Increase to the Low Value Shipment (LVS) Threshold for Goods Imported into Canada

April 15, 2020 – Customs Notice CN20-15 provides information on regulatory changes for new low value shipment (LVS) thresholds that will be implemented at the time of entry into force of the Canada – United States – Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Effective on the day of coming into force of CUSMA, the CBSA will increase its Low Value Shipment (LVS) thresholds for all commercial importations (in addition to those for express shipments) to an estimated value for duty not exceeding CAD$3,300

More specifically, references to thresholds in paragraphs 6(1)(a) and (b), 7.1, 7(2.1)(d), paragraphs 8(a), 8.2(d), 10(a) and (b) and section 10.31 of the Accounting for Imported Goods and Payment of Duties Regulations, as well as paragraph 4(c) of the Fees in Respect of Mail Regulations, and subsections 6(4), 9.1(4), 10(4), and 12.1(4) of the Proof of Origin of Imported Goods Regulations are to be amended retroactively to the date of the coming into force of CUSMA to an estimated value for duty not exceeding CAD$3,300.

These regulatory changes will be implemented in accordance with paragraph 167.1 of the Customs Act to take effect on the day of entry into force of the CUSMA and remain subject to future decisions from the Governor in Council. All related CBSA publications will be updated accordingly.

With respect to the proof of origin requirement under the CUSMA and under Canada’s free trade agreements currently in force, the importer and owner of commercial goods, for which the estimated value for duty is less than CAD$3,300 and for which the benefit of preferential treatment under a free trade agreement is claimed, can be exempt from the requirements of subsection 35.1(1) of the Customs Act if:

  • the goods do not form part of a series of importations that is undertaken or arranged for the purpose of avoiding the requirements of the Customs Act; and
  • the importer or owner of the goods furnishes to an officer, at the times set out in section 13 of the Proof of Origin of Imported Goods Regulations, a written and signed statement from the importer, exporter or producer of the goods, certifying that the goods originate in a country that is a Party to Canada’s free trade agreements. The statement may be in English or French and on a commercial invoice or any other document.

View the summary and text of the agreement of Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).