Canada sectors

At BorderBuddy, we specialize in supporting SMBs and enterprise companies that import and supply retailers with goods. Our expertise spans across North America, China, and the rest of the world, covering a diverse range of product segments and all modes of transportation. With over 25,000 SMB clients in the US and Canada, we are dedicated to making cross-border trade seamless and efficient.

Why Retailers and Suppliers Need BorderBuddy

• Regulatory Compliance Expertise: We ensure your goods comply with all relevant laws, reducing the risk of costly delays and penalties.
• Efficient Supply Chain Management: We provide transparency and streamline your supply chain to ensure smooth operations.
• Improved Customer Experience: By managing the import process efficiently, we help you maintain timely deliveries and high customer satisfaction.
• Cost Reduction: Our knowledge of free trade agreements and duty recovery programs can significantly reduce your import costs.
• Risk Mitigation: We ensure accurate documentation and adherence to regulations, protecting your business from fines and legal complications.
• Leveraging Technology: Our advanced technology platform, zipments.io, streamlines the import/export process.

At BorderBuddy, we specialize in facilitating the importation of agricultural products and live animals into Canada. Our services cater to both SMBs and large enterprises, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and standards. We cover a wide range of products including food, dairy, meat, produce, and live animals, providing seamless customs brokerage services.

Understanding agriculture and live animals

1. Government Agencies Involved:
   • Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA): Primary regulator for imports of agricultural products and live animals.
   • Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA): Enforces import regulations and facilitates the smooth entry of goods.
   • Health Canada: Regulates products that may affect public health.
   • Global Affairs Canada: Oversees import quotas and permits.
2. HS Code Classification:
   • Chapter 1: Live Animals
   • Chapter 2: Meat and edible meat offal
   • Chapter 4: Dairy produce; birds’ eggs; natural honeyChapter
   • 6: Live trees and other plants; bulbs, roots, and the like; cut flowers and ornamental foliage
3. Common Duty Rates:
   • Live Animals: Vary based on species and use.
   • Meat and Edible Meat Offal: 0% to 10%
   • Dairy Products: Generally high, up to 300%
   • Produce: 0% to 8%
4. Special Considerations:
   • Animal Health and Safety: Compliance with health regulations to prevent disease spread.
   • Food Safety: Meeting food safety standards, including labeling and sanitary measures.
   • Permits and Quotas: Certain products may require import permits.

At BorderBuddy, we specialize in facilitating the importation of machinery, heavy equipment, and construction equipment into Canada. Whether you are importing agricultural machinery, industrial equipment, or construction tools, our comprehensive services ensure compliance with Canadian regulations, smooth customs clearance, and efficient logistics management.

Why importers need BorderBuddy for machinery and equipment

1. Process:
   • Regulatory Compliance Expertise: We provide expert guidance to ensure compliance with all relevant Canadian regulations.
   • Streamlined Import Process: Handling everything from HS code classification to customs documentation.
   • Risk Management: Accurate documentation and adherence to regulations to protect your business.
2. Government Agencies Involved:
   • CBSA: Enforces import regulations and facilitates entry of goods.
   • Transport Canada: Oversees the importation of vehicles and machinery.
   • CFIA: Regulates agricultural machinery.
3. HS Code Classification:
   • Chapter 84: Nuclear Reactors, Boilers, Machinery and Mechanical Appliances
   • Chapter 85: Electrical Machinery and Equipment
   • Chapter 87: Vehicles Other Than Railway or Tramway Rolling Stock
4. Common Duty Rates:
   • Chapter 84: 0% to 9%
   • Chapter 85: 0% to 6.5%
   • Chapter 87: 0% to 10%
5. Special Considerations:
   • Safety Standards: Compliance with Canadian safety standards.
   • Environmental Regulations: Meeting environmental standards.
   • Used Equipment: May require additional inspections and certifications.

At BorderBuddy, we specialize in helping businesses navigate the complex landscape of importing pharmaceuticals, health, and beauty products into Canada. Our services cater to a wide range of clients, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.

Why Importers Need BorderBuddy for Pharmaceuticals, Health & Beauty Products

1. Process:
   • Regulatory Compliance Expertise: Ensuring your imports comply with stringent regulatory requirements.
   • Streamlined Import Process: Simplifying the import process, allowing you to focus on your core business operations.
   • Risk Management: Accurate documentation and adherence to regulations to protect your business.
2. Government Agencies Involved: Accurate documentation and adherence to regulations to protect your business.
   • Health Canada: Primary regulator for pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and cosmetics.
   • CFIA: Oversees certain health products.
   • CBSA: Enforces import regulations and facilitates entry of goods.
   • Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch: Regulates controlled substance
3. HS Code Classification:
   • Chapter 30: Pharmaceutical Products
   • Chapter 33: Essential Oils and Resinoids; Perfumery, Cosmetic, or Toilet Preparations
   • Chapter 34: Soap, Organic Surface-Active Agents, Washing Preparations
   • Chapter 35: Albuminoidal Substances; Modified Starches; Glues; Enzymes
   • Chapter 38: Miscellaneous Chemical Products
   • Chapter 39: Plastics and Articles Thereof
   • Chapter 40: Rubber and Articles Thereof
   • Chapter 90: Optical, Photographic, Cinematographic, Measuring, Checking, Precision, Medical or Surgical Instruments and Apparatus
4. Common Duty Rates and Tax Liabilities
   • Pharmaceutical Products: Generally duty-free.
   • Cosmetics and Beauty Products: 0% to 10%Medical Devices: Generally duty-free.
   • Additional Taxes: GST, PST, or HST depending on the province.
5. Special Considerations:
   • Controlled Substances: Requires special permits.
   • Natural Health Products: Must meet specific regulations.
   • Cosmetics: Compliance with the Cosmetic Regulations under the Food and Drugs Act.
   • Marijuana and Tobacco: Heavily regulated.

Importing food and beverages into Canada involves adhering to various regulations to ensure safety and quality. This guide covers essential aspects, including dairy, meat, produce, processed foods, and natural health products.

Why Importers Need BorderBuddy for Food and Beverages

1. Process:
   • Regulatory Compliance Expertise: Ensuring compliance with Canadian regulations to avoid delays and penalties.
   • Streamlined Import Process: Handling HS code classification to customs documentation.
   • Risk Management: Accurate documentation and adherence to regulations to protect your business.
2. Government Agencies Involved:
   • CBSA: Enforces import regulations and facilitates entry of goods.
   • CFIA: Ensures safety and quality of food, plants, and animals.
   • Health Canada: Regulates the safety and nutritional quality of food.
3. Common Duty Rates:
   • Live Animals: Vary based on species and use.
   • Meat and Edible Meat Offal: 0% to 10%
   • Dairy Products: Generally high, up to 300%
   • Produce: 0% to 8%
4. HS Code Classification:
   • Chapter 4: Dairy produce; birds' eggs; natural honey; edible products of animal origin
   • Chapter 7: Edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers
   • Chapter 8: Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons
   • Chapter 16: Preparations of meat, of fish, or of crustaceans, molluscs, or other aquatic invertebrates
   • Chapter 19: Preparations of cereals, flour, starch, or milk; bakers' wares
   • Chapter 20: Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts, or other parts of plants
   • Chapter 21: Miscellaneous edible preparations
5. Common Duty Rates:
   • Dairy Products: 0% to 245.5%Edible Vegetables: 0% to 20%
   • Edible Fruit and Nuts: 0% to 14.9%
   • Preparations of Meat and Fish: 0% to 20%
   • Preparations of Cereals and Flour Products: 0% to 11%
   • Preparations of Vegetables and Fruits: 0% to 14.9%
   • Miscellaneous Edible Preparations: 0% to 11%
6. Special Considerations:
   • Regulatory Changes: Stay updated on changes affecting food and beverage imports.
   • Trade Agreements: Leverage agreements like CETA and USMCA.
   • Restricted and Prohibited Goods: Ensure compliance to avoid penalties.

At BorderBuddy, we specialize in simplifying the import process for clothing and textiles into Canada. Our expertise ensures compliance with all relevant regulations, facilitating a smooth entry into the Canadian market.

Why Importers Need BorderBuddy for clothing and textils

1. Process:
   • Regulatory Compliance Expertise:  Ensuring your imports meet all relevant regulations.
   • Streamlined Import Process: Handling HS code classification to customs documentation.
   • Risk Management: Accurate documentation and adherence to regulations to protect your business.
2. Government Agencies Involved:
   • CBSA: Enforces import regulations and facilitates entry of goods.
   • Health Canada: Regulates safety standards for certain textiles.
3. HS Code Classification:
   • Chapter 50: Silk
   • Chapter 51: Wool, fine or coarse animal hair; horsehair yarn and woven fabric
   • Chapter 52: Cotton
   • Chapter 54: Man-made filaments
   • Chapter 55: Man-made staple fibers
   • Chapter 60: Knitted or crocheted fabrics
   • Chapter 61: Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted
   • Chapter 62: Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted
   • Chapter 63: Other made-up textile articles; sets; worn clothing and worn textile articles; rags
4. Common Duty Rates and Tax Liabilities
   • Silk and Wool: Generally 0% to 8%.
   • Cotton and Man-made Fibers: 0% to 10%.
   • Apparel and Clothing Accessories: 0% to 18%.
5. Special Considerations:
   • Labeling Requirements: Compliance with labeling standards.
   • Safety Standards: Meeting safety regulations for certain textiles.

At BorderBuddy, we specialize in helping businesses and individuals navigate the complexities of importing furniture into Canada. Our expertise covers all types of furniture imports, ensuring smooth customs clearance and compliance with all regulations.

Why furniture importers need BorderBuddy

1. Process:
   • Regulatory Compliance Expertise: Ensuring your furniture complies with all relevant regulations.
   • Streamlined Import Process: Handling HS code classification to customs documentation.
   • Risk Management: Accurate documentation and adherence to regulations to protect your business.
2. Government Agencies Involved:
   • CBSA: Enforces import regulations and facilitates entry of goods.
   • CFIA: Oversees wood product regulations to prevent the introduction of pests.
3. HS Code Classification:
   • Chapter 94: Furniture; bedding, mattresses, mattress supports, cushions and similar stuffed furnishings; lamps and lighting fittings
   • Seats (9401)
   • Medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary furniture (9402)
   • Other furniture and parts (9403)
   • Lamps and lighting fittings (9405)
4. Common Duty Rates:
   • Wooden Furniture: Generally around 6%.
   • Metal Furniture: Varies based on classification.
   • Additional Taxes: GST, PST, or HST depending on the province.
5. Special Considerations:
   • Wood Products: Compliance with CFIA regulations to prevent pests.
   • Personal vs. Commercial Imports: Differences in procedures and duty rates.

Importing raw materials into Canada involves understanding various regulations, classifications, duty rates, and restrictions. This guide covers metals, lumber, plastics, and raw materials used in food processing.

Why Importers Need BorderBuddy for plastics and raw materials

1. Process:
   • Regulatory Compliance Expertise:  Ensuring your imports comply with all relevant regulations.
   • Streamlined Import Process:  Handling HS code classification to customs documentation.
   • Risk Management: Accurate documentation and adherence to regulations to protect your business.
2. Government Agencies Involved:
   • CBSA: Enforces import regulations and facilitates entry of goods.
   • CFIA: Regulates certain raw materials, especially those related to agriculture.
   • Health Canada: Ensures safety standards for raw materials used in food processing
3. HS Code Classification:
   • Metals (Raw Materials):
     • Iron and steel products (7206 - 7216)
     • Aluminium and its products (7601 - 7609)
     • Copper and its products (7401 - 7419)
     • Nickel and its products (7501 - 7508)
     • Zinc and its products (7901 - 7907)
   • Lumber:
     • Wood and wood articles (4401 - 4419)
   • Plastics:
     • Polymers and plastic raw materials (3901 - 3915)
   • Raw Materials for Food Processing:
     • Cereals (1001 - 1009)
     • Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits (1201 - 1208)
     • Cane or beet sugar (1701)
     • Vegetable oils and fats (1507 - 1518)
4. Special Considerations:
   • Environmental Standards: Compliance with CEPA.
   • Safety Standards: Compliance with Health Canada regulations.
   • Restricted Items: Certain metals and raw materials may be restricted or prohibited.

Importing technology and electronic goods into Canada involves navigating a complex landscape of regulations, classifications, duty rates, and restrictions. This guide provides a comprehensive overview for businesses looking to import such items.

Why importers need BorderBuddy for technology and electronics

1. Process:
   • Regulatory Compliance Expertise:  Ensuring your imports comply with all relevant regulations.
   • Streamlined Import Process:  Handling HS code classification to customs documentation.
   • Risk Management: Accurate documentation and adherence to regulations to protect your business.
2. Government Agencies Involved:
   • CBSA: Enforces import regulations and facilitates entry of goods.
   • Global Affairs Canada: Oversees import controls and permits for specific technologies.
   • Health Canada: Regulates safety of certain electronic products.
   • Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED): Oversees import and compliance of wireless and communication devices.
3. HS Code Classification:
   1. Chapter 84: Nuclear Reactors, Boilers, Machinery, and Mechanical Appliances
      • Air or vacuum pumps, compressors and fans (8414)
      • Air conditioning machines (8415)
      • Refrigerators, freezers, and other refrigerating equipment (8418)
      • Automatic data processing machines (computers) and units (8471)
      • Parts and accessories of computers (8473)
   2. Chapter 85: Electrical Machinery and Equipment
      • Electric motors and generators (8501)
      • Electrical transformers and inductors (8504)
      • Electric accumulators (batteries) (8507)
      • Electrical ignition or starting equipment (8511)
      • Telephone sets (8517)
      • Transmission apparatus for radio or TV (8525)
      • Monitors and projectors (8528)
      • Parts suitable for use with apparatus of headings 8525 to 8528 (8529)
      • Electric sound or visual signaling apparatus (8531)
      • Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits (8536)
   3. Chapter 90: Optical, Photographic, Cinematographic, Measuring, Checking, Precision, Medical or Surgical Instruments
      • Optical fibers and optical fiber bundles (9001)
      • Liquid crystal devices, lasers (9013)
      • Instruments and appliances for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences (9018)
      • Oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers (9030)
      • Measuring or checking instruments (9031)
4. Common Duty Rates:
   • Chapter 84: 0% to 5%
   • Chapter 85: 0% to 9%
   • Chapter 90: Generally low
5. Additional Taxes: GST, PST, or HST depending on the province.
6. Special Considerations:
   • CUSMA/USMCA Considerations: Preferential tariff rates and rules of origin.
   • Restricted and Prohibited Items: Advanced encryption technology, sanctioned goods, lithium batteries, drones, and wireless devices.

Importing plants and flowers into Canada involves adhering to various regulations and standards to ensure that these imports do not harm local agriculture or ecosystems. This guide provides detailed information on the process, covering different categories of plants and flowers, and the specific requirements for each.

Why importers need BorderBuddy for plants and flowers

1. Process:
   • Regulatory Compliance Expertise:   Ensuring your imports comply with all relevant Canadian regulations.
   • Streamlined Import Process:  Handling HS code classification to customs documentation.
   • Risk Management: Accurate documentation and adherence to regulations to protect your business.
2. Government Agencies Involved:
   • CBSA: Enforces import regulations and facilitates entry of goods.
   • CFIA: Oversees the importation of plants, flowers, and related products.
3. HS Code Classification:
   • Chapter 6: Live Trees and Other Plants; Bulbs, Roots, and the Like; Cut Flowers and Ornamental Foliage
   • Chapter 7: Edible Vegetables and Certain Roots and Tubers
   • Chapter 12: Oil Seeds and Oleaginous Fruits; Miscellaneous Grains, Seeds, and Fruits; Industrial or Medicinal Plants; Straw and Fodder
4. Common Duty Rates:
   • Live Plants and Flowers: 0% to 8%
   • Edible Plants and Vegetables: 0% to 10%
   • Seeds and Other Plant Products: 0% to 9.5%
5. Additional Taxes:
   • GST, PST, or HST depending on the province.
6. Types of Plants and Flowers:
   • House Plants: Requires compliance with health regulations to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
   • Outdoor Plants: Must meet Canadian environmental and health standards.
   • Agricultural Plants: Subject to stringent health inspections to ensure they do not introduce pests or diseases.
7. Special Considerations:
   • Orchids: Highly regulated due to their delicate nature and pest risk.
   • Greenhouses and Growers: Must adhere to specific regulations to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.

By understanding these elements and working with a knowledgeable customs broker like BorderBuddy, businesses can navigate the import process smoothly and efficiently. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help with your import needs.