Canadian Customs Broker Serving Niagara & Importers Across Canada
Licensed Canadian customs broker based in Niagara Falls, Ontario, helping importers across Canada with customs clearance, LVS shipments, warehousing, freight coordination, and import compliance.
40+ Years of Experience
Serving importers since 1981.
BBB Accredited Business
Third-party credibility that reinforces trust and accountability.
Licensed Customs Broker
Commercial import clearance into Canada.
Canada-Wide Clearance
Support for importers across all major Canadian ports.
4.7-Star Rated on Google
Trusted by businesses for responsive customs support.
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Services
Customs Brokerage Services for Importers Across Canada
40+ years of experience helping Canadian businesses clear commercial imports
Garden City Customs Services Inc. is a licensed Canadian customs broker with offices in Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, and Queenston, Ontario. We help Canadian businesses and commercial importers clear goods through the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and manage the customs requirements involved in importing into Canada.
Our customs brokerage services include commercial customs clearance, Low Value Shipment (LVS) clearance, commercial vehicle imports, CARM account support, and import compliance guidance.
We primarily work with Canadian businesses and commercial importers, including manufacturers, distributors, dealerships, carriers, retailers, wholesalers, and companies of all sizes importing commercial goods into Canada.
With a physical presence at key Niagara border crossings and clients across Canada, our team provides direct support throughout the customs clearance process, from preparing and submitting import declarations to coordinating with CBSA through release.
How Customs Clearance Works in Canada
Customs clearance is the process of reporting commercial goods to the Canada Border Services Agency, meeting CARM and import requirements, confirming the correct documentation, tariff classification, value, origin, duties and taxes, and obtaining release so the goods can continue to their destination
1. Importer registers in the CARM Client Portal
Before importing into Canada, the importer registers their Canadian Business Number (BN) in the CARM Client Portal, delegates Garden City Customs Services Inc. as their customs broker, and completes the requirements for Release Prior to Payment (RPP).
2. Shipment arrives at the Canadian port of entry
The carrier presents the shipment to CBSA and the shipment is matched with the required customs and release information.
3. Garden City submits the customs declaration
Our customs brokerage team prepares and transmits the required import information to CBSA, including details about the importer, goods, value, origin, and tariff classification.
4. CBSA reviews the shipment
CBSA reviews the declaration and may release the goods, request additional information, or refer the shipment for further examination.
5. Goods are released into Canada
Once CBSA release requirements are satisfied, the shipment can continue to its Canadian destination.
6. The shipment is accounted for through CARM
The commercial import is accounted for through CBSA’s CARM system, where duties and taxes are assessed and recorded against the importer’s account.
7. The importer manages duties, taxes, and account activity
The importer can review statements, balances, payments, and other account information through the CARM Client Portal.
Why Importers Work With Garden City
Reliable customs brokerage support for importers who need clear answers, accurate submissions, and steady communication.
Licensed Broker Support
Work directly with a licensed Canadian customs broker who understands the clearance process.
CBSA Clearance Support
Import paperwork is reviewed, prepared, and submitted to CBSA for release.
Clear Shipment Updates
Know what is needed, what has been submitted, and what comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a customs broker to import into Canada?
No. Importers can manage the customs clearance process themselves, but many businesses choose to work with a licensed customs broker to prepare and submit declarations, coordinate CBSA release, calculate duties and taxes, and help manage Canadian import requirements. Garden City Customs Services Inc. provides this support for commercial importers across Canada.
What does a customs broker actually do?
A customs broker acts on behalf of the importer to prepare and submit customs declarations, review commercial documentation, determine tariff classification and applicable duties and taxes, and coordinate the release of goods with CBSA. We also help identify documentation or compliance issues before they cause unnecessary border delays.
Do you work with first-time commercial importers?
Yes. We regularly work with first-time commercial importers and can guide you through the process from the beginning. We can assist with CARM registration, broker delegation, Release Prior to Payment (RPP) requirements, import documentation, tariff classification, duties and taxes, and CBSA clearance.Our team can help make sure your business is properly set up before your first commercial shipment arrives in Canada.
Do you handle vehicle imports into Canada?
Yes. We provide customs clearance support for commercial vehicle imports into Canada, including vehicles imported by dealerships, businesses, fleets, and other commercial importers. Our team can assist with customs documentation, CBSA processing, duties and taxes, and release requirements.
What is CARM, and do I need to register?
CARM, the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management system, is CBSA’s official system for managing duties and taxes on commercial goods imported into Canada. Commercial importers register their business in the CARM Client Portal and can use the portal to manage account information, statements, payments, and other customs-related activity. If Garden City Customs Services Inc. is acting as your customs broker, your business must also delegate the appropriate authority to us through the CARM Client Portal. CBSA states that a customs broker cannot submit a Commercial Accounting Declaration on an importer’s behalf until that authority has been delegated.
What information do you need to clear a shipment?
Typically, we require a commercial invoice, importer and exporter information, a description of the goods, country of origin, value, and shipment details such as the carrier and expected arrival information. Depending on the products being imported, additional permits, certificates, licences, or supporting documentation may also be required.
How long does customs clearance take?
Customs clearance times vary depending on the shipment, documentation, applicable government requirements, and whether CBSA selects the goods for additional review or examination. Providing complete and accurate documentation before the shipment reaches the border gives us the best opportunity to prepare the declaration in advance and avoid unnecessary delays.
Do you only work in Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, and Queenston?
No. Garden City Customs Services Inc. has offices in Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, and Queenston, Ontario, but we provide customs brokerage services for commercial importers clearing goods through ports of entry across Canada. Our Niagara presence gives us strong local coverage at major border crossings while our customs brokerage services support businesses throughout Canada.
Can you help me set up my CARM account?
Yes. We can assist commercial importers with CARM setup, including registering their business, setting up the appropriate import account, delegating Garden City Customs Services Inc. as their customs broker, and understanding Release Prior to Payment requirements. CARM onboarding support is included for businesses using Garden City Customs Services Inc. for customs brokerage. Standalone CARM setup and consulting services are also available for businesses that are not using us as their customs broker, and may be subject to service fees.
Can you clear shipments at ports outside Ontario?
Yes. Although our offices are located in the Niagara Region, Garden City Customs Services Inc. provides customs clearance services for commercial shipments entering Canada through ports of entry across the country.