Customs Notice 20-15
Increase to the Low Value Shipment (LVS) Threshold and Simplification to the Proof of Origin Requirements for Goods Imported into Canada

Ottawa,

Revised

1. This notice provides information on regulatory changes for new low value shipment (LVS) thresholds that will be implemented at the time of entry into force of the Canada – United States – Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Other Customs Notices necessary to implement CUSMA provisions will follow.

2. Effective on the day of coming into force of CUSMA, the CBSA will increase its Low Value Shipment (LVS) thresholds for all commercial importations (in addition to those for express shipments) to an estimated value for duty not exceeding CAD$3,300

3. More specifically, references to thresholds in paragraphs 6(1)(a) and (b), 7.1, 7(2.1)(d), paragraphs 8(a), 8.2(d), 10(a) and (b) and section 10.31 of the Accounting for Imported Goods and Payment of Duties Regulations, as well as paragraph 4(c) of the Fees in Respect of Mail Regulations, and subsections 6(4), 9.1(4), 10(4), and 12.1(4) of the Proof of Origin of Imported Goods Regulations are to be amended retroactively to the date of the coming into force of CUSMA to an estimated value for duty not exceeding CAD$3,300.

4. These regulatory changes will be implemented in accordance with paragraph 167.1 of the Customs Act to take effect on the day of entry into force of the CUSMA and remain subject to future decisions from the Governor in Council. All related CBSA publications will be updated accordingly.

5. In addition to the amendments to the thresholds noted in paragraph 3, paragraphs 6(4)(b), 9.1(4)(b), 10(4)(b) and 12.1(4)(b) of the Proof of Origin of Imported Goods Regulations will be repealed for eligible goods claiming preferential treatment under all of Canada’s free trade agreements currently in force, in addition to CUSMA. Importers and owners of commercial goods, for which the estimated value for duty does not exceed the amount specified in paragraph 3, and for which the benefit of preferential treatment under a free trade agreement is claimed, will no longer be required to provide a (written) statement certifying that the goods are originating in order to be exempt from the requirements of subsection 35.1(1) of the Customs Act.

6. The amendment in paragraph 5 will be made pursuant to section 167.1 of the Customs Act, effective .

7. The requirement on the importer to maintain records (e.g. commercial invoice, B3, etc…) applies even if the CBSA does not require a certification of origin or if a requirement for a certification of origin has been waived.

8. For more information, from within Canada you may call the Border Information Service at 1-800-461-9999. From outside Canada you may call 204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064. Long distance charges will apply. Agents are available Monday to Friday (08:00 – 16:00 local time / except statutory holidays). TTY is also available within Canada: 1-866-335-3237.

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