Can Customs Paperwork Be Fixed After a Shipment Ships?

This question almost always comes with urgency:

• “It’s already on the way. Can we still fix this?”
• “Customs says something is wrong, but it already shipped.”
• “Is it too late to correct the paperwork?”
• “What happens now?”
  

The short answer is: sometimes, yes, but it usually causes delays and complications.

This post explains what actually happens when customs paperwork needs to be corrected after a shipment has already entered Canada.

First: Shipping Is Not the Same as Customs Clearance

One of the biggest misunderstandings we hear is:

“If it shipped, the paperwork must be fine.”

Shipping and customs are separate processes. A shipment can:

• Leave the seller
• Move through a carrier’s network
• Arrive at the border

and still fail customs clearance if the paperwork doesn’t meet CBSA’s requirements.

This is why paperwork issues often surface after the shipment has left the building, not before.

What Types of Paperwork Can Sometimes Be Fixed

CBSA may allow corrections for issues such as:

• Clarifying product descriptions
• Correcting invoice details
• Updating declared values or currency
• Fixing buyer, seller, or importer information
• Providing missing supporting documents - for example, CBSA may request proof of origin for CUSMA claims, import permits for regulated goods, or product ingredient/specification details.

These fixes usually require:

• Updated documents
• Clear explanations
• Consistency across all paperwork

CBSA is not just looking for an updated document. They need information they can legally rely on to assess duties, taxes, and admissibility.

What Cannot Be Easily Fixed After Shipping

Some issues are much harder to resolve once a shipment is in transit or has arrived at the border. These include:

• Fundamental admissibility problems
• Major valuation disputes
• Incorrect importer of record assignments
• Compliance requirements discovered late - goods that require permits or are prohibited/restricted cannot be solved with paperwork alone once shipped.
• CARM account and authorization problems, such as an importer not being properly registered or not having delegated broker access in the Client Portal

In these cases, fixing paperwork may trigger:

• Additional review
• Reassessment of duties and taxes
• Extended delays

What Happens When Paperwork Needs Correction

When CBSA identifies a paperwork issue after shipping:

• The shipment is placed on hold
• Clearance pauses
• CBSA asks for clarification or corrected documents

Nothing moves forward until CBSA receives information it can rely on. This is why people often say:

“It’s just sitting there.”

Why Fixing Paperwork After Shipping Takes Time

Corrections after shipping take longer because:

• CBSA is already reviewing the shipment
• New information must be evaluated
• Changes may affect duty and tax calculations
• Inconsistencies must be resolved

Even small corrections can reset parts of the review process.

Can Fixing Paperwork Trigger More Questions?

Yes, and this surprises many people. When documents are corrected:

• CBSA may reassess the shipment
• Additional questions may arise
• Values or classifications may be revisited
• Additional supporting documentation may be required

This doesn’t mean the correction was wrong.  It means CBSA is ensuring the updated information makes sense. Changes after departure can also raise compliance flags and increase the likelihood of additional review or inspection.

Should You Wait Until the Shipment Arrives to Fix Issues?

Waiting rarely helps. If you know the paperwork is incorrect:

• Address it as soon as possible
• Provide complete, consistent corrections
• Ensure one responsible party is responding

Waiting until after arrival usually increases delays, not reduces them. The best time to fix paperwork is before CBSA has to ask.

How to Minimize Damage When Fixes Are Needed

When paperwork must be fixed after shipping, outcomes are better when:

• Corrections are made promptly
• All documents are updated consistently
• Explanations are clear and factual
• Responsibility is clearly established

Partial fixes or piecemeal updates often lead to more questions. Even if a broker submits corrections, the importer of record remains responsible for accuracy and any reassessments or penalties.

Why This Question Comes Up So Often

Paperwork fixes are common because:

• Documents were created quickly
• The focus was on shipping deadlines
• Customs requirements weren’t fully understood
• Issues only became obvious during review

Most people only learn how strict customs paperwork is once they’re affected by it. In some cases, incorrect declarations can lead to post-release adjustments or AMPS penalties, not just delays.

The Most Important Takeaway

Yes, customs paperwork can sometimes be corrected after a shipment has already been sent but:

• It almost always causes delays
• It can trigger additional review
• It is harder than fixing issues before shipping

The easiest customs clearance problems to solve are the ones that never happen.

Fixing paperwork after shipping often changes the cost.

Use the BorderBuddy duty & tax calculator to understand how corrections can affect duties and taxes. BorderBuddy’s calculator also uses AI to help classify goods under the correct HS (Harmonized System) code, a key factor in determining the duty rate applied to an import.

What to Read Next

People who ask this question usually ask next:

• What does “held at customs” actually mean in Canada? (coming soon)
• Why does CBSA ask for more information after submission?
• Common paperwork mistakes that delay Canadian customs clearance.
• How long does Canada customs clearance really take?

Still Need Help With Your Import?

If you still didn’t find what you were looking for, BorderBuddy is here to help.

• Call us at 1 (877) 409-8163
• Or email us anytime at service@borderbuddy.com

Our team can help you get clear answers and avoid delays at the border.