Reporting commercial exports

The Customs Act requires goods being exported from Canada to be reported. The three main objectives of export reporting are to:

• ensure that goods leaving Canada do not pose a threat to other countries;
• support the Government of Canada’s domestic priorities by administering the applicable export requirements; and,
• collect accurate information on Canadian exports for the purpose of Government of Canada economic reporting.

Goods may require an export declaration

While you generally need to submit an export declaration in order to export commercial goods from Canada, there are situations where no export declaration is required. The most common exceptions are:

• goods destined to the United States;
• goods valued at less than CAN$2,000 that do not require a permit; or
• personal effects that are not for resale.

For a complete list of reasons why you may not need to submit an export declaration, please refer to the List of goods that do not need an export declaration.

Goods requiring additional documentation

Additional documentation may be required by other government departments for your goods to be exported. Please refer the to Commodities that may require export permits to determine if additional requirements may apply to your goods and where you can find more information.

If your goods require an export permit, you must present a paper copy of the export declaration and a paper copy of the permit at the export reporting office located closest to the place of exit. If you are exporting restricted goods to the United States, you will not need an export declaration but will still be required to present a paper permit at the export reporting office located closest to the place of exit.

How to submit an export declaration

You will require a business number with an import/export account before submitting an export declaration. To obtain a valid business number, call the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-5525 or consult How to register for a business number – CRA.

Export declarations can be submitted using one of the following reporting methods:

• Canadian Automated Export Declaration (CAED)
• G7 Electronic Data Interchange Export Reporting
• Paper Export Declaration Form (B13A) (PDF, 1.16 MB)
• Summary Reporting Program Application Form (BSF613)

Please note that not all reporting methods are applicable in all situations. If you are unsure which method is right for you, the CBSA recommends you use CAED.

When to submit documents

Export declarations and related permits generally need to be submitted in the following timeframes:

• Mail: 2 hours before the goods are delivered to the post office
• Highway: Immediately before leaving the country
• Air: 2 hours before the goods are loaded onto the aircraft
• Marine: 48 hours before the goods are loaded onto the vessel
• Rail: 2 hours before the goods are loaded onto the railcar

Additional resources for exporters of commercial goods

• Exporting Goods from Canada: A Handy Guide
• Other Government Departments and Agencies: Reference List for Exporters
• Checklist for Exporting Commercial Goods from Canada
• B13A Export Declaration
• Memorandum D20-1-1: Exporter Reporting
• Memorandum D3-1-8: Cargo – Export Movements

Date modified:

2019-09-04