Are you a target this year?

Customs Audits……The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has released its compliance targets for 2024.

We have worked with importers on some audits that have resulted in some minor changes and have even educated the importer. Then there are others that take up lots of time, money, and resources. All of the trouble and drama can be avoided with a little preventative maintenance.

The usual issues for the CBSA are classification, valuation, and preferential trade agreements. Three things that, as an importer, you should have a good handle on. The CBSA is kind enough to provide us with a listing of the types of imported products they are targeting and what they are targeting them for. The link below takes you to a listing of the items that the CBSA will be auditing this year:

https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/verification/menu-eng.html

The webpage tells you whether the commodity is being audited for classification or valuation. You can click to expand a target and get a detailed description, including the number of audits performed, the value of reassessments, and the fines that have been levied as a result of the audits. This is just like a warning light on your dashboard coming on. You can only ignore it for so long until the car breaks down.

No one wants to be audited, yet everyone is surprised when they get a call or letter from the CBSA saying that they have been targeted. These lists have been published for years. Do yourself a favour and take a look at the list. If you import any of the products listed there, you can expect a letter from the CBSA. Tradewin has experienced experts who can work with you to lessen the harmful effects of a compliance verification audit and address an importer’s legal obligation to respond to one. We can take the pressure off so you can concentrate on your business. We're here to help.