Question 1

What is a Non-Resident Importer (NRI)?

Accepted Answer

A Non-Resident Importer is a company or individual who does not reside in Canada but elects to act as the Importer of Record (IOR) for shipments imported into Canada. As the IOR, you're responsible for the accuracy of import declarations, payment of all duties and taxes, and compliance with all Participating Government Agency (PGA) regulations.

Question 2

Should I become a Non-Resident Importer?

Accepted Answer

You should consider becoming an NRI if you want to: sell goods to Canadian buyers, appear as a domestic supplier without a physical presence in Canada, use Canadian warehouses and distribution services, offer all-inclusive pricing that includes delivery, duty, and tax, control your transport and customs costs, relieve your customers from declaring goods at the border, or offer samples and warranty shipments free of charge.

Question 3

Why is it important for foreign sellers to become an NRI?

Accepted Answer

When your customers import goods themselves, they often face unexpected duty and tax charges at their doorstep. This creates a poor customer experience and can lead to refused deliveries. As an NRI, you include all costs in your selling price so customers get a clean, predictable buying experience — just like ordering from any Canadian retailer.

Question 4

What are my responsibilities as an NRI?

Accepted Answer

As an NRI, you're responsible for: creating accurate customs documentation, paying import duties and taxes, complying with all CBSA and Participating Government Agency regulations, collecting and remitting GST/HST from Canadian customers if your sales exceed $30,000/year, and maintaining import records for six years. You can hire a customs broker like us to handle these obligations on your behalf.

Question 5

How do I become a Non-Resident Importer?

Accepted Answer

To become an NRI you need to: register for a Business Number with the Canada Revenue Agency, register in the CARM Client Portal, post financial security (RPP bond), and prepare proper documentation for your shipments. We handle the entire registration process for you and can have you set up within 2-3 weeks.

Question 6

How much does it cost to import into Canada?

Accepted Answer

Your landed cost includes three main components: import duty (based on HS tariff code, product value, and country of origin), tax (5% GST plus any applicable provincial sales tax), and shipping/brokerage fees. We help you calculate these costs upfront so you can set accurate prices and protect your margins.

Question 7

What is the de minimis threshold for Canada?

Accepted Answer

Goods valued at less than $20 CAD can be imported into Canada under the de minimis rule without paying duty or tax. For goods above this threshold, full duties and taxes apply. As an NRI, you'll typically be importing commercial quantities that exceed this threshold.

Question 8

Can I sell on Amazon.ca as an NRI?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many of our NRI clients sell on Amazon.ca, Walmart.ca, eBay.ca, Etsy, and other Canadian marketplaces. Being an NRI is actually preferred by these platforms because it means you're handling customs properly and customers won't receive unexpected duty bills at delivery.

Question 9

Do I need to maintain records in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You're required to keep import records for six years following the date of import, and CBSA can audit your records at any time during this period. As your customs broker, we maintain these records in Canada on your behalf under a Letter of Undertaking.

Question 10

What documentation is required for importing into Canada?

Accepted Answer

Basic requirements include a commercial invoice, Canada Customs Invoice (CCI), bill of lading or airway bill, and packing list. Depending on your products, you may also need permits, certificates of origin, or regulatory approvals from Participating Government Agencies like Health Canada or CFIA.

Remove Import Fees For Your Customers.

Import Without a Canadian Presence

CRA Business Registration

CARM Portal Setup

RPP Bond Placement

Landed Cost Calculation

GST/HST Compliance

Ongoing Customs Clearance

Expand Your Business Into the Canadian Market

How to Become an NRI

Register for Business in Canada

Set Up CARM & Secure Your Bond

Start Selling to Canada

Popular NRI Industries

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