Shipping to Canada? Don’t Forget “Other Government Department” Compliance Mandates

Businesses that ship products to Canada understand that compliance with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) mandates and regulations is a necessary part of any cross border transaction.  But less well known is that, in addition to CBSA, more than a dozen government agencies have oversight over importation of certain products.  These agencies, known as “other government departments,” or “OGDs,” set standards for “controlled” goods ranging from firearms to vehicles to plants to food to live animals.

CBSA acts on behalf of the OGDs by ensuring that all required permits, licenses, fees and other OGD authorizations are in place.

Compliance mandates can vary from one OGD to another.  The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) may require import permits for certain types of seed, plant materials and live animals, while Health Canada requires pre-authorization and a permit before a chemical, drug or veterinary drug may be allowed in to the country.

A shipment affected by OGD compliance mandates must arrive at the border with all necessary paperwork, licenses and permits.  Failure to comply could result in a fine, as outlined in CBSA’s Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS), or in a shipment delayed or denied entry outright.  In addition, certain OGDs assess their own non-compliance penalties, for which a business would be liable.

Learn more about OGD compliance procedures by downloading a complimentary copy of Purolator International’s new white paper, “Understanding the Canadian Import Process:  Canada Border Services Agency and Other Government Departments.”

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