
But couriers do not guarantee accuracy, and you remain liable for:
- incorrect HS codes
- undervaluation
- incorrect GST/HST
- missing PGA documents
Commercial Freight (LCL / FCL / Air Cargo)
A digital customs broker files a B3 with CBSA for:
- FBA inbound shipments
- containerized freight
- pallets or LCL cargo
Brokers also:
- calculate duties and taxes
- submit the entry to CBSA
- coordinate release
- handle post-entry adjustments
6. Pay Duties and Taxes
CBSA will not release freight until:
- duties
- GST/HST
- excise
- and any AMPS penalties
are paid in full.
Digital Custom Brokers like Clearit Canada allow online payment, speeding up release.
7. Arrange Delivery to the Final Destination
Common delivery types:
- Amazon FC direct
- 3PL warehouse
- Domestic courier (after release)
- Your own facility
For FBA:
Ensure you follow Amazon routing and pallet requirements.
8. Maintain Your Records for Six Years
CBSA requires all import documentation to be retained:
- commercial invoices
- packing lists
- HS code justifications
- B3 entries
- payments/receipts
- PGA certificates
- correspondence with suppliers
Audits can occur at any time.
Common Mistakes Ecommerce Sellers Make (and How to Avoid Them)
❌ Using wrong HS codes
❌ Relying on courier classification
❌ Missing CFIA/Health Canada/NRCan requirements
❌ Listing Amazon as an importer (not allowed)
❌ Incorrect valuation (ignoring assists)
❌ Missing SKU-level invoice clarity
❌ Poor recordkeeping
❌ Not filing B2 adjustments when errors are found
Each of these issues leads to penalties or shipment refusal.
Amazon, Shopify, Walmart Importing: Optimization Tips
1. Build a SKU Master File
Track HS codes, materials, PGA rules.
2. Standardize Supplier Invoices
Avoid customs rewrites.
3. Use a Digital Customs Broker
Faster clearance + fewer errors.
4. Pre-Classify High-Risk SKUs
Toys, electronics, cosmetics, food.
5. Consolidate Shipments
Reduce freight + duty costs.
6. Maintain Audit-Ready Documentation
Be prepared for CBSA verifications.
Why Ecommerce Sellers Should Use a Digital Customs Broker
Clearit Canada’s digital brokerage model offers:
- instant online clearance
- real-time tracking
- transparent pricing
- automated HS code checks
- support for FBA receiving rules
- faster border releases
- secure document storage
- strong CBSA compliance alignment
Perfect for high-SKU, fast-moving ecommerce businesses.
Conclusion
Importing into Canada as an Amazon, Shopify, or Walmart seller doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding HS codes, PGA requirements, valuation rules, and proper documentation, ecommerce brands can avoid delays, reduce costs, and maintain a compliant cross-border workflow.
With the right systems and a modern digital customs broker, selling online in Canada becomes scalable and predictable—no matter how fast your business grows.
Dive into a world of knowledge—explore more posts waiting for you at Management Works Media.
