Smooth border crossings with licensed customs brokers managing documentation, compliance, and duties for imports/exports.
BENEFITS
Licensed Canada-US Customs Brokers
FNR Logistics works with brokers holding active CBSA and CBP licensing on both sides of the Canada-US border. That dual-side knowledge matters more than most shippers realize. Regulations that apply on the Canadian import side don’t mirror US requirements, and gaps in that understanding are where clearance problems start. Our brokers stay current on regulatory changes that affect how cargo clears and apply that knowledge to every entry we file.
Duty & Tax Optimization
Paying more duty than you legally owe is a cost that compounds over time. FNR Logistics reviews tariff classifications for accuracy, identifies applicable trade agreement benefits under USMCA and other preferential programs, and evaluates duty drawback opportunities for eligible importers. Getting the tariff code right isn’t just about compliance it’s about making sure clients aren’t overpaying on every shipment because a classification wasn’t challenged when it should have been.
Documentation Accuracy & Compliance
Customs documentation errors are the single most common cause of clearance delays and penalty assessments. Commercial invoices with missing fields, incorrect country of origin declarations, incomplete B3 entries, and AES filing errors all create problems that take time and money to fix. FNR Logistics reviews documentation before submission catching the issues that border officers flag and that trigger examinations on otherwise straightforward shipments.
Fast Border Clearance
Pre-arrival processing through programs like CBSA’s Pre-Arrival Review System and the FAST program for trusted traders reduces border wait times and lowers the likelihood of physical examination. FNR Logistics prepares and submits cargo documentation in advance of arrival, so release decisions are made before the truck reaches the port of entry rather than after it’s already in the inspection queue.
Compliance Risk Management
Customs compliance isn’t a one-time event it’s an ongoing requirement that shifts as regulations change, trade agreements are updated, and enforcement priorities move. FNR Logistics supports clients through audits, maintains organized record-keeping systems that meet CBSA retention requirements, and flags regulatory changes that affect how specific commodities are classified or cleared. Penalty avoidance starts with staying ahead of what’s changing, not reacting to it after an assessment arrives.
A customs hold doesn’t just delay a shipment it delays everything connected to it. Production schedules, retail deliveries, project timelines. FNR Logistics works with licensed Canadian customs brokers who know CBSA and CBP requirements from the inside out. We classify correctly, file accurately, and process documentation before cargo reaches the border not after it’s already sitting in a queue. For importers and exporters who can’t afford clearance surprises, that preparation makes a real difference.
Expert Knowledge
Our specialists stay current on global customs laws and documentation.
End-to-End Support:
We handle all customs processes—origin, transit, and destination.
Error-Free Documentation
Accurate classifications, declarations, and HS codes prevent costly delays.
Faster Clearance
We streamline border crossings to minimize hold-ups and reduce downtime.
Multi-Country Experience
We handle customs across a wide range of countries and ports of entry.
Industries We Serve
Manufacturing & Industrial
Raw material imports, production equipment, tooling, and component shipments move constantly for Canadian manufacturers sourcing internationally. FNR Logistics handles the classification and documentation for industrial imports and exports including duty relief programs for goods used in Canadian manufacturing that are eligible for tariff mitigation under specific import programs.
Food & Agriculture
Food imports and agricultural products face some of the most layered regulatory requirements at the Canadian border CFIA inspection coordination, import permits, phytosanitary certificates, and FDA compliance for US-bound shipments. FNR Logistics manages food and agricultural customs clearance with the agency-specific knowledge that keeps perishable cargo moving rather than sitting in an examination facility.
Retail & Consumer Goods
Finished consumer products textiles, electronics, toys, furniture, footwear each carry their own classification nuances, labelling requirements, and applicable trade agreement considerations. FNR Logistics supports retail importers with accurate tariff classification, USMCA origin analysis where applicable, and documentation review that keeps consumer goods shipments clearing without the exam holds that hit poorly documented entries.
Automotive & Aerospace
Vehicle imports, automotive parts, and aircraft components all involve import controls, valuation complexities, and in some cases end-use duty relief programs that require specific documentation to claim. FNR Logistics handles automotive and aerospace customs entries with the classification depth these commodities require including coordination with Transport Canada and other regulatory bodies where product compliance documentation is part of the clearance requirement.
Import Customs Clearance
Every commercial import into Canada requires a formal entry classification, valuation, duty calculation, and release coordination with CBSA. FNR Logistics manages the full import customs clearance process: preparing the B3 entry, confirming tariff classifications, calculating applicable duties and taxes, and coordinating cargo release with the port of entry. We also handle post-entry amendments when corrections are needed after initial clearance something more common than most importers expect when documentation comes from multiple international suppliers with varying levels of compliance discipline.
Export Customs Documentation.
Exporting from Canada involves its own documentation requirements that get overlooked when shippers focus entirely on the import side of a transaction. Export declarations, B13A filings, export permits for controlled goods, and destination country compliance requirements all need to be handled before the cargo leaves Canadian soil. FNR Logistics prepares export documentation, coordinates licensing where regulated goods are involved, and ensures that the paperwork travelling with the shipment meets the requirements of both the Canadian export authority and the receiving country's import regime.
NAFTA/USMCA Certification
Claiming preferential duty treatment under USMCA requires more than filling out a certificate of origin it requires a defensible analysis of whether the goods actually meet the rules of origin that apply to the specific tariff classification. FNR Logistics conducts rule of origin assessments, prepares USMCA certifications that meet current CBP and CBSA requirements, and helps clients build the supporting documentation needed to defend a preferential claim during an audit. Claiming USMCA incorrectly creates liability. Claiming it correctly and defensibly creates real duty savings.
Restricted Goods Clearance
Some commodities require more than a standard customs entry. Food products regulated by CFIA and FDA, agricultural goods requiring phytosanitary certification, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, controlled substances, and products subject to EPA or USDA oversight all involve additional permits, agency notifications, and compliance documentation beyond what general freight requires. FNR Logistics coordinates restricted goods clearance across these agency requirements managing the communication between customs, the relevant regulatory authority, and the port of entry to get compliant cargo released without unnecessary delays.
Customs Consulting & Training.
Many customs compliance problems aren't caused by bad intentions they're caused by internal processes that were never set up properly in the first place. FNR Logistics provides compliance audits that identify classification errors, documentation gaps, and process weaknesses before CBSA or CBP finds them. We also work with import and export teams on tariff classification training, internal compliance procedure development, and the kind of practical staff education that reduces errors at the source rather than correcting them after the fact.
FAQ
The documents required for customs clearance depend on the type of goods, origin, destination country, and mode of transport. Missing or incorrect paperwork is one of the most common causes of border delays so accuracy matters.
Core documents required for most international shipments:
· Commercial invoice — describes the goods, their value, and the buyer/seller details
· Packing list — details the contents, weight, and dimensions of each package
· Bill of lading (ocean) or airway bill (air) — the official transport contract between shipper and carrier
· Certificate of origin — confirms where the goods were manufactured
· Import/export permits or licenses — required for regulated or controlled goods
· HS code classification — the internationally recognized product code used to calculate duties
Additional documents such as phytosanitary certificates, MSDS sheets, or FDA approvals may be required depending on the commodity. At FNR Logistics, our customs team handles all documentation preparation and verification so nothing gets missed at the border.
Customs brokerage fees vary based on the complexity of the shipment, the number of line items, the countries involved, and the type of goods being cleared. There is no single flat rate but here's a breakdown of what's typically involved.
Common customs-related costs include:
· Brokerage service fee — charged per entry or per shipment for filing and processing
· Duties and import taxes — calculated based on HS code classification, cargo value, and country of origin
· VAT or GST — applied in many destination countries on imported goods
· Inspection or examination fees — if customs authorities select your shipment for physical review
· Disbursement fees — for duties and taxes paid on your behalf by the broker
· Bond fees — required in some countries for temporary imports or high-value goods
At FNR Logistics, we provide transparent customs brokerage pricing with no hidden charges and we advise you on how to minimize duties where possible. Contact us for a full cost estimate based on your specific shipment and trade lane.
Customs clearance times vary by country, cargo type, documentation accuracy, and whether your shipment is selected for physical inspection. In many cases, well-prepared shipments clear quickly delays are almost always caused by paperwork issues.
Typical customs clearance timeframes:
· Standard import/export clearance: 1–3 business days with complete documentation
· Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA): Often same-day for pre-approved, compliant shipments
· U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): 1–2 business days for standard commercial entries
· Physical inspection or examination: Can add 2–5 additional business days
· Regulatory holds (food, pharma, controlled goods): Variable depends on the authority involved
The single biggest factor in fast clearance is accurate, complete documentation submitted in advance. At FNR Logistics, our error-free filing process and proactive compliance checks are designed to minimize clearance time at every border crossing.
Yes. FNR Logistics provides accurate duty and tax calculations as part of our customs brokerage service — so you know your full landed cost before your shipment moves, not after it arrives.
Our duty and tax services include:
· HS code classification — correct product coding is the foundation of accurate duty calculation
· Tariff rate lookup — we identify the applicable duty rate for your goods in the destination country
· Import VAT and GST calculation — applied in Canada, the U.S., and most international markets
· Trade agreement assessment — we check if your goods qualify for reduced or zero duties under CUSMA, CETA, or other applicable trade agreements
· Duty minimization advice — legal strategies to reduce your customs cost where possible
Incorrect duty calculations can lead to penalties, shipment holds, or unexpected costs on arrival. At FNR Logistics, we get it right the first time. Contact us to get a duty and tax estimate for your upcoming shipment.
A customs delay doesn't have to derail your supply chain. At FNR Logistics, we act immediately when a hold or delay occurs working directly with customs authorities to identify the issue and resolve it as fast as possible.
Here's how we handle customs delays:
· Immediate notification — we alert you as soon as a delay or hold is identified
· Root cause diagnosis — we determine whether it's a documentation issue, inspection, or regulatory hold
· Direct customs liaison — our team communicates with CBSA, CBP, or the relevant authority on your behalf
· Rapid document correction — if missing or incorrect paperwork is the cause, we resolve it quickly
· Inspection coordination — we arrange and manage physical examinations to minimize wait time
· Real-time updates — you're kept fully informed throughout the resolution process
Most customs delays are preventable with the right preparation and resolvable quickly with the right expertise. At FNR Logistics, both are built into everything we do. Contact us to learn how we protect your shipments at the border.
Yes. FNR Logistics provides end-to-end customs support at both the origin and destination covering imports, exports, and transit across multiple countries. You get one experienced team managing compliance at every border your shipment crosses.
Our origin-to-destination customs services include:
· Export customs filing — declarations, permits, and compliance at the country of origin
· Import customs clearance — full entry filing, duty payment, and release at the destination
· Transit customs coordination — for multi-country shipments passing through intermediate borders
· HS code classification and tariff consulting — at both ends of the shipment
· Multi-country experience — we handle customs across a wide range of countries and ports of entry
· Electronic customs filing — fast, accurate submissions that reduce manual processing time
Managing customs at both ends with a single, experienced partner eliminates communication gaps, reduces errors, and keeps your cargo moving without unnecessary stops. Contact FNR Logistics to discuss your cross-border customs requirements today.
