How to Fill BSF186
Personal Effects Accounting Document

BSF186 Form

If you are moving to Canada or returning after living abroad, you’ll likely need to complete form BSF186 — also known as the BSF 186 form. This is an essential document used to declare your personal and household goods when entering Canada. Whether you’re a former resident, settler, seasonal resident, or beneficiary, this guide will help you understand how to fill BSF186 correctly.

The BSF186 form is used by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to document goods being imported without duties or taxes. It’s especially important if you are bringing personal belongings, a vehicle, or high-value items.

Form BSF186: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are moving to Canada or returning after living abroad, you’ll likely need to complete form BSF186 (the BSF 186 form was formerly called Form B4). This is an essential document used to declare your personal and household goods when entering Canada. Whether you’re a former resident, settler, seasonal resident, or beneficiary, this guide will help you understand how to fill BSF186 correctly.

The BSF186 form is used by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to document goods being imported without duties or taxes. It’s especially important if you are bringing personal belongings, a vehicle, or high-value items.

Where to Get the BSF186 Form

You can download the BSF186 form PDF from the CBSA website or download the BSF186 PDF from here.

We’ve prepared a comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide on how to fill out the BSF186 form.
Please note: if you plan to print the document, it must be printed on Legal sized paper (8.5″ × 14″) to be accepted by CBSA.

Filling Out BSF186

When completing the BSF 186, you’ll need to provide:

  • Your personal details (name, address)
  • Cargo control number
  • Port of entry and date of landing
  • Unique Client Identifier (UCI)
  • A full list of goods, including descriptions, serial numbers, and values
  • Details about any conveyances (vehicles, trailers, etc.) you’re importing

You’ll also need to specify your classification under the proper tariff item, for example: Former Resident (9805.00.00) or Settler (9807.00.00), and confirm that your goods meet eligibility rules.

Final Note

Submitting a properly completed BSF186 helps avoid delays and penalties at the border. For full BSF186 instructions, a sample completed form, and a downloadable BSF186 PDF, check out our complete resource guide below, or call Orbit and a coordinator will be more than happy to assist you.