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What Is A Customs Broker And What Documents Do I Need To Send Them (DIY Customs Consulting)

Last updated 31 July 2026

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This article is part of the Customs Compliance Guide
A Canada Customs Invoice, a common document for PARS shipments

A licensed customs broker handles the customs process for commercial shipments clearing into Canada with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Importers may prepare their own release and accounting documents, but importers who do not want to transact business directly with CBSA can authorize a licensed customs broker to act on their behalf.[1]

Importers often rely on the customs broker to file information with customs about the shipment, including clearing shipments of imported goods, preparing customs accounting documents, calculating or collecting required duties and taxes, and advising on trade compliance, tariff classification, and free trade agreements such as CUSMA/USMCA. CBSA states that licensed customs brokers can help clients with clearing goods, preparing accounting documents, paying duties and taxes, and providing import/export advice.[1]

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What is a Canadian Customs Broker and What Documents Do They Need?

Broker Authorization

A customs broker must be properly authorized to transact business with CBSA on behalf of the importer. CBSA states that a broker must have written authority from the importer or exporter to act as an agent, and the importer or exporter remains ultimately liable for all duties and taxes owing until they are paid.[1]

The highway carrier is not normally the party that authorizes the customs broker. In most cases, the importer chooses and authorizes the customs broker, while the carrier sends shipment documents to that broker so the release can be prepared.

Who Sends the Documents?

In most cases, the importer or shipper provides the shipping documents to the highway carrier and tells the carrier which customs broker should receive the paperwork. As a highway carrier, it is recommended to confirm the broker information with the importer or shipper before the driver approaches the border.

Depending on the shipment release type, the importer or shipper must provide a commercial invoice, packing list, or other documentation required for the goods. Examples may include a certificate of origin for free trade agreement claims or Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) documentation for regulated goods.

The highway carrier will also normally provide a Bill of Lading and attach a PARS barcode label to the commercial invoice or bill of lading before sending the shipping documents to the customs broker.

Commercial Invoice Information

The commercial invoice should include:

  • Seller's name, phone number, and address.
  • Buyer's name, phone number, and address.
  • Description of the goods, including tariff information and value when available.
  • Country of manufacture of the goods.
  • PARS barcode label if the shipment is clearing as PARS.

CBSA's commercial invoice guidance states that Form CI1 can be used to provide required invoice information and that Canada Customs Invoice requirements include vendor, consignee, purchaser, country of origin, transportation, description, quantity, value, and related invoice details.[2]

Bill of Lading

The shipping documents must also include a Bill of Lading. A Bill of Lading is a legal document issued by the highway carrier to the shipper. It details shipment information such as the load number, description of goods, quantity, and weight.

The Bill of Lading also acts as a receipt for the shipped goods and as the contract of carriage between the carrier and the shipper. The information on the Bill of Lading should be consistent with the commercial invoice, PARS barcode, and ACI eManifest.

Port and ETA Information

In addition to the customs documents, the highway carrier should inform the customs broker of the Canadian port of arrival and the estimated date and time of arrival. In most cases, this information is written directly below the carrier's PARS barcode label on the commercial invoice or bill of lading before the documents are sent to the broker.

The port and ETA should also match the trip information used on the ACI eManifest in BorderConnect ACI eManifest software. If the driver changes ports or arrival timing, the carrier should confirm whether the broker needs updated information before the truck arrives.

BorderConnect Workflow

In BorderConnect, the carrier creates the ACI eManifest and enters the shipment information, including the Cargo Control Number, shipper, consignee, commodity, port, and ETA. For a PARS shipment, the Cargo Control Number entered in BorderConnect should match the PARS barcode label sent to the customs broker.

BorderConnect PARS checking software can help carriers monitor PARS release status when broker and carrier workflows support release notifications. This helps dispatchers and drivers confirm whether the broker's release is ready before the driver approaches the border.

Common Mistakes

  • Sending documents to the wrong customs broker.
  • Sending the broker a PARS barcode that does not match the Cargo Control Number on the ACI eManifest.
  • Forgetting to include the commercial invoice or Bill of Lading.
  • Sending the driver to the border before the broker has filed or confirmed the release.
  • Changing the port of arrival without notifying the broker.
  • Assuming the highway carrier can choose the broker without importer authorization.

Official Resources

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 CBSA - Licensed customs brokers
  2. ↑ CBSA Form CI1 - Canada Customs Invoice
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