If you want to import goods into Canada, make sure that you have a business number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

A) Ensure that the products are importable into Canada

Try to gather as much information as possible about the items you wish to import such as descriptive literature, product composition information and, whenever possible, product samples.

Indeed, this is essential in order not to fail the custom clearance.

Then, identify if the goods you want to import are subject to specific constrains. 

You will have to inquire about whether the goods you want to import are subject to regulations, restrictions, import license or permit or not.

The Canada Border Services Agency has listed the principal imported items that need permit or license.

SINO Info: If you posses or control goods domestically, don’t forget to register with Public Works and Government’s Service’s Controlled Goods Program relatively to the Defense Production Act (and Controlled Goods Regulations).

B) Classify the goods you want to import into Canada

After having ensured that your goods can effectively be imported, you will have to determine the 10-digit tariff classification number based on the HS Code of each of the item you import.

The tariff clarification number and the certificate of origin are both used to determine the rate of duty you would have to pay when importing.

Here is the composition of an HS Code, you can now see what an HS code is and what does it mean.