Exporters

Frequently asked questions - Form B13A Export Declaration

Questions

1. When an exporter decides not to declare to the CBSA goods for export, does it mean the freight forwarder is responsible for providing the declaration to the Canada Border Services Agency, getting it stamped, and then providing a stamped copy to the shipping line 48 hours before sailing?

2. Can B13A forms be faxed? If so, what about supporting documentation?

3. Goods could start on a truck, switch to rail and finally be loaded on a ship. How is field 26 to be filled out if the exporter does not know if the goods will be containerized or not when they get to the end of their Canadian journey?

4. We understand that B13A declarations have to be filed before export from Canada. How do we file the B13A declarations? Can we fax them to the customs office of exit?

5. Is it mandatory to complete the field called "Freight charges to point of exit"?

6. Our product sells for $490.00 per unit. Since each unit is valued at less than $2,000.00 CDN, does this mean that we are not required to complete a B13A Export Declaration or report our export sales to the CBSA?

Answers

1. When an exporter decides not to declare to the CBSA goods for export, does it mean the freight forwarder is responsible for providing the declaration to the Canada Border Services Agency, getting it stamped, and then providing a stamped copy to the shipping line 48 hours before sailing?

   The exporter has to make sure Form B13A is completed. Also, the exporter has to make sure this document is completed properly and stamped at the CBSA according to the time frames per mode in the new regulations. For marine shipments, the clock starts ticking either once the CAED (Canadian Automated Export Declaration) has been filed or a Form B13A has been stamped. A service provider, such as a freight forwarder, may provide this service but if time frames are not met or errors are made, the exporter (his client) will be subject to AMPS penalties.

2. Can B13A forms be faxed? If so, what about supporting documentation?

   Some regions were allowing exporters to fax their B13A declarations. This is no longer possible, since a stamp must be applied in field #8 of the B13A as proof that the exporter has reported to the CBSA. If the exporter is not near a customs office, an option would be to join CAED, the automated program that provides the ability to report 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, using your own computer.

3. Goods could start on a truck, switch to rail and finally be loaded on a ship. How is field 26 to be filled out if the exporter does not know if the goods will be containerized or not when they get to the end of their Canadian journey?

   If this is not known, it should be filled out according to past history or best-guess scenario. Usually, the exporter will know if the goods will be containerized.

4. We understand that B13A declarations have to be filed before export from Canada. How do we file the B13A declarations? Can we fax them to the customs office of exit?

   CBSA offices cannot accept such faxes, since an original date stamp must be applied on three copies of the B13A declarations. An alternative worth considering is electronic reporting (CAED).

5. Is it mandatory to complete the field called "Freight charges to point of exit"?

   Yes. You have to include the applicable amount in this field. This amount has to be declared and included in the value of the goods being exported. The CAED system provides fields to declare these charges.

6. Our product sells for $490.00 per unit. Since each unit is valued at less than $2,000.00 CDN, does this mean that we are not required to complete a B13A Export Declaration or report our export sales to the CBSA?

   The value of the entire shipment is the determining factor, not the value of individual items. When the value of a shipment exceeds $2,000.00 CDN and it is destined for a country other than the US it normally requires a B13A Export Declaration. However, other considerations also come into play. Factors affecting the exporter's obligations are the existence of export controls (goods the exportation of which requires a permit, licence or certificate) and the country where the goods will be consumed. As such, the following are all potentially valid depending on the particulars of each shipment.

   GOODS WITHOUT CONTROLS TO BE CONSUMED IN THE US
   Regardless of shipment value, no B13A Export Declaration or other document is required by the CBSA.

   GOODS WITHOUT CONTROLS TO BE CONSUMED IN A COUNTRY OTHER THAN THE US
   For shipments valued at $2,000.00 CDN or more, you must provide the CBSA with a completed B13A Export Declaration. For shipments valued at less than $2,000.00 CDN you have no B13A Export Declaration to complete and no document to provide to the CBSA.

   CONTROLLED GOODS TO BE CONSUMED IN THE US
   Regardless of shipment value, you must provide a copy of any required permit, licence or certificate to the CBSA but you do not submit a B13A Export Declaration.

   CONTROLLED GOODS TO BE CONSUMED IN A COUNTRY OTHER THAN THE US
   Regardless of shipment value, you must provide a copy of all required permits, licences or certificates to the CBSA as well as a completed B13A Export Declaration.