Customs Bonded Warehouses
Memorandum D7-4-4

This D-memo will be updated and will come into effect with the scheduled external implementation of CARM in October 2024. The pending version is available now in PDF format only for your reference. The D-memo currently in effect is available on this page.

Pending D-memo in PDF - D7-4-4: Customs Bonded Warehouses

ISSN 2369-2391
Ottawa, October 21, 2015

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In Brief

This document also contains editing revisions which do not affect or change existing policies or procedures and includes changes to the Canada Border Services Agency organizational structure.

This memorandum outlines and explains the procedures to be followed by an individual or company when making application for a Customs Bonded Warehouse (CBW) licence, and the conditions under which such a warehouse must operate.

Guidelines and General Information

1. CBWs are facilities licensed and regulated by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and operated by the private sector. Goods in a CBW are considered to be imported into Canada but have not been released from the CBSA. Imported and domestic goods destined for export may be placed in a CBW provided that the goods are readily identifiable.

2. These facilities provide, with a few exceptions, for the complete deferral of customs duties, anti-dumping and countervailing duties, excise duties and taxes including the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) on imported goods. This deferral continues up to the point the goods are released for Canadian domestic consumption or are exported.

3. CBWs may consist of:

4. This program will be of benefit to persons who:

Allowable Activities

5. The Customs Bonded Warehouses Regulations allow certain activities to be performed in a CBW that do not change the condition of the goods. The goods in a CBW shall not be further manufactured. Goods may be manipulated, altered, or combined with other goods only for the purpose or in the course of:

6. In addition, the following activities that do not materially alter the characteristics of the goods may be carried on in a CBW. These specific activities are:

Display Goods

7. The CBW program may provide for a temporary CBW licence for imported goods to be displayed at conventions and exhibitions as well as for marking purposes. These goods must have been properly declared and documented to enter the CBW designated area. Such goods include products on display as well as those that form part of the display such as stands, tables, backdrops, decorations, display booths, tents, and other housings or coverings. Prohibited or restricted goods are not allowed.

8. Item number 3 of the Customs Bonded Warehouses Regulationsschedulecontains provisions for marking purposes or display of goods at conventions, exhibitions, or trade shows of up to 90 days. The goods must then be either exported from or entered (accounted for under section 32 of the Customs Act) in Canada. Information on temporary imports may be found in Memorandum D8-1-2, International Events and Convention Services Program (IECSP).

9. This provision is available for the one-time convention operator, an event planner or organizer, a convention facility hotel operator or owner, and for an importer who has imported goods that are not marked in accordance with the Marking of Imported Goods Regulations.

Permits

10. All goods being entered into a CBW are considered to be imported into Canada and are required to meet all other government department requirements/conditions (such as permits, authorizations, waivers, rulings, etc.).

11. All permits, certificates, authorizations, or waivers must be presented when entering the goods into the CBW. It is the responsibility of the warehouse operator to inform the CBSA immediately of the revocation of such authorizations.

12. Restricted and controlled goods without permits and/or authorizations may not be entered into a CBW unless the responsible authority has issued a waiver.

13. Agriculture products subject to Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQ) entered into a CBW must have a valid import permit issued by Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFATD) in order to be accounted for at the "within access commitment" rate of duty. If agriculture products subject to TRQ's do not have a valid import permit issued by DFATD then General Import Permit number 100 must be quoted in field 26 (special authority) of the B3-3 accounting documentation using the "over access commitment" rate of duty. Should a valid import permit be subsequently issued for goods that were accounted for at the "over access commitment" rate of duty, then a B2 adjustment must be made to reclassify the goods at the "within access commitment" rate of duty.

Application

14. Any person who wishes to operate a CBW must present a fully completed Form E401, Application for a Licence to Operate a Customs Bonded Warehouse, to the CBSA office closest to the warehouse location.

15. A detailed site plan of the location of the proposed CBW must accompany the application. Flexibility has been provided in the identification of the bonded area to provide for the storage of domestic and in-bond goods. The goods must be readily identifiable through your record-keeping system and be situated in the area designated on your site plan.

16. CBW applications for the storage of alcoholic beverages must obtain approval from the provincial liquor authority of the province where the CBW will be situated, and a copy of that approval must accompany the application.

Security

17. Security to be posted with the CBSA for purposes of subsection 91(4) of the Customs Tariff shall be deposited with the Receiver General for Canada.

18. The amount of security will be 60% of the maximum amount of duties and taxes that would otherwise be payable at any time in the year following the issuance of the licence for the CBW. Security will be reviewed not less than annually and may be decreased or increased according to the largest amount of duties and taxes that would otherwise be payable at any time during the past fiscal year.

19. One bond may be filed for all CBWs operated by an individual or company within the same CBSA office area, provided the amount of the bond is the total of those amounts required under section 4 of the Customs Bonded Warehouses Regulations for each warehouse. The address of each warehouse and the proportion of the total bond value allocated to that CBW shall be indicated on an attached bond rider. The original bonds will be retained on file at the local CBSA office. Any updates and/or changes should be referred to the CBSA regional office where the CBW is located. All securities are to be handled in accordance with Memorandum D1-7-1, Posting Security for Transacting Bonded Operations.

Licence

20. When the applicant has met the requirements of the program, a CBW licence with a unique licence number will be issued. The licence number will consist of the CBSA office code, the letter "W" and a three digit number assigned by the CBSA office. When the CBW licence includes authority to store in bond domestic alcohol or tobacco (field 20, Form E401), an "E" suffix will be added to the licence number. The licence number is required when completing field No. 44 of Form B3-3, Canada Customs Coding Form warehouse type.

Amendment/Cancellation of Licences

21. The Minister may, subject to Customs Bonded Warehouses Regulations, amend, suspend, renew, cancel, or reinstate a CBW licence.

22. For licence cancellation purposes, the nearest CBSA office must be advised in writing at least 60 days prior to the effective date of cancellation. The CBSA will then acknowledge receipt of the cancellation notice. Transfer of ownership of the goods stored in a CBW must be reported to the CBSA using Form B3-3, Canada Customs Coding Form type 30 and a type 13. A change of ownership of the CBW facilities or a change of activities or type of goods must be reported immediately to the CBSA in writing.

23. When a licence is to be suspended by the Minister, the licensee will be advised of the immediate suspension and the reasons for the suspension in writing by registered mail. The licensee has 90 days after the date of suspension to make representation as to why the licence should not be suspended.

24. When corrective action by the operator is required, the suspension may be withdrawn when the CBSA is satisfied that the cause of the suspension no longer exists.

25. When a licence is to be cancelled by the Minister, the licensee will be advised in writing by registered mail of the effective date and the reasons for the cancellation. The licensee has 90 days after the date of cancellation to make representation as to why the licence should not be cancelled.

26. When the Minister is satisfied that the cause for cancellation no longer exists, the notice of cancellation may be withdrawn.

27. Licensees will be advised in writing by registered mail when a suspended licence has been reinstated.

Documentation

28. For required information on CBSA documentation for CBWs refer to Appendix C of Memorandum D17-1-10, Coding of Customs Accounting Documents. The following is a list of the entry types that may be used to enter, transfer or remove goods from a CBW on a Form B3-3, Canada Customs Coding Form:

Time Limit for Storage

29. Generally, goods may be stored in the CBW for a period of up to four years from the date they were entered into the warehouse. However, these time limits vary depending on the type of merchandise, for example, goods such as beer and wine have a five-year time limit. The time limits are specified in section 19 of the Customs Bonded Warehouses Regulations.

30. Where extenuating circumstances preclude the removal of unclaimed goods within the specified time limits outlined in the Customs Bonded Warehouses Regulations, the CBSA may grant an extension under authority of subsection 37(3) of the Customs Act, provided a written request is received from the importer, owner or their agent prior to the expiration of the specified time limit.

Restrictions on Goods

31. No licensee shall receive intoxicating liquor in, or transfer from a CBW unless the licensee has obtained written approval to receive or transfer the intoxicating liquor from the board, commission, or agency authorized by the laws of that province to sell or authorize the sale of intoxicating liquor in that province. Intoxicating liquor is defined in the Excise Act, 2001.

32. Provincial liquor authorities operating warehouses may:

33. Tobacco products can only be received or removed from a CBW for the following reasons:

34. Domestic tobacco products may only be placed into, or removed from a CBW on condition that they are to be removed for use as ships' stores. Subsection 92(3) of the Customs Tariff states that the excise tax imposed under Part 3 of the Excise Act, 2001 is not relieved by placing manufactured tobacco that is manufactured or produced in Canada in a CBW.

Records

35. Record keeping systems must be able to track the movement of all goods under the CBSA's control in the CBW including:

36. A CBW operator must acknowledge receipt of goods into the warehouse providing the importer/broker with a signed copy of the accounting document, which will confirm the operator's liability for duties owing on the goods until their eventual release.

37. Only similar goods of equal unit or package value may be shown on any one line of Form B3-3, Canada Customs Coding Form for entry into a CBW. Whenever applicable, model and serial numbers must be included with the description of goods.

38. Ex-CBW accounting documents for goods exempt of duties for sale to accredited diplomats must be accompanied by a written application, signed by a person designated on the list of Foreign Representatives in Canada.

39. Warehoused goods may be temporarily removed from warehouse for exhibition provided that the conditions set forth in Memorandum D8-1-1, Amendments to Temporary Importation (Tariff Item No. 9993.00.00) Regulations, are met. Documentation requirements are outlined in Memorandum D17-1-1, Documentation Requirements for Commercial Shipments.

40. Coding instructions for the completion of all CBW types of Form B3-3, Canada Customs Coding Form are contained in Appendix C of Memorandum D17-1-10, Coding of Customs Accounting Documents.

Sanctions

41. Failure to comply with the Customs Bonded Warehouses Regulations, the legislative provisions of the Customs Act and policies may result in the application of a monetary penalty and in the case of continued non-compliance, possible suspension and/or cancellation of your licence. Legislation on penalties and interest may be found under section 109.1 of the Customs Act. The legislative authority to cancel or suspend a CBW license is contained in sections 7 and 8 of the Customs Bonded Warehouses Regulations.

42. Failure to maintain the records required to participate in this program by the Imported Goods Records Regulations may also result in sanctions being applied.

43. Failure to report non-compliance (goods that no longer qualify for the program) within the legislated time limits will also result in application of penalties and interest.

44. Failure to provide books and records when requested in accordance with section 43 of the Customs Act is an offense under section 160 of the Customs Act and may result in a summary conviction and/or imprisonment.

45. The CBSA will conduct periodic verifications to monitor compliance.

Unlawful Removal

46. Goods unlawfully removed from a CBW may be seized as forfeit pursuant to section 110 of the Customs Act. If the goods are not found, a sum equal to the ascertained duty paid value may be forfeited pursuant to section 124 of the Customs Act.

Deemed Exportation

47. Subsection 89(3) of the Customs Tariff contains a list of when goods are deemed to be exported. This means that goods placed in a CBW as ships' stores, for supply to a duty free-shop or for export are considered a deemed exportation.

48. Imported goods that have been duty paid, goods imported under the Duties Relief Program, and domestic goods (produced from imported materials) are considered to be exported when they enter a CBW. Upon entry into the CBW, these goods are eligible for a drawback of duties. For goods delivered to a CBW or duty-free shop for exportation, documentation must include a copy of Form B3-3, Canada Customs Coding Form or Form B116, Canada Customs Duty Free Shop Accounting Document.

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

49. Sections 95 to 98 of the Customs Tariffexplain how NAFTA affects goods imported from non-NAFTA countries and used in the production of another product that is subsequently exported to a NAFTA country.

50. Goods leaving the CBW for export or duty paid goods entered into a CBW as "deemed export" and seeking a drawback may be affected by article 303 of the NAFTA. If an affected end product is placed in a CBW and exported to a NAFTA country, relief of duties must be paid within 60 days of export Additional information pertaining to the NAFTA restrictions may be found in Memorandum D7-4-3, NAFTA Requirements for the Duty Drawback and the Duties Relief Programs.

51. NAFTA does not affect relief or deferral of customs duties on products exported to non-NAFTA countries. The lesser of formula does not apply to products exported to non-NAFTA countries. Additional information may be found in Memorandum D7-4-3, NAFTA Requirements for the Duty Drawback and the Duties Relief Programs.

Transfer

52. A transfer means the change of ownership or the movement of goods between CBWs, or between a CBW and a duty-free shop, or both. The importer or owner of the goods shall submit a transfer document in the prescribed form to the nearest CBSA office where the goods were reported under subsection 19(2) of the Customs Act.

53. The types of transfers and documentation procedures are outlined in Appendix C (examples 15 to 18) of Memorandum D17-1-10, Coding of Customs Accounting Documents. Procedures for the removal of excisable goods from an excise bonding warehouse to a CBW are outlined in Memorandum D4-2-1, Ships' Stores. Information regarding the transfer of goods between programs (Duty Relief Program, Drawbacks Program and CBW Program) is outlined in Memorandum D7-4-1, Duties Relief Program.

Shortages in Shipments

54. Where shipments involving shortages are accounted for and delivered to the CBW, a "Nil" Form B3-3, Canada Customs Coding Form ex-warehouse accounting entry must be presented for the quantity short-shipped, provided that evidence has been produced to verify the shortage. A Form B3-3 will account for the total quantity of goods with a notation indicating the quantity and value of goods were short. Procedures for shortages in split shipments (part for consumption, part for warehouse) and for goods to arrive are outlined in Memorandum D17-1-1, Documentation Requirements for Commercial Shipments.

55. Where evidence of a short-shipment is not presented within 60 days of the date of warehousing, a Form B3-3, Canada Customs Coding Form ex-warehouse accounting entry must be presented to the CBSA to account for duties on the quantity of goods that were short-shipped. Where any quantity of warehoused goods will be ex-warehoused prior to the end of the 60 days, the Form B3-3 ex-warehouse must also account for any shortage that has not been properly verified. Further information regarding shortages may found in Memorandum D17-1-5, Registration, Accounting and Payment for Commercial Goods.

Damaged, Destroyed, or Deteriorated Goods

56. The importer is entitled to a reduction of the duty and tax payable when goods suffer damage, deterioration, or destruction in a CBW. A Form B3-3, Canada Customs Coding Form, type 20, supported by an approved Form K11, Certificate of Damaged Goods must be submitted to the CBSA to account for the reduction in the quantity and value of the goods and to adjust inventory records. Details may be found in Memorandum D6-2-5, Abatement of Customs Duties, and Memorandum D6-2-3, Refund of Duties. Documentation details may be found in Memorandum D17-1-10, Coding of Customs Accounting Documents.

Disposal of Goods

57. If goods remain in the CBW at the end of the specified time limit, without authorization for an extension of the allowable time limits, the CBSA will remove the goods and arrange for disposal. Goods may be either transferred to the local Queen's warehouse or sent to a Queen's warehouse at a central point.

Additional Information

58. For more information, within Canada call the Border Information Service at 1-800-461-9999. From outside Canada 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 holidays). TTY is also available within Canada: 1-866-335-3237.

References

Issuing office:
Trade and Anti-dumping Programs Directorate
Headquarters file:
6614-0
Legislative references:
Customs Tariff
Excise Act, 2001
Customs Act
Imported Goods Records Regulations
Customs Bonded Warehouses Regulations
North American Free Trade Agreement
Other references:

D4-2-1, D6-2-3, D6-2-5, D7-4-1, D7-4-2, D7-4-3, D8-1-1, D17-1-1, D17-1-5, D17-1-10
Forms B116, K11

Superseded memorandum D:
D7-4-4 dated
Date modified: