Faq

General Questions

I’m new to BorderBuddy. What should I do to get started?

Great to have you! To ensure a smooth and speedy experience, we ask all new customers to go
through our FAQs and self help tools online to see if we can give you the answers you need before
having to connect. This helps us deliver the fastest, most accurate service possible.

What is BorderBuddy unable to help me import or requires specific licensing and
government agency approvals?

Please review the list of items we do not support importing here.

How do I find the correct HS Code for my product?

Use our AI-powered tools to look up the appropriate classification for Canada and the U.S.:

Canada HS lookup
U.S. HTS lookup

Can I estimate the duties and taxes before importing?

Yes! Use our Duty & Tax Calculator to see the potential cost of your shipment.

How can I check if my goods are subject to Canada’s 25% surtax?

Use our Canada Surtax Checker to determine if the surtax applies.

Do you offer tools to help me generate a commercial invoice?

Absolutely:

Generate Your Canada Customs Invoice with our partner Zipments
Generate Your U.S. Commercial Invoice with our partner Zipments

My product was made in North America. Can I claim free trade benefits under
USMCA/CUSMA/T-MEC?

Yes. Use our tools to generate a certificate of origin:

Generate CUSMA Certificate
Generate USMCA Certificate

How can I track an existing shipment?

Use our tracking tools:

Use our PARS Tracker (for Canada)
Use our PAPS Tracker (for the U.S.)

Canadian Business Questions

How do I register a new business in Canada?

You can register your business through the CRA Business Registration Online portal.

What is the CARM Client Portal and how do I register?

The CARM Client Portal is where importers manage their customs accounts.

How do I get an Import/Export (RM) account in Canada?

New importers can register and manage their RM account directly through the CARM Client Portal.

What is a CARM Bond and how do I get one?

A CARM Bond is required for Release Prior to Payment privileges (so your goods aren’t delayed).
Buy Your Bond Here.

Needs Answers & Classification

Does my vehicle, which I have owned for over a year, attract the Surtax?

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You keep sending me a link to check my Surtax, I just want a quote! No hidden fee’s.

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What services do you offer, and how quickly can you clear my shipment?

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Do we need to purchase a bond or can we pay cash (credit card) directly to CBSA from the CARM portal?

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Can you help me zero-rate the export?

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How fast can you set me up with CARM, my shipment is at the border, and I am being charged daily by the shipping company.

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How do I know if my vehicle attracts Surtax?

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Why doesn't your calculator include the new Tariffs?

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I don't know my HS Code, can you just find it for me?

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If I give you all my information, can you just complete the commercial invoice for me?

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Payment & Billing

How do I make the payment to BorderBuddy and when does it need to be paid?

BorderBuddy accepts payments through various methods

Credit Card
Paypal
E-Transfer
Wire
Bill Payment

Once your paperwork is processed by BorderBuddy, you will receive an invoice with payment instructions via your preferred method. You can expect to receive the invoice at least three days before your scheduled crossing date. Payment must be made prior to importing or exporting your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Canadian Business Questions

Needs Answers & Classification

Payment & Billing