customs brokerage Canada
Customs Brokerage Coordination — Canada
Customs brokerage coordination for all Eztrans shipments through our affiliate Ezcustoms Inc. — a licensed CBSA broker. Single workflow from ocean/air booking through Canadian customs entry, release, and inland delivery. CARM-ready, HS classification expertise, and full visibility into your CBSA filings.
Every commercial import into Canada requires a CBSA customs entry. Eztrans coordinates brokerage through Ezcustoms Inc., our licensed CBSA affiliate. Documents flow directly from our shipment file to the customs entry — no re-keying, no fax to a separate broker. Ezcustoms files pre-arrival entries for ocean and air shipments so cargo is released the moment it arrives, not hours later.
The service
Customs brokerage is the licensed activity of preparing and filing import entries with CBSA on behalf of importers: HS tariff classification, valuation, duty calculation, pre-arrival electronic filing, release coordination, and ongoing compliance including CARM portal management. In Canada, all commercial imports require a formal customs entry regardless of value.
How Eztrans handles it
Ezcustoms is built into every Eztrans shipment by default. Documents are collected once and flow through our system to the customs entry — no re-keying, no faxing to a third party. For ocean shipments, the entry is filed before the vessel arrives; for air, before the flight lands. Complex commodities get HS classification review by our team; if there's genuine ambiguity, we request an Advance Ruling from CBSA to lock in the classification before you ship.
Common challenges
Where customs delays and errors cost importers money
- A wrong HS code costs real money: either overpaid duty that takes months to recover, or a CBSA penalty if caught in a post-entry audit
- When your forwarder and customs broker are separate companies, a missing document discovered at clearance becomes a three-way phone call instead of a quick fix
- Demurrage and detention charges accumulate during customs delays that could have been avoided with a pre-arrival entry
- CARM has added new importer obligations — security bonds, portal registration, RPP elections — that most importers weren't aware of until they hit a compliance issue
Process
How Ezcustoms clears your shipment
- 1
Document collection and review
We collect the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, and any required permits. We review for completeness before the shipment reaches Canada — not after.
- 2
HS classification
Our team assigns the correct 10-digit HS code under the Canadian Customs Tariff. For new commodities or products with classification ambiguity, we research and confirm before filing.
- 3
Valuation and duty calculation
We confirm the transaction value, apply the correct duty rate by country of origin, and calculate any applicable excise tax or surtax. Related-party transactions get additional review.
- 4
Pre-arrival entry filing
The CBSA entry is filed electronically before your cargo arrives at the Canadian port or airport. When the vessel docks or the flight lands, the entry is already in the system.
- 5
CBSA release and holds
We monitor CBSA's response and manage any hold, query, or examination request. Most shipments with complete documentation are released immediately; our team resolves exceptions without requiring your direct involvement.
- 6
Post-release and CARM
We provide you with the final entry documents and advise on CARM payment obligations, RPP elections, and any post-entry corrections if needed.
Benefits
What integrated customs brokerage provides
- Licensed CBSA broker (Ezcustoms Inc.) integrated into every Eztrans shipment — no separate brokerage relationship
- Pre-arrival entry filing for all ocean and air shipments — cargo released at port, not hours after arrival
- HS classification by experienced customs staff — not automated code-matching software
- CARM portal setup, security bond management, and RPP election support
- Coverage at all Canadian ports and entry points — Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, and inland
Who this is for
Who uses Eztrans for customs brokerage
Why Eztrans
Why importers choose Eztrans for this service
A freight-forwarding approach built on China–Canada expertise, integrated execution, and operations-grade communication.
- Customs brokerage under the same roof as freight forwarding — documents flow through one system, not between two companies
- Pre-arrival entries filed automatically for every ocean and air shipment — no request needed
- HS classification and Advance Ruling support for importers with complex or multi-component goods
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers for Canadian importers evaluating freight forwarding, China–Canada shipping, and integrated logistics options.
Do I need to use Ezcustoms if I already have a customs broker?
No. Eztrans can work with any licensed Canadian customs broker. However, using Ezcustoms (our in-house affiliate) gives you the smoothest end-to-end workflow because customs entries are filed directly from our shipment file with no re-keying or coordination gaps.
What is CARM and do I need to register?
CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management) is the CBSA's online portal for importers to manage their accounts, security bonds, and duty payments. All commercial importers into Canada must register on CARM. Eztrans/Ezcustoms guides clients through registration, security setup, and ongoing CARM management.
Which Canadian ports can you clear customs at?
All major Canadian ports and entry points — Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Toronto (Pearson and GTA truck/rail terminals), Montreal, Halifax, Calgary, Edmonton, and all CBSA-designated entry points coast to coast.
How does Eztrans handle complex HS classifications?
Our customs team reviews product specifications and applies the correct 10-digit HS code under the Canadian Customs Tariff. For complex or unusual goods, we can request an Advance Ruling from CBSA to lock in the classification before shipment — protecting against post-entry disputes and penalties.
Ready to move freight with Eztrans?
Send us your shipment details — origin, destination, commodity, and timing — and our team will quote and outline the next steps within one business day.