Moving to Canada with Orbit International Moving

Canadian Status Exemptions
1 Returning Canadian
My main residence was away from Canada for at least 12 months
Tax Exemption on all individual items with a value under $10,000 (Each item)
2 Settler – Landed immigrant Tax Exemption will apply
3 Seasonal resident (Non Canadian)

Any person who is not a resident of Canada but owns a residential property or has leased a residence for at least 3 years for his / her personal use. Proof of purchase / copy of lease agreement is required.

Tax Exemption may apply for one shipment only.

Read more below.

4 Canadian resident (Receiving an Inheritance) Tax Exemption
5 Canadian resident (None of the above exemptions apply)

My main residence is Canada

No Tax Exemption
6 Returning Canadian
My main residence was away from Canada for less then 12 months
No Tax Exemption
7 Student visa Tax Exemption, The client will need to export the goods at the end of the visa term or pay taxes.
8 Work permit Tax Exemption,The client will need to export the goods at the end of the work permit or pay taxes.
9 Diplomat Tax Exemption will apply
10 Visitor / Super Visa Tax Exemption

May Apply – A Super Visa is type of a traveler’s visa, which gives the person a Visitor Status.

Upon customs clearance, the customs officer will interview the importer to determine the following:

  1. Will the goods be used by the importer while they are in Canada?
  2. Will the importer be exporting the goods at the end of their legal visit?

Based on the conclusion that customs officer will decide one of the following:

  1. Grant a free entry (No Duties and Taxes) under D2-1-1
  2. Ask the importer to pay a refundable deposit for taxes and duties, based on the declared value of the goods. This will occur if the officer is not convinced that the importer will export the goods at the end of their visit.
  3. Ask the importer to pay taxes and duties based on the declared value of the goods, if they believe that the goods will stay in Canada at the end of their visit.
  4. Not authorize all or part of the import if they believe that the goods will not be used in Canada for the duration of the visit. (For example, the goods are directed into storage and not a residence. One more example, they are importing a firearm which is not allowed to be used in Canada) in this event, the goods will be exported back at the client’s expense.
Canada

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

CUSTOMS CLEARANCE

Please note that the Customs Clearance is a 2-stage process for sections 1-4 above. all other sections will be a single stage process (# 2 below).

Note that Canada customs requires you to be present for the customs clearance process.

  1. Upon arrival into in Canada, you MUST report to Canada Customs. If you are arriving VIA Air, please check on the “Declaration Card” “I/We have unaccompanied goods”. You must advise Canada customs that you are importing unaccompanied goods. Failure to do so may result in the payment of taxes and duties on your shipment. At this time, you will be asked to present the documents listed below (Apart from the “Arrival Notice”). The Customs officer will stamp them and give you a receipt. You MUST keep this for the customs clearance process when the shipment arrives!
  2. Customs clearance will take place once the shipment arrives to destination terminal in Canada. At this time, you will be required to present the documents you received from Canada Customs upon your entry (Or the documents listed below as per you status) as well as the “Arrival Notice”.

Notes:

  • Click here for a list of locations for clearance
  • Additional shipment (for sections 1-4). if you are planning to bring additional unaccompanied shipments into Canada. You must declare them on a separate list of goods. This will enable you to import them in the future with no taxes and duties. Speak with your import coordinator at Orbit for more information.
  • Alcoholic Beverages: If you are importing any quantity of Alcoholic Beverages, inform us. there are different procedures for each province in Canada. All require an action prior to entering Canada.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:

1. Returning Canadian Residents

  • “Cargo Control” document also known as “Arrival Notice” (Will be provided by Orbit once the shipment arrives)
  • Passport
  • Proof of residency outside of Canada for at least 1 year (foreign tax return, rent / lease agreement, utility bills, or letter from employer)
  • Packing list / inventory
  • List of items with a value over $10,000 Cdn (including vehicles)
  • Personal Effects Declaration
  • BSF186 (Previously known as B4E)– Personal Affects Accounting Document
  • All documents from previous customs declaration upon entry into Canada, if applicable (i.e. B-15 document (blue border), stamped packing list, etc.)
  • Liquor import declaration / permit (if applicable)

2. Landed Immigrants (Settlers)

  • “Cargo Control” document also known as “Arrival Notice” (Will be provided by Orbit once the shipment arrives)
  • Passport
  • Immigration documentation: visa in passport, confirmation of permanent residence or permanent resident card
  • Packing list / inventory
  • Personal Effects Declaration
  • BSF186 (Previously known as B4E)– Personal Affects Accounting Document
  • All documents from previous customs declaration upon entry into Canada, if applicable (i.e. B-15 document (blue border), stamped packing list, etc.)
  • Liquor import declaration / permit (if applicable)

3. Seasonal Residents in Canada

  • “Cargo Control” document also known as “Arrival Notice” (Will be provided by Orbit once the shipment arrives)
  • Personal Effects Declaration
  • BSF186 (Previously known as B4E)– Personal Affects Accounting Document
  • Proof of ownership of a property in Canada
  • Passport
  • Packing list / inventory – Note: Import of used household goods and personal effects is duty free on a ONE time entry basis only and the goods cannot be sold for at least 1 year.

4. Inheritance / Pre Inheritance (A gift from a relative in Anticipation of Death)

  • “Cargo Control” document also known as “Arrival Notice” (Will be provided by Orbit once the shipment arrives)
  • Personal Effects Declaration
  • BSF186 (Previously known as B4E)– Personal Affects Accounting Document
  • Identification (passport, etc.)
  • Copy of Will and Death Certificate
  • A signed statement from the donor giving reason for the gift or statement from the Executor of the Estate (gifts could be subject to import duties and taxes)
  • Packing list / inventory 

5. Canadian resident (Residing in Canada. No tax Exemption)

  • “Cargo Control” document also known as “Arrival Notice” (Will be provided by Orbit once the shipment arrives)
  • Personal Effects Declaration
  • Invoice of goods purchased or declared value
  • Inventory list
  • Passport

6. Canadian resident (less then 12 months away -No tax Exemption)

  • “Cargo Control” document also known as “Arrival Notice” (Will be provided by Orbit once the shipment arrives)
  • Personal Effects Declaration
  • Invoice of goods purchased or declared value
  • Inventory list
  • Passport 

7. Student Visa / Visitor Visa

  • “Cargo Control” document also known as “Arrival Notice” (Will be provided by Orbit once the shipment arrives)
  • Valid visa in passport or document confirming work permit / student visa / visitor visa
  • Passport
  • Packing list / inventory
  • Personal Effects Declaration
  • Liquor import declaration / permit (if applicable)

Please Note:
1. All items imported must be for your personal use during your stay.
2. All goods must be exported when you leave Canada.
3. The goods may not be disposed of in Canada without Customs authorization.

8. Work Permit

  • “Cargo Control” document also known as “Arrival Notice” (Will be provided by Orbit once the shipment arrives)
  • Valid visa in passport or document confirming work permit / student visa / visitor visa
  • Passport
  • Packing list / inventory
  • Personal Effects Declaration
  • Liquor import declaration / permit (if applicable)

Please Note:
1. All items imported must be for your personal use during your stay.
2. All goods must be exported when you leave Canada.
3. The goods may not be disposed of in Canada without Customs authorization.

9. Diplomats

  • “Cargo Control” document also known as “Arrival Notice” (Will be provided by Orbit once the shipment arrives)
  • Copy of Diplomatic Passport
  • Letter of employment from the LOCAL Embassy / Consulate.– Original stamped by the local Canadian consulate indicating that the client is working in the consulate.
  • Inventory list (By the moving company)

PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED GOODS

The following tems are either prohibited or require a special license (please contact us for further details): Narcotics, firearms and ammunition, explosives including fireworks, obscene materials, goods made from endangered species and live plants.
Please note that used mattresses entering Canada May need to be fumigated prior to arrival.
If it is determined that you do need fumigation according to the chart below, please let us know and we will help you with the process.

FIREARMS

A rifle or shotgun for sporting purposes is not restricted. However, pistols, revolvers, or fully automatic firearms are restricted, and a firearm permit is required.  Special rules apply for shippers entering Canada on a work permit.  Please check this with the local Canadian consulate.

Please read –http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d19/d19-13-2-eng.html  For more info 

ANIMALS

Dogs, birds, livestock and horses must comply with health regulations and have appropriate vaccination documents.

PLANTS

Plants or plant material require a permit from the Department of Agriculture, Plant Products Division before arrival. Write to Agriculture Canada for a permit application. If you are arriving from the USA, you will need to contact your local US Department of Agriculture (http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdahome) and obtain a “PHYTO Certificate”. Canadian Plan protection office: (416) 665-5055

MEAT

Write for information to the Meat Inspection Division of the Department of Agriculture, Ottawa. Authority to import meat or meat products is necessary, otherwise they will be confiscated on arrival.

INHERITANCE GOODS

A copy of the will or estate document is required together with a copy of death certificate.

WEDDING PRESENTS

Wedding presents may be imported duty and tax free, without restrictions of possession and use, if you were married 3 months before arrival, or plan to be married within 3 months after arrival.

$10,000.00 LIMIT

Any single item of personal and household effects including a motor vehicle that was acquired after March 31, 1977 and is valued at more than $10,000.00 on the date of importation is subject to regular duties and taxes on the excess amount.

OWNERSHIP, POSSESSION AND USE REQUIREMENTS

If a person has been residing outside Canada for at least one year, but less than 5 years, the personal and household effects must have been in ownership, possession and use for at least 6 months. After an absence of 5 years or more, the goods need only to have been in ownership, possession and use before returning to Canada; 6 months minimum does not apply.

Fumigation of Mattresses:

Please note that used mattresses entering Canada may require to be fumigated prior to shipping.
Consult the list below to see it you qualify for an exemption:

Returning Canadian How long was the client absent from Canada?
If less than 1 year->NEED FUMIGATION
If more than 1 year ->EXEMPTION Read below for conditions
Settler – Landed immigrant EXEMPTION Read below for conditions
Student visa NEED FUMIGATION
Work permit NEED FUMIGATION
Seasonal resident (Not Canadian) NEED FUMIGATION

More info on the exemption can be found on CBSA Memorandum D9-1-7 http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d9/d9-1-7-eng.html

IMPORTING VEHICLES

DO NOT SHIP VEHICLES INTO CANADA BEFORE READING THE INFORMATION BELOW:

  • The information provided below is a general guideline for importing a Vehicle. As regulations
    change from time to time, It is the client’s responsibility to check with Canada Customs
    (www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca) for the latest regulations. Vehicles may not be permitted into Canada
    and re-exported/destroyed at the client’s expense.
  • Containers with Vehicles often go to a CFIA customs inspection.
  • If they find any dirt on the vehicle, they will clean it the cost cab be very high $2500-$6000.
  • If there the vehicle passed with no cleaning, the logistics associated with the inspection can
    still cost $800-$2000.

This is where you need to be careful:

  1. Prior to loading, Make sure the Vehicle Super clean – In and out, Engine, Wheels wells – Like
    new!!!
  2. Make sure container is also clean and has no defects.
  3. If arriving in the Winter – Make sure the windshield fluid, it is antifreeze. If not, empty the
    windshield fluid container.
  4. There can be no more than 5% Fuel in the Vehicle.
  5. If the Battery is not located in a standard location, make sure to advise where it is located and
    how to reconnect it.
  6. Note – Unless quoted otherwise, Vehicles will be handed out VIA Facility within 2 business
    days. Add $20 per day for storage after.

Returning Canadian Vehicles

Returning Canadian Vehicles, which have been purchased in Canada for use in the Canadian Market, and have been temporarily exported from Canada, can return without attracting taxes and duties, as long as there were no modifications made on the vehicles.

Vehicles older the 15 Years

Can come into Canada without payment of taxes and duties as long as they do not exceed CAD$10,000.

Importing vehicles purchased in countries OTHER than the United States:

Importation – Vehicles less than 15 years of age and bus manufactured before January 1, 1971 purchased in countries “other than the United States.

You cannot import a vehicle into Canada that has not been manufactured to Canadian standards. Vehicles need to comply with the MVSA which requires the vehicle to comply with all applicable Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards at the time of the main assembly. If a vehicle is imported and does not comply, it will get re‐exported or destroyed at the client’s expense.

To determine if these vehicles are eligible for importation, you can either look at the compliance labels on the vehicles themselves to determine to which country’s standards the vehicle was designed for; or contact the manufacturer directly with the VIN numbers.

If the vehicle does not have a label indicating that “THIS VEHICLE COMFORMS TO ALL CANADIAN
MOTORY VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE”
– Do NOT export this vehicle to Canada. It will be rejected.
This label is typically located when you open the driver’s Door. Either on the door or the body of the vehicle. SAMPLE BELOW

For more info and special circumstances, you may call Transport Canada at 1-800-333-0371, Select – Vehicles outside of the USA. Or visit: https://tc.canada.ca

Exceptions

When Canada Border Services Agency requirements are met, the following circumstances allow people to import vehicles purchased in a country other than the United States:

  • the vehicle is a regulated class of vehicle fifteen (15) years old or older as determined by the month and year the vehicle was manufactured.
  • the vehicle is a bus manufactured before January 1, 1971.
  • the vehicle does not belong to a regulated class of vehicle under the MVSA.
  • the vehicle meets all MVSA requirements, and was acquired NEW abroad via a manufacturer’s foreign buyer program for Canadians abroad (proof of compliance is required).
  • the vehicle meets all United States requirements and acquired NEW abroad via a manufacturer’s foreign buyer program for North-American buyers abroad (additional restrictions apply).
  • the vehicle is a returning Canadian compliant vehicle originally owned in Canada (proof of compliance is required).
  • the vehicle is a returning United States compliant vehicle originally owned in the U.S.
    (additional restrictions apply).

To summarize, when a vehicle or bus is sold in a foreign market other than the United States, it’s assembled to specific standards for that market. This creates an automatic exclusion for importation into Canada because these standards at the time of assembly are not Canadian or U.S. compliant, and there are no provisions in the law that allows for these vehicles to be modified to meet our standards.

For additional information, please reply to this e-mail or contact us by phone at Transport Canada – 1-800-333-0371 >2 VEHICLES OUT SIDE OF THE USA

Information Center, Motor Vehicle Safety
Transport Canada / Government of Canada
MVS-SA@tc.gc.ca / Tel: 1-800-333-0371 / TTY: 1-888-675-6863

transport-canada

Importing vehicles purchased in the United States

The information provided below is a general guideline for importing a Vehicle. As regulations change from time to time, It is the client’s responsibility to check with the RIV http://www.riv.ca  for the latest regulations. Vehicles may not be permitted into Canada and shipped back at the owner’s expense.

If the vehicle does not have a label indicating that “THIS VEHICLE COMFORMS TO ALL CANADIAN MOTORY VEHICLE SAFTY STANDARDS IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE” – Do NOT export this vehicle to Canada. It will be rejected.
This label is typically located when you open the driver’s Door. Either on the door or the body of the vehicle. SAMPLE BELOW:

SAMPLE

Sample-Picture-of-Vehicle-sticker-1

Taxes and Duties:

GST (and HST, depending on your province of entry) will be applicable. Depending on the status of the client entering Canada, there may be some exemptions
Canadian Registrar of Imported Vehicle:

Duties: If the vehicle identification number (VIN) starts with a number 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, then it was made in North America and there is no duty under NAFTA. Otherwise, you will pay a duty of about 6.1%

 

Importing Power Assisted Bicycles ( Electric Bikes / E-bikes)

Transport Canada has adopted a new approach towards e-bicycles.
1st is to assess whether the power assisted bicycles is designed for on-road or off-road.
E-bicycles, regardless of speed limitation, equipped with features that resemble on-road prescribed classes of vehicles such as scooters or motorcycles and motor tricycles, will be regulated by Transport Canada as a vehicle.
E-bicycles with off-road characteristics, designed to operate, at a Max speed of 32 km/hour (or 20 mph) will not be regulated by Transport Canada
E-bicycles with off-road characteristics and which can operate at speeds greater than 32 km/h (or 20 mph) will be subject to import compliance requirements as restricted-use vehicles. See Off-road vehicles – are they regulated? for more information on restricted-use vehicles

E-bicycles equipped with speed limiters are assessed by first taking into consideration the untethered speed capacity of the vehicle. In cases where the vehicle’s design makes it highly impractical to remove a speed governing mechanism, Transport Canada may, on a case specific evaluation, consider the speed limitation as valid.

E-bike usage restrictions may vary based on different areas of Canada. Please check with your local government.

 

References:

Moving to Canada

When moving from Canada to Canada it is very important to choose the best overseas moving company. Orbit International Moving Logistics is the best international moving company in Canada. With our extensive experience with international relocation to Canada, Orbit International Moving Logistics can offer you and your family, valuable insights about you’re moving to Canada and finding the right international relocation companies and choosing the best international moving service overseas moving companies. We have listed below helpful ideas and tips that can help you plan you’re moving to Canada. Shall you prefer to talk with an International moving consultant, please call (416)661-4228.

The Best Overseas Moving Companies

There are many overseas moving companies who claim to be the best mover and best relocation company in the country. Of course, this cannot be true because then, all the international shipping companies would be the best.
To help determine which overseas moving company is right for you, Orbit International Moving Logistics Ltd has gathered some vital points for you to consider.
The best tip – a recommendation from a friend.
Research the overseas moving companies you are considering. Check if they are licensed to export and import.
Make sure that you are performing an equal comparison between the quotes of the various companies. You compare international relocation rates from the overseas moving companies based on shipping an equal volume of goods and contracting the same exact shipping service on the same dates. Pay special attention to the “EXCLUDES” of each quote to ensure that you are not overlooking any hidden fees.
Check the overseas moving company’s referrals and reputation. Ask each company for testimonials from past clients. A reputable overseas moving company should have some for you to review.
Visit the physical office of the overseas moving company you are considering. Never trust an international moving company without a physical address!. In this day and age, anyone can have an office in their basement.
Make sure that the overseas shipping company you choose has reputable overseas forwarding agents who can assist you in the same manner that you are getting from the company moving you from Canada.

Orbit International Moving Logistics Ltd was established by 2 long time family friends who had experienced moves with mixes results. However, none have satisfied the quality of service needed during such an emotional and straining event. We have extensive experience relocating customers worldwide by Ocean Freight and Air Cargo as we are an international shipper. Our rates are always All-inclusive. What sets us apart is the level of service we offer our customers. We provide free, no-obligation estimates, listen to your concerns, and find the solutions best suited to meeting your removal and relocation needs – whether you’re moving your family.(i.e. door-to-door, door to port, full containers, RO-RO, custom crates, etc.) We offer free consultations with one of our relocation specialists and assist you in planning moving to Canada and choosing the right overseas moving services.