Canadian Customs & Compliance

The world’s largest trading countries use The Harmonized System (HS) of tariff classification.  The service is offered to resident and non-resident customers.  Under this service, our consultants will review a client’s existing HS tariff classification and prepare a fully researched and customs compliant database.  Tariff Relief -There are numerous relief programs that reduce or eliminate duty.  This service will identify relief opportunities either as a separate service or in conjunction with a general audit.  Furthermore, we will represent clients who have unique circumstances that are not covered by existing programs.NAFTA Sourcing & Record Keeping.

When you import goods from other countries, the convoluted, multi-layered complexities of Free Trade Agreements (FTA’s) can seem an overwhelming obstacle to your business. A Free Trade Agreement allows you to compete on a more level playing field with businesses in the FTA partner country.

Cole is very well versed in the ins and outs of all free trade agreements and we’ll guide you smoothly through the complicated compliance process. By identifying, soliciting and verifying the countries that are now part of FTAs with Canada, we can help minimize free trade exceptions and reduce or eliminate tariffs payable on the goods you import.

Canada has free trade agreements with more than 10 countries and is in negotiations with more than 60 countries, including some of the world’s key markets. It is important to note that each FTA covers different industry sectors and contains different provisions, depending on the FTA partner.

True to our comprehensive, proactive, full-service approach, Cole International will:

• Update your database to ensure the correct
• Maintain certificates to prevent duplication and minimize exposure
• Identify potential refunds on qualifying goods
• Provide detailed, customized reports
• Review suppliers’ certificates and seek corrective action where required

Our services can provide full technical support for clients and vendors to determine eligibility, record Keeping requirements, rules of origin, origin criteria, certification requirements, and related enforcement and administration concerns associated with a large variety of Free Trade Agreements.

Cole will compose an audit of the existing method of valuation resulting in any recommendations necessary to achieve compliance.  If the customer's past valuation practice was not in compliance, we will recommend a course of action to return to compliance, to include negotiations with Canada or US Customs and any of the services associated with such actions.

A variety of products that enter Canada or the USA are subject to a refund of duties paid based on the fact that they subsequently left Canada or the USA in the same condition they arrived in or as a component of manufactured goods.  Refunds are available retroactively for 2-4 years depending on the issue and regulation involved.

This service involves a complete audit of past import or domestic transactions to evaluate the assigned tariff classifications, duties, GST, provincial taxes and other commodity taxes.  The audit will serve to identify overpayments and minimize future disbursements and maximize compliance.

This study provides residents or non-residents comprehensive data related to the regulatory and trade processes for any country.  The service will identify import regulations, documentation, procedures and processes related to the client's trade requirements.

The environment surrounding trade activities has dramatically changed with the introduction of monetary penalties for non-compliance with customs regulations.  Our consulting services group provides an array of compliance services including compliance reviews, systems reviews, HS databases, compliance seminars and training, profile management and customer-specific consultation.

Voluntary/Prior disclosures are used by an importer/exporter to notify the CBSA or CBP of discrepancies inherent in their trans-border transactions. By utilizing a voluntary disclosure the importer can eliminate the potential penalties that would normally apply if the discrepancies were found during an audit. These disclosures may also be made on an anonymous basis until a decision has been rendered by the CBSA or CBP.  Our service will include the review of discrepancies with the importer prior to disclosure, development of a plan of action, preparation and presentation of the actual or anonymous disclosure, review of the CBSA’s or CBP’s response and preparation/presentation of all appeals arising from the disclosure.

US and Canadian customs can allow companies to enter into PRA’s following the assessment of penalties relating to import compliance.  We will assist the client by reviewing the penalties assessed, Provide advice on the best course of action and if required negotiate on the client’s behalf the terms of the PRA with either CBP or CBSA.

A variety of penalties can be applied for infractions incurred by importers.  Each recurrent penalty increases the monetary amount of the next infraction. It is crucial that all penalties regardless of size or level be appealed to insure future compliance costs are kept to a minimum.  Your import profile reflects the amount of customs enforcement you will receive and determines the frequency of customs audits.  Our service focuses on the reduction or removal of penalties from your import record.

Cole will attempt to reverse the impact of enforcement action and provide advice on future compliance requirements, including appeals directly to the assessing officer, the Adjudications Directorate of the Canada Border Service Agency, Customs Border Protection or higher when necessary and warranted.

Seizures and ascertained forfeiture occur when goods have not been reported or were undervalued for Customs purposes.  We will represent the client in such enforcement action, prepare any required appeals and provide advice on future conformance.

This study provides residents or non-residents comprehensive data related to the regulatory and trade processes for any country.  The service will identify import regulations, documentation, procedures and processes related to the client's trade requirements.

C-TPAT is a joint US Customs-business initiative to build cooperative relationships that strengthen the overall supply chain and border security. Through this initiative, Customs is asking businesses to ensure the integrity of their security practices and communicate their security guidelines to their business partners within the supply chain.

Our service entails all aspects of the C-TPAT application and acceptance process including preparation and submission of the Memorandum of Understanding and preparation and submission of the supply chain security profile questionnaire to Customs.

Cole conducts a comprehensive self-assessment of supply chain security using the C-TPAT security guidelines jointly developed by Customs and the trade community. These guidelines encompass areas of Procedural Security, Physical Security, Personnel Security, Education and Training, Access Controls, Manifest Procedures, and Conveyance Security.

We can help you to develop and implement a program to enhance security throughout the supply chain in accordance with C-TPAT guidelines and communicate C-TPAT guidelines to other companies in your supply chain.

PIP is a joint Canada Customs-business initiative to build cooperative relationships that strengthen the overall supply chain and border security. Through this initiative, Customs is asking businesses to ensure the integrity of their security practices and communicate their security guidelines to their business partners within the supply chain.  Services for this program are the same as those offered under our C-TPAT program noted above.

This program focuses on the yearly maintenance aspects of being a member of C-TPAT or PIP.  Annually vendors are polled to identify their ongoing commitment to security.  Security profile updates and changes to security policy, process must be voluntarily submitted to Canada or US Customs or both.  Failure to update your files correctly can result in the loss qualification status.  Annual monitoring and self-assessment is a critical part of maintaining your existing security status.  This service proactively manages the monthly or yearly maintenance requirements for both security programs.