Trade incentives programs
Duties Relief Program
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The Duties Relief Program from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) allows qualified companies to import commercial goods without paying duties, as long as those goods are eventually exported. As part of the program, companies can manufacture or use the commercial goods in a limited manner before export.
Eligibility
To qualify for the program, your company must import commercial goods under the following conditions:
- The goods are later exported as-is, or
- The goods are used to produce other goods for export
Note: If goods are exported to the United States or Mexico, there may be restrictions under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). More information: Memorandum D7-4-3: CUSMA Requirements for the Duty Drawback and the Duties Relief Programs.
How to apply
Complete Form K90, Duties Relief Application, and send it to your local CBSA office.
Deadline to export goods
In most cases, you must export the goods within 4 years from the time they enter Canada.
Checking for compliance with the program
The CBSA will check that imported commercial goods are eventually exported. Your company may be subject to periodic audits for the CBSA to verify that your goods and activities meet program requirements.
Your company must:
- track all goods
- pay necessary duties immediately if goods no longer qualify for the program
Conditions for selling or transferring goods
Your company can sell or transfer imported commercial goods before they are exported, as long as the new owner is also a Duties Relief Program participant. You will transfer all liability, such as paying duties and reporting non-compliance, to the new owner.
For more information, contact your local CBSA office.
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