Canadian Customs Broker Serving Niagara & Importers Across Canada
For 40+ years, our licensed team has cleared everything from single parcels to full truckloads through CBSA. Quickly, compliantly, and without the headaches.
- 40+ years of experienceServing importers since 1981.
BBB accredited businessThird-party credibility that reinforces trust and accountability.- Licensed customs brokerCommercial import clearance into Canada.
- Canada-wide clearanceSupport for importers across all major Canadian ports.
4.7-star rated on GoogleTrusted by businesses for responsive customs support.
Customs, freight and warehousing services
Customs clearance and import support from a licensed brokerage team serving Niagara, Ontario, and importers across Canada.
Freight forwarding coordinationCarrier, timing and documentation coordination aligned with customs clearance.
Warehousing solutionsStorage, pick and pack, returns and distribution from Niagara Falls.
Low Value Shipments (LVS)Licensed LVS processing for frequent, time-sensitive low-value freight.
Canadian vehicle importsCommercial vehicle imports from the U.S., from documentation review to CBSA release.
Horse & equine importsTwo dedicated equine brokers for horses imported into Canada, from CFIA paperwork to release.
Customs consultingCARM guidance, classification reviews and import process design.
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.
- 40+Years clearing commercial imports
- 3Offices: Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, Queenston
- Canada-wideClearance at any port of entry in Canada
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.
Read the full guide: How Customs Brokerage Works in CanadaBefore the first shipment
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).
At the border
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.
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.
CBSA reviews the shipment
CBSA reviews the declaration and may release the goods, request additional information, or refer the shipment for further examination.
Goods are released into Canada
Once CBSA release requirements are satisfied, the shipment can continue to its Canadian destination.
After release
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.
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.
What clients say on Google
Very professional & helpful staff! They make our cross-border transactions a breeze. Thank you to Garden City for all your help over the years, ESPECIALLY with the CARM rollout.
Garden City Customs Services is a fantastic brokerage that has helped Purple Lizard throughout all stages of growth. We highly recommend using Garden City for all your Customs, International Trade, and/or Brokerage needs.
30+ years of great service. Amazing people to work with. You will not be disappointed with the quality of service you get.
Outstanding customs brokerage service—professional, responsive, and extremely knowledgeable. They make the customs process seamless and stress-free. Highly recommend!
Garden City Customs was responsive and polite. They answered all my questions and made the process worry-free! I will certainly use their services again!
We have been working with Garden City/Scott Erwin for 13 years to manage all our businesses importing needs. Not only are they extremely professional, polite and always accessible they are highly trained in clearance speed, compliancy and technological tools for tracking and dedicated portals like CARM. I would highly recommend this company to anyone looking to have a seamless, stress-free import experience 10/10
Garden City Customs Services was excellent to work with. Solomon and Tammy made the Canadian customs clearance process simple, clear, and stress-free from start to finish. They were professional, responsive, and helped us understand exactly what was needed for our shipment, including customs brokerage, import documentation, duties, taxes, and CARM-related requirements.
I started to accept that customer satisfaction does not exist anymore. Garden City Customs Services proved me wrong. Professional, courteous service all the way. Taking care of every aspect of the process. Even transferring load from the container terminal to my warehouse. I would highly recommend Jack and his team!
Jack and Kerry were able to help me from start to finish as it was my first time importing for my business, and were able to answer all my questions. Would highly recommend their service!
We have been working with Scott Erwin at G.C Custom Services for over a decade now. He is a dedicated, hard working person who if he does not know the answer right away he finds out and calls you back. Many times I've called looking for guidance on how to import a parcel into Canada and Scott has always found a way to assist. Would recommend the whole team over there for their genuine helpful personalities.
We have worked with Scott Erwin and this team for many years! The quality of service that they have provided to us is exceptional!! Very knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile to ensure seamless and stress free importing.
We were incredibly thankful to work with Tammy who showed up to the office outside of regular hours to help us with some border paperwork. Very impressed!
Melanie is amazing. She helped us deal with our Vehicle import from the US and is very knowledgeable
Import guides from our Knowledge Centre
Plain-language guides to CBSA clearance, CARM, and the duties and taxes on Canadian imports.
Industry news for importers
Recent tariff, surtax and trade agreement changes, in plain language with the official source.
- Steel & aluminumNew country-of-smelt and cast reporting for aluminum imports starts October 1Since October 1, 2026, importers of aluminum products covered by General Import Permit No. 83 must report where the aluminum was smelted and cast. That means the country of largest smelt (and the country of second-largest smelt, where it applies) for goods containing primary aluminum, and the country of most recent cast for all covered goods. The information goes on the Integrated Import Declaration and was optional until October 1.
- U.S. tariffsU.S. import bans on some Canadian goods take effect September 29The United States added import bans on certain Canadian goods that were already subject to its 50% Section 338 tariffs. According to the Trade Commissioner Service, the bans cover motorcycles, alcoholic beverages, dairy ingredients and whey products, molasses and sugar processing products, and non-alcoholic beer.
- Counter-tariffsSurtax relief extended to the September 8 counter-tariffsThe United States Surtax Order (2026) also amended the United States Surtax Remission Order (2025), so the existing surtax relief now reaches goods subject to the September 8 surtaxes. Relief is available for qualifying goods imported for use in manufacturing or processing, agricultural production, packaging food or beverages, and for certain health care, public health, public safety and national security purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers from licensed customs brokers. Don't see your question?
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. Start with our first-time importer guide and checklist.
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. clears commercial shipments at any port of entry in Canada. Our team is based in Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, and Queenston, Ontario, which gives us strong local coverage at major border crossings, but where we are based does not limit where we clear.
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.
Ready to Clear Your Shipment?
Work directly with a licensed customs broker for fast, compliant clearance.
No setup fees • Fast turnaround • Direct broker support