Bringing Foreign Events to Canada
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FAQ - Holding a meeting in Canada

  1. I need to ship to a trade show in Canada. Where do I start?
  2. What forms are required for Canada customs?
  3. When should I send my goods?
  4. Where should I send my goods?
  5. Do I require the services of a customs broker?
  6. My courier company says they can clear my shipment. Is this true?
  7. Will I have to pay duties and taxes on my shipment?
  8. How is the return of my shipment handled?
  9. How will I know where my freight is?

I need to ship to a trade show in Canada. Where do I start?

LibertyCFS Inc. is a dedicated trade show carrier providing full logistics services that include moving your freight to and from the show site as well as customs clearance on both sides of the border. Contact a LibertyCFS Inc. representative and get a logistics solution, tailored to your needs.

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What forms are required for Canada customs?

Canada Customs requires a Canada Customs Invoice accompany the shipment showing such information as a description of the goods, proper values and country of origin.

In addition to Canadian Customs requirements, other documentation may be required by US Customs for the return shipment depending on the type of goods being returned.

All of these forms for both Canadian and US Customs can be found in our Forms Library. Please contact a LibertyCFS Inc. representative for help on the specific forms you will require.

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When should I send my goods?

LibertyCFS Inc. offers free advanced warehousing for up to 30 days prior to the move-in when you send your freight through our system. All shipments to the advanced warehouse should arrive no later than 3 days before the move-in date.

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Where should I send my goods?

It is important to know that most facilities will refuse to accept freight arriving before the scheduled move-in time. A good plan is to address your shipment to the advanced warehouse and have it arrive early enough to cope with any unforeseen delays. When addressing and labeling freight, always indicate the exhibitor name, booth number and name of the event.

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Do I require the services of a customs broker?

All shipments must be cleared by Canada Customs however you are not required by law to use a customs broker. Using the services of a professional will ensure that your shipment arrives at the show on time.

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My courier company says they can clear my shipment. Is this true?

Although most couriers can provide some form of brokerage service, it is important to remember that these companies do not specialize in the trade show industry. Most courier companies are not setup to post the necessary bonds or clear freight at show site. This can lead to extra costs in unnecessary duties and taxes as well as delivery delays.

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Will I have to pay duties and taxes on my shipment?

Goods brought into Canada solely for exhibition are not subject to duties and taxes if they are returned after the event. Canada customs does however require a bond be posted to ensure that the goods do in fact leave the country. LibertyCFS Inc. can post this bond on your behalf.

In addition, if attendance at the event is 75% non-Canadian, then give-away goods valued under $25.00 CND per item are duty and tax exempt.

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How is the return of my shipment handled?

During the event, a LibertyCFS Inc. representative will visit you in your booth to discuss the return process. Return addresses will be confirmed as well as piece counts, descriptions and values. Liberty will then generate a bill of lading and US Customs documents to give to the carrier at move-out. Liberty can arrange for the return shipping and will also handle the customs clearance back into the US.

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How will I know where my freight is?

The LibertyCFS Inc. representative at the show will be able to give you a copy of your bill of lading with the tracking number. Our on-line tracking system will keep you up to date on the progress of your shipment.

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