Customs Account Security Program

Importers can fast-track the release of their goods by accounting for and paying for the shipments after they are released by the Canada Border Services Agency. To take advantage of this privilege, an approved amount of security must be posted with the Agency.

Eligibility Criteria

Importers and customs brokers who can post the required security may apply. 

Summary

Importers and licensed customs brokers who ask for release prior to payment and for uncertified cheque privileges must post security representing 100% of their average monthly outstanding duties and taxes during the previous 12-month period, up to a maximum of $10 million (less GST in the case of resident importers).

The minimum amount of security required for importers is $250 for a single customs office and $5 000 for national privileges. The minimum amount of security required for licensed customs brokers is $5 000 to transact business at a single customs office and $25 000 for national privileges.

This security can be in the following forms:

• cash,
• a certified cheque,
• a transferable Government of Canada bond, or
• a bond issued by an approved financial institution (D120 - Customs Bond format).

Security should be filed with the customs office where the importer or broker wishes to obtain release of goods prior to payment of duties privileges. Where the importer or broker wishes to obtain release privileges at any customs offices in Canada, security must be filed with the Licensing and Account Security Programs of the CBSA.

Manitoba Contact(s):
See National Contact.

National Contact(s):
Border Information Service - BIS
Canada Border Services Agency
Telephone: 204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064 (for calls outside Canada)
Toll-free (information): 1-800-461-9999 (for calls within Canada)
Web site: http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/menu-eng.html
 

Brokers Licensing and Account Security Programs
Canada Border Services Agency
10th Floor
150 Isabella Street
Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 0L8
Telephone: (613) 941-4789
Fax: (613) 946-0242
Toll-free (information): 1-800-461-9999
Web site: http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/menu-eng.html