A non-resident importer (an “NRI”) is a company located outside of the importing country, acting as the “Importer of Record” being responsible for the duty, taxes and any other disbursements. The program was developed to specifically assist U.S. vendors access the lucrative Canadian market on a level playing field with Canadian domestic vendors. Becoming an NRI makes it possible to successfully compete for market share since Canadian purchasers find it as easy and cost-effective to buy from the U.S. as from a Canadian supplier.

Many of the “large box retailers” insist that their U.S. supplier’s ship to them delivered duty paid (DDP). In order to meet this condition, U.S. suppliers are required to become the importer of record, or Non-Resident Importer. The NRI program enables you to sell your goods on a delivered basis, inclusive of all charges. Your Canadian customers are able to compare your price in Canada, with the price of similar goods, not having to estimate the various import costs.

There are a number of considerations to take into account when looking at becoming an NRI. You will have certain obligations to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) when acting as the importer of record. Our experts will ensure your compliance with CBSA regulations in the new AMPS (Administrative Monetary Penalty System) regime.

The following are key components when considering the NRI program.

• Import Business Number
• Maintenance of Books & Records
• GST (Goods & Services Tax)
• HST/PST (Harmonized Sales Tax/Provincial Sales Tax)
• Valuation
• Calculation of Landed Costs
• Documentation
• NAFTA
• Warehousing/Distribution
• Returns/Warranty Program

Link to Canada Border Services Agency regulations & Interpretation or call your nearest World Wide Customs Brokers office for more info.

Do not let this overwhelm or discourage you. Once the process has been properly set up you will experience no differences in shipping to Canada versus shipping within the USA.

Our offices, contact names, phone numbers & email address

Distribution

We manage warehouses on both sides of the 49th Parallel and can handle inventories, order packing, and order shipping of any size, whether inbound or outbound. We can consolidate and de-consolidate shipments so that you can minimize both your shipping and your customs costs.

Here are some industries for which we have found the process to be effective:

• Mail Order
• Internet E-commerce
• Food Producers