Paying more than $50,000 in duties and taxes to the CBSA?

The way you remit your payment for imported commercial goods is changing.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has issued a Customs Notice (CN 17-33) outlining the new payment policies for the remittance of duties and taxes on imported commercial goods. The new policy will go into effect January 24, 2018.

New payment method requirements

As of January 24, 2018, all importers that have posted a bond with the CBSA (Importer Secured) and importers that have signed a GST waiver letter (GST Direct) and have a month-end liability that is $50,000 or greater will be required to remit payment electronically to the Receiver General.

This new payment method process is a mandatory requirement, being implemented as part of the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) initiative. Remitting electronically will ensure that your payment to the Receiver General is properly allocated.

Setting up electronic payments

To remit your payments electronically to the Receiver General, you have the following two options:

1. Internet banking set-up through your financial institution

2. EDI payment

Internet banking will require that you set up the “payee” exactly as given and your complete business number inclusive of the RM suffix when setting up your payment protocol.

EDI payment will require working with your respective IT department and financial institution to establish and test the necessary protocols for payment.

For more information about the payment of duties and taxes on imported commercial goods, please refer to the following Customs Notices: CN 17-33 and D17-5-1.