Why CBSA Asks for More Information After Submission

One of the most common reactions we hear is disbelief:

• “I already sent everything.”
• “Why are they asking now?”
• “If something was missing, why didn’t they say so earlier?”
• “What more do they want?”

When the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) asks for more information after a shipment has already been submitted, it feels like the rules changed mid-process. In reality, this request usually means that CBSA cannot complete clearance with the information currently available.

This post explains why CBSA requests additional information after submission and what that actually signals.

Submission Is Not the Same as Approval

A critical misunderstanding is assuming that submitting documents equals clearance. Submission means:

• Information has been received
• The shipment has entered the review process

It does not mean:

• The information was sufficient
• The declaration was accepted
• Clearance is guaranteed

CBSA reviews submissions in stages. Questions often arise only after they begin evaluating the details.

CBSA Reviews Information Sequentially

CBSA does not review every aspect of a shipment at once. Typically, they:

1. Review the basic declaration
2. Examine the invoice and value
3. Assess classification and origin
4. Confirm importer responsibility
5. Determine duties and taxes
6. Check if any items are subject to Partner Government Agency (PGA) / Other Government Department (OGD) review

Questions often arise when CBSA reaches a step at which the existing information no longer answers their questions. That’s why requests may come after submission rather than immediately.

The Most Common Reasons CBSA Asks for More Information

1. Product Descriptions Are Too Generic

Descriptions that seemed fine for shipping often aren’t detailed enough for customs. Terms such as the following don’t allow CBSA to classify goods accurately:

• “Parts”
• “Merchandise”
• “Personal items”
• “Electronics”
• “Accessories”
• “Clothing”
• “Samples”
• “Household goods”

When classification isn’t clear, CBSA asks follow-up questions. A good description explains what the item is, what it’s made of, and what it’s used for. Examples of good descriptions:

•  “Men’s cotton knit t-shirts, 100% cotton”
•  “Bluetooth wireless headphones with a microphone”
• “Automotive brake pads for passenger vehicles”
• “Stainless steel kitchen knives, 6-inch blade length”
• “Vitamin C dietary supplements, 500mg tablets, 100-count bottles”
• “LED light fixtures for indoor commercial use”

2. The Invoice Raises Value Questions

CBSA may ask for more information when:

• The value seems unusually low
• Discounts aren’t explained
• The transaction isn’t clearly defined
• Supporting value documentation is missing

This often leads to calls asking:

“Why don’t they believe the invoice?”

CBSA isn’t questioning intent. They’re verifying accuracy.

3. Importer Responsibility Isn’t Clear

Another frequent trigger is confusion around who is responsible for the shipment.

If CBSA can’t clearly identify:

• The importer of record
• Who must respond to questions
• Who owes duties and taxes

They will pause clearance and ask for clarification.

4. Information Conflicts Across Documents

CBSA compares details across:

• Invoices
• Declarations
• Shipping documents

If something doesn’t match, even slightly, CBSA may ask for clarification before proceeding. Consistency matters more than volume of paperwork.

5. The Shipment Is Selected for Additional Review

Some shipments are flagged for closer review due to:

• Goods type
• Value
• Previous issues
• Risk indicators

In these cases, CBSA may ask for documents that weren’t initially required. This doesn’t mean the shipment is in trouble. It means CBSA needs more confidence before release.

Why These Requests Feel So Late

From the importer’s perspective, it feels like:

“They waited until the last minute.”

From CBSA’s perspective:

• They only know what questions to ask once they review the details
• Issues aren’t always obvious at the start

This is why requests often come after the goods have shipped, not before.

What Happens If the Information Isn’t Provided

If CBSA doesn’t receive the requested information:

• Clearance pauses
• The shipment remains held
• Timelines extend
• Storage and carrier issues may arise

Waiting without responding does not resolve the request.

How to Respond When CBSA Asks for More Information

Based on call outcomes, responses are most effective when:

• Answers are clear and complete
• Corrections are made consistently across documents
• One responsible party responds
• Information is provided promptly

Partial or piecemeal responses often lead to more questions.

The Most Important Takeaway

When CBSA asks for more information, it’s not a rejection. It’s a signal that:

• Clearance is incomplete
• Something needs clarification
• The process can’t move forward without it

Shipments resume once CBSA receives what it needs in usable form.

Follow-up questions often lead to cost reassessments.

Estimate duties and taxes with BorderBuddy’s calculator so you’re not caught off guard. 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 receive follow-up requests usually ask next:

• How long does Canada customs clearance really take?
• Common paperwork mistakes that delay Canadian customs clearance. (coming soon)
• Can customs paperwork be corrected after a shipment has been sent? (coming soon)
• What does “held at customs” actually mean in Canada? (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.