Why do most importers use a customs broker?

Speed and risk. A broker classifies goods, secures release quickly, accounts for duties and taxes, and keeps the records the CBSA requires. For regular or complex shipments, the time saved and the classification accuracy usually outweigh the fee.

Do I need a customs broker to import to Canada?

Q: If I use a broker, am I still responsible?

Yes. The CBSA is clear that the importer remains ultimately responsible for the accounting documentation, the payment of duties and taxes, and any subsequent corrections, even when a broker acts on your behalf.

Q: What do I need to import on my own?

At minimum: a Business Number with an import-export (RM) account from the CRA, which is free; the correct tariff classification (HS code) for your goods; the country of origin; the value for duty; and the duties and GST/HST paid to the CBSA. You are also responsible for any permits or restrictions on the goods.

The short answer is no, it is not legally required. The longer answer is that most importers use one anyway, and for good reasons. Here is the honest breakdown.

The short answer

A customs broker is not mandatory to import commercial goods into Canada. The CBSA lets you clear your own goods and deal with the agency directly. A broker is optional. Whether it is worth it comes down to how often you import, how complex your goods are, and how much of the paperwork you want to own yourself.

What the CBSA actually says

Optional, in plain words.

The CBSA's own Step-by-Step Guide to Importing puts it directly: "You may feel comfortable preparing your own release and accounting documentation and transacting business directly with the Canada Border Services Agency."

In other words, the door is open to self-clearing. But the same guide adds the catch that everyone should read twice: you are "ultimately responsible for the accounting documentation, payment of duties and taxes, and subsequent corrections, even if you use the services of a broker." A broker does the work. The legal responsibility stays with you either way.

What clearing goods yourself involves

If you decide to self-clear, here is the work you are taking on. None of it is impossible. It is just real, and mistakes have a cost.

Get a Business Number. You need a BN from the CRA with an import-export (RM) account. It is free.
Classify your goods. Every product gets a tariff classification, the HS code, which sets the duty rate. Getting it wrong means over- or under-paying, and under-paying invites penalties. (Our duty calculator gives you a ballpark.)
Determine country of origin. Origin decides whether a free-trade agreement like CUSMA applies and whether you need a certificate of origin.
Establish the value for duty. Duty and tax are calculated on the customs value of the goods, with specific valuation rules.
Check permits and restrictions. Some goods need approval from another government department (food, health products, and more).
Account for the goods and pay. You submit the accounting and pay duties plus GST or HST to the CBSA, and keep the records it requires.

Why most importers use a broker anyway

Self-clearing is realistic for a one-off, low-value, simple shipment. For anything regular or complicated, most importers hand it to a broker, and here is the practical case for why:

Speed of release. A broker is set up to get goods released fast, which matters when demurrage and storage clocks are running.
Classification done right. Getting the HS code correct, the first time, avoids both overpayment and penalty exposure.
The CARM portal and security. Importers now manage their CBSA account and financial security through the CARM Client Portal. A broker helps you set this up and can be delegated access, but the account and the security obligation are yours.
Time. The fee is usually small next to the hours you would spend learning the system for every shipment.

When self-clearing makes sense

It is a reasonable choice when the shipment is:

Low-value and simple, with an obvious classification
Infrequent, so the learning curve is worth eating once
Not subject to other-government-department permits or restrictions

If you are importing regularly, across multiple product lines, or on tight delivery windows, the math almost always favours a broker.

How Setara handles it

Setara is a freight forwarder. We move your cargo and arrange customs clearance through a licensed customs broker partner, so the transport and the border are handled together under one booking. You get the broker's expertise without juggling two vendors, and you always know who to call. Not sure how a forwarder, a broker, and a 3PL differ? See our plain-English comparison.

Frequently asked

Is a customs broker mandatory to import to Canada?

No. The CBSA allows importers to prepare their own release and accounting documentation and to transact directly with the agency. A broker is optional.

If I use a broker, am I still responsible?

Yes. The CBSA is explicit that the importer remains ultimately responsible for the documentation, the duties and taxes, and any corrections, even when a broker acts for you.

What do I need to import on my own?

A Business Number with an import-export (RM) account (free from the CRA), the correct HS classification, the country of origin, the value for duty, and the duties plus GST/HST paid to the CBSA. Plus any permits the goods require.

Why do most importers use a broker?

Speed and risk. A broker classifies goods, secures release quickly, accounts for duties and taxes, and keeps the required records. For regular or complex shipments, that usually outweighs the fee.

Last reviewed: May 2026. General information for Canadian importers, not legal or customs advice. Source: Canada Border Services Agency, Step-by-Step Guide to Importing Commercial Goods into Canada.

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