Who Is Responsible for Clearing a Shipment Into Canada?

One of the most common things people say when they contact us is:

• “I didn’t know this was my responsibility.”
• “I thought the seller handled this.”
• “Isn’t the carrier supposed to clear it?”
• “Why is CBSA contacting me?”

When customs clearance breaks down, it’s often not because paperwork is missing. It’s because no one is clearly responsible for responding.

This post explains who is responsible for clearing a shipment into Canada and why that confusion causes so many delays.

The Key Concept: Importer of Record

In Canada, customs clearance revolves around one role:

The importer of record.

CBSA requires a clearly identified importer of record for every shipment. That party is legally responsible for:

• The accuracy of the customs declaration
• Responding to CBSA questions
• Providing required documentation
• Paying duties and taxes

If CBSA doesn’t know who the importer of record is, clearance cannot move forward.

Who Is the Importer of Record?

The importer of record is usually:

• The buyer of the goods, or
• The party receiving the goods in Canada

However, it is not automatically:

• The seller
• The carrier
• The customs broker

This is where many assumptions go wrong.

Common Assumptions That Cause Problems

Based on phone calls, these assumptions appear repeatedly:

“The Seller Handles Customs”

Sometimes sellers help, but CBSA still needs a clearly identified importer in Canada. If that role is unclear, CBSA will pause clearance and ask questions.

“The Carrier Clears the Shipment”

Carriers move shipments. They do not assume legal responsibility for customs clearance.

If the importer of record isn’t clearly identified, the carrier cannot resolve the issue.

“The Broker Is Responsible”

A customs broker acts on behalf of the importer.

They help with the process, but they do not become the importer of record. Legal responsibility stays with the importer.

Why CBSA Cares So Much About Responsibility

CBSA needs to know:

• Who they can legally hold accountable
• Who must respond if something is wrong
• Who owes duties and taxes

Without that clarity, CBSA cannot complete clearance.

This is why people often say:

“They’re asking me questions, but I didn’t think this was on me.”

What Happens When Responsibility Is Unclear

When responsibility isn’t clearly established:

• CBSA pauses the clearance process
• Requests go unanswered or delayed
• Shipments remain “in customs”
• Costs and delays increase

Many long delays trace back to this single issue.

Can Responsibility Be Changed After Shipping?

Sometimes, but it’s rarely simple. Changing the importer of record mid-process can:

• Trigger additional review
• Require updated documentation
• Cause reassessment of duties and taxes
• Extend delays

This is why responsibility should be confirmed before shipping.

How to Avoid Responsibility Confusion

Based on real outcomes with our customers, responsibility is usually clear when:

• The importer of record is identified upfront
• Importer details are correct on the invoice
• Everyone involved knows who responds to CBSA
• That party is reachable and prepared

This alone prevents many avoidable delays.

The Most Important Takeaway

Every shipment entering Canada must have:

• One clearly identified importer of record
• A party responsible for accuracy, communication, and payment

If that role is unclear, customs clearance stops. Understanding this early avoids a large percentage of customs-related problems.

If you’re responsible for clearance, you’re also responsible for the charges.

Use BorderBuddy’s duty & tax calculator to estimate your obligations before they become a problem. 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 about responsibility usually ask next:

• How to clear goods through CBSA?
• Customs broker vs self-clearance in Canada?
• What documents are required for customs clearance in Canada?
• What happens when a shipment is held at customs? (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.