Do I need a licensed customs broker?

Not necessarily. The CBSA allows importers to prepare their own release and accounting documents. If you hire a broker, you can give them access to your account through the CARM Client Portal.

Can I get a binding answer on country of origin?

Yes. The CBSA can issue an advance ruling or a national customs ruling on origin, requested through the CARM Client Portal. Ask your broker about rulings on other questions, such as classification.

How long must import records be kept?

The CBSA's import guide asks importers to keep import records for six years following the date of importation.

Does the supplier's Chinese HS code work in Canada?

Only the first six digits are common to all Harmonized System countries. The full Canadian tariff classification number has to be confirmed in the Customs Tariff.

Importing Robots from China into Canada

1. Set up your business to import

Commercial importing starts with a business number. Once you receive a nine-digit business number (BN9) from the Canada Revenue Agency, register in the CARM Client Portal and enrol in the importer program to receive your importer account number (BN15). CBSA: Set up your business to import

You can prepare and submit your own release and accounting documents, or hire a licensed customs broker to do it. In the CARM Client Portal, you can delegate authority to employees, customs brokers or trade consultants. CBSA: Set up your business to import

2. Confirm origin and admissibility

You must provide proof of country of origin when you import goods into Canada, and some goods must also be marked with their origin. Check whether the country of origin has a free trade agreement or other preferential tariff treatment with Canada. CBSA: Gather information about the goods you want to import

If you are unsure of the country of origin, for example when a robot is assembled from parts made in several countries, you can request an advance ruling or a national customs ruling through the CARM Client Portal. CBSA: Gather information about the goods you want to import

Before ordering, check that the goods are admissible in Canada and whether they need permits or special documents from other government departments. CBSA: Gather information about the goods you want to import

3. Classify the goods and work out duties and taxes

Start with the product's tariff classification number. Together with the country of origin, it determines the tariff treatment, and tariff treatments define the duty rates Canada applies. CBSA: Select the duties and taxes that apply

Canada and China both base their classifications on the Harmonized System, and the first six digits identify a good across all HS countries. The remaining digits are national, so confirm the full Canadian number in the Customs Tariff rather than copying the supplier's export code. CBSA: Select the duties and taxes that apply, CBSA: Customs Tariff

The Goods and Services Tax applies to most products imported into Canada, except those exempt under the Excise Tax Act. GST is calculated on the total value of the goods plus the applicable duties. CBSA: Select the duties and taxes that apply

Robot shipments often mix several kinds of goods. Prepare the details below for each line on the invoice. CBSA: Select the duties and taxes that apply

Line on the invoice	Information your broker needs to classify it	Reference
Assembled robot with controller	What the robot does, and which accessories, chargers and batteries ship in the same crate	CBSA: Select the duties and taxes that apply
Robot arm sold for integration	Whether the control cabinet and teach pendant are included, and the industrial task it is intended for	CBSA: Customs Tariff
Actuator modules, motors, gearboxes	Whether each item is a motor, a speed reducer or an integrated joint with electronics	CBSA: Select the duties and taxes that apply
Sensors and cameras	How the sensor measures, what it outputs and whether it works as a standalone device	CBSA: Customs Tariff
Spare battery packs	Cell chemistry, watt-hour rating and number of packs	CBSA: Customs Tariff

4. Radio certification for connected robots

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's Certification and Engineering Bureau is responsible for testing and certifying radio equipment, and for registering terminal equipment, for Canada. If a robot contains Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or cellular modules, ask the manufacturer for the Canadian certification details of each radio module and of the finished product. ISED: Certification and Engineering Bureau

ISED also publishes the list of accredited certification bodies and testing laboratories. Its Spectrum Management System is used for radio equipment certification and terminal equipment registration in Canada. ISED: Certification and Engineering Bureau

5. Ship and report the goods

All commercial goods must be reported to the CBSA without delay after arrival. When a carrier transports the shipment, the carrier submits the advance cargo and conveyance data. You must give the carrier detailed cargo information so the goods can be reported correctly. CBSA: Ship and report goods

Robots with lithium batteries need dangerous goods handling when they fly. Air carriage depends on the battery configuration and its watt-hour rating, so send the pack details to your forwarder when you request a quotation. IATA: Lithium batteries

6. Release, accounting and payment

Importers enrolled in the Release Prior to Payment program who provide financial security can have goods released before paying duties and taxes. They must then submit a commercial accounting declaration and pay within the required timeframes. Accounts without financial security pay at the time of release. CBSA: Release, account and pay duties and taxes

Keep your import records for six years from the date of importation. The CBSA uses the Administrative Monetary Penalty System to assess penalties against businesses that do not comply. CBSA: Compliance matters

Before you ship

Register for a business number and the CARM Client Portal well before the first robot leaves the factory, and decide whether a licensed broker will handle release and accounting.
Ask your broker to confirm the tariff classification and the origin of every invoice line, including spare parts and batteries.
Request radio certification details from the manufacturer for any robot with wireless connectivity.
Ask which electrical safety certification marks the controller, charger and power supplies carry, and whether they suit your province and site.
Agree the Incoterm and confirm that the commercial invoice shows the description, value and origin of each item.

This guide summarises CBSA and ISED guidance as of the date shown. It does not determine how the rules apply to a particular product. A licensed customs broker and, where needed, a certification body should confirm that for your shipment.

Importing Robots from China into Canada: CBSA, CARM and Radio Certification