How to Clear Goods Through CBSA

People usually ask this question after something has already slowed down:

• “What do I actually need to do to clear this?”
• “Who do I talk to at CBSA?”
• “How do I get this released?”
• “No one is telling me the next step”

Clearing goods through the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is possible, but it requires understanding what CBSA expects from you and when.

This post explains how clearing goods through CBSA actually works, based on what happens with real shipments.

First: What “Clearing Goods Through CBSA” Means

Clearing goods through CBSA means ensuring that:

• The shipment has been properly declared
• All accurate and complete documents are submitted
• CBSA’s questions are answered
• Duties and taxes are assessed and paid
• The shipment is released

CBSA does not automatically move shipments forward. They clear shipments once their requirements are satisfied.

Step 1: Confirm Who Is Clearing the Shipment

Before anything else, you need to confirm who is responsible for clearance.

This could be:

• You, as the importer (self-clearance)
• A customs broker acting on your behalf

Many issues stem from the fact that this was never clearly established. If CBSA doesn’t know who is responsible, clearance cannot proceed.

Step 2: Make Sure the Commercial Invoice Is Complete

CBSA relies heavily on the commercial invoice. Before trying to clear a shipment, confirm that the invoice clearly includes:

• Detailed description of the goods 
• Quantity and unit value
• Total value and currency
• Seller and buyer information
• Country of origin

If the invoice is vague or inconsistent, CBSA will pause clearance and ask questions. This is one of the most common reasons people call asking how to clear a shipment.

Step 3: Submit or Correct Required Information

If CBSA has requested additional information, clearance will not proceed until it is provided.

This may involve:

• Clarifying product descriptions
• Correcting invoice details
• Confirming importer information
• Providing supporting documents

A key misunderstanding is assuming that CBSA will “figure it out” without clarification. They won’t.

Step 4: Respond to CBSA Questions Promptly

Once CBSA asks for information, timing matters. Delays often increase because:

• Requests go unanswered
• The responsible party is unclear
• Information is sent piecemeal or inconsistently

Clear, complete responses move the process forward faster than partial answers.

Step 5: Pay Duties and Taxes When Assessed

If CBSA has assessed duties and taxes, clearance cannot be completed until they are addressed. This may involve:

• Confirming the amount
• Arranging payment through the carrier or broker
• Resolving valuation questions if amounts are disputed

Many shipments remain “in customs” simply because payment has not been finalized.

Step 6: Wait for Release Confirmation

Once CBSA is satisfied and obligations are met, the shipment is released. At this point:

• Customs clearance is complete
• The carrier can continue delivery
• Border-related delays usually end

If the shipment remains held after this step, it usually means something is still unresolved.

Common Mistakes That Prevent Clearance

Based on patterns we’ve seen, clearance often stalls because:

• The invoice does not clearly explain the goods
• Importer responsibility is unclear
• Documents conflict with each other
• CBSA questions are not fully answered
• Payment issues are unresolved

Clearing goods is less about speed and more about clarity.

Can You Clear Goods Faster by Calling CBSA?

This is a common question. Calling CBSA directly can sometimes clarify:

• What information is missing
• What step the shipment is in

But a phone call alone does not clear a shipment. Clearance happens when CBSA receives what they need in the correct form.

The Most Important Takeaway

Clearing goods through CBSA is a process, not a single action. Shipments clear when:

• Responsibility is clear
• Documents make sense
• Questions are answered
• Duties and taxes are addressed

When those pieces line up, clearance usually follows.

Clearing goods through CBSA is easier when financial questions are answered early.

Try the BorderBuddy duty & tax calculator to understand what CBSA may assess before clearance. 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 how to clear goods usually ask next:

• Who is responsible for clearing a shipment into Canada?
• What documents are required for customs clearance in Canada 
• What does “held at customs” actually mean in Canada? (coming soon)
• Why does CBSA ask for more information after submission? (coming soon)

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.