Does Customs in Canada Open Packages?

When it comes to international shipping, one common concern among consumers and businesses alike is whether customs will open their packages. For those sending or receiving goods in Canada, understanding how customs inspections work can provide peace of mind and help in planning shipments.  

The Role of Customs in Canada 

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is tasked with screening all goods entering the country, including those sent by mail and courier services. This screening is primarily intended to ensure the safety and security of Canadians by preventing the entry of prohibited or dangerous items. As such, the CBSA screens every package arriving in Canada, but only opens packages that require closer inspection. 

Initial Inspections 

When a package arrives in Canada, it is first presented by Canada Post to the CBSA for processing. During this initial phase, Border Services Officers (BSOs) conduct a primary inspection to determine if the package can be cleared for entry. Most parcels, packages, and letters are released after this primary inspection, which suggests that the CBSA does not open most packages. The inspection process is generally efficient, and packages can be cleared within a day. 

Reasons for Closer Inspection 

However, there are certain circumstances where a package may be subject to a secondary inspection. The CBSA may open a package if: 

• There is a suspicion that the item may be prohibited or restricted under Canadian law. 

• The package is wrongly labeled, which could mask its true contents. 

• There is concern that the item contains contraband or poses a risk to safety. 

In such cases, the CBSA might open the package to verify its contents. If the item is found to be admissible, it will be cleared, and any applicable duties and taxes will be levied before it is released to Canada Post for delivery. 

What Happens During a Secondary Inspection? 

A secondary inspection involves a more detailed examination of the package’s contents. Depending on the nature of the item, this inspection may be conducted by another government department or agency, such as Health Canada or the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). If a package is deemed inadmissible, the CBSA will take appropriate enforcement action, which may involve seizing the item and notifying the sender or receiver. 

Duties and Taxes 

For items that are cleared, the CBSA is responsible for collecting duties and taxes on behalf of the Government of Canada. These fees apply to almost all international goods imported by mail that exceed the $20 exemption. If duties and/or taxes are owed, they will be indicated on Form E14, CBSA Postal Import Form, which will be attached to the package upon delivery. Note that Canada Post also charges a handling fee to process goods that are subject to duties and/or taxes. 

Tracking and Delays 

Although the CBSA aims to process packages as swiftly as possible, delays can occur due to high volumes of mail, especially during peak periods like the holiday season or when there is a surge in e-commerce. It is important to note that the CBSA does not provide tracking information for mail items. Instead, tracking should be done through the Canada Post website. 

Conclusion 

Overall, while the CBSA screens all packages entering Canada, most are not opened and are quickly cleared for delivery. For those that are selected for further inspection, the reasons usually relate to safety and compliance with Canadian regulations.  

For individuals and businesses shipping goods to Canada, understanding the customs process can help ensure a smooth experience. Properly labeling and declaring package contents can help avoid unnecessary delays.  

If you have more questions or need assistance with customs processes or compliance, consider consulting with a customs expert. Our team is here to help you navigate these complexities and ensure your shipments comply with all relevant regulations. Contact us today to find out more about our customs consulting services.