- The carrier must be advised that his bar codes are unreadable. The cargo control number must be input manually. Refer to D3-1-1, Appendix H for bar code specifications and testing procedures. (Contravention C005 is not applicable in these circumstances.)
- C008 does not apply in situations where the business number or carrier code provided is invalid (i.e. not CSA approved). In these situations, CSA clearance will be denied for the shipment and a non- CSA service option will be used.
- A failed Pre-Arrival Release System ( PARS ) is replaced by a handwritten or typed cargo control document ( CCD ) using the cargo control number of the original PARS document.
- Alternatively, carriers may use their pre-printed CCD s and cross out the existing bar coded CCN and show the CCN of the failed PARS in the "Previous cargo control number" field.
- In both cases, the wording "Failed PARS " must be written on the CCD to clarify why a bar code is not being used.
Bar coded cargo control numbers are not required for:
Shipments being abstracted by a broker or sole importer for release purposes
Goods moving in-transit on a "Canada - US In transit manifest"
Air (AXX- or IATA assigned code)
Rail (6000 series)
Marine (9000 series)
Mail (E14 series)
Apply a penalty per conveyance regardless of the number of shipments.
When a bonded carrier fails to use his authorized bonded carrier code or fails to present a letter of authorization when using another bonded carrier's code, see C371.
References:
LegislationCSA Participants Requirements Documents
C010
Penalty
1st: $300* 2nd: $450 3rd and Subsequent: $900Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
While transacting business as a customs broker, a broker failed to make available to an officer, within the time specified by the officer, any records required to be kept under the Regulations
Guidelines:
* A 30-day delay in the escalation of penalty levels from the first to the second will apply to this contravention. Should a second penalty with the same contravention be issued against the same client, the system will not escalate the penalty level to level two unless 30 days have transpired from when the first Notice of Penalty Assessment ( NPA ) was issued or the infraction occurred. The non-escalation rule applies from the first level to the second level only; it does not apply from the second to the third level.
Non-compliance occurs when a broker fails to make available to an officer, within the time frame specified by the officer, and in the manner specified by regulation, any records that the customs broker is required by regulation to keep.
The information should be available in such a manner as to enable an officer to perform detailed audits and to obtain or verify information.
Failure to produce any or all records as detailed in the Customs Brokers Licensing Regulations , within the time period specified by an officer, shall be considered a single contravention.
It should be noted that, by regulation, customs brokers are required to keep records for a period of six years after the importation of the goods to which the information relates.
For example, the officer requested the broker to produce documentation relating to a clearance for a particular shipment. The broker did not provide, within the 30-day time frame assigned by the officer, the required information.
References:
LegislationOther References
C011
Penalty
1st: $500* 2nd: $750 3rd and Subsequent: $1,500Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
A person transacted or attempted to transact business as a customs broker, or held oneself out as a customs broker and did not hold a licence issued under subsection 9(1) of the Customs Act and was not qualified under the regulations, or duly authorized to transact business as a customs broker by a person who holds such a licence.
Guidelines:
* A 30-day delay in the escalation of penalty levels from the first to the second will apply to this contravention. Should a second penalty with the same contravention be issued against the same client, the system will not escalate the penalty level to level two unless 30 days have transpired from when the first Notice of Penalty Assessment ( NPA ) was issued or the infraction occurred. The non-escalation rule applies from the first level to the second level only; it does not apply from the second to the third level.
Non-compliance occurs when an unlicensed agent, or a person who is not qualified under the regulations or duly authorized to transact business as a customs broker by a person who holds a brokers licence performs customs brokers' licensed activities.
A penalty will be applied for each activity performed by an unlicensed broker, or by a person who is not qualified under the regulations or not duly authorized to transact business as a customs broker by a person who holds a brokers licence, and who performs customs brokers' licensed activities.
Transactions completed for additional clients, but found at the same time, will be assessed on a per client basis at the same level.
References:
Legislation- D1-8-1, Licensing of Customs Brokers
- Customs Brokers Licensing Regulations
C012
Penalty
1st: $150 2nd: $225 3rd and Subsequent: $450Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Licensed customs broker transacted business as a customs broker at a customs office not specified by the licence.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when a licensed customs broker transacts business at a customs office which has not been specified or authorized on his/her licence.
Refer to C011, for instances where a person who is not a licensed customs broker acts as one on behalf of a client.
Apply a penalty per location, per client.
References:
LegislationOther References
C018
Penalty
1st: $250 per person, minimum penalty of $2,500 2nd: $500 per person, minimum penalty of $5,000 3nd: $1,000 per person, minimum penalty of $10,000 4rd and Subsequent: Flat rate $25,000
Penalty basis:
Per unreported person, passenger or crew
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person in charge of a commercial conveyance arriving in Canada failed to transport passengers and crew to a customs office designated for that purpose and open for business, forthwith on arrival.
Guidelines:
Every person in charge of a commercial conveyance arriving in Canada is required to proceed without delay to a designated customs office open for business prior to disembarking any persons, passengers, and/or crew.
Applies when commercial conveyances arrive at a place non-designated for customs clearance or arrives at a designated customs office that is not open for business. Consideration may be given based on weather conditions, emergencies or pre-arrival arrangements that have been made with customs office.
Applied against any commercial carrier that is in the business of transporting freight, crew and/or passengers and fails to report passengers or crew.
Apply to all modes of transportation.
In the air mode, the "customs office open for business" is the designated customs office where the air carrier is scheduled to land.
In the marine mode, the "customs office open for business" is the designated customs office where the marine carrier is scheduled to conduct a first stop.
In the highway mode, the "customs office open for business" is the first designated customs office where the highway carrier arrives in Canada.
In the rail mode, the "customs office open for business" is the designated customs office where the rail carrier is scheduled to conduct a first stop.
Apply a penalty per unreported person, passenger or crew member.
For failure to report conveyances inbound, see C023.
Example of Non-Compliance:
A vessel reports to a location that is not open for business (ex. arrives after business hours) and has not notified or made prior arrangements with the CBSA .
References:
Legislation- Presentation of Persons (2003) Regulations
- D2-5-6, Aircrew Reporting
- Customs Act , section 5
- D3-5-1, Commercial Vessels in International Service
C021
Penalty
1st: $2,000 2nd: $4,000 3rd and Subsequent: $8,000Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person (Carrier) failed to report imported goods, to customs forthwith in writing at the nearest designated customs office that was open for business.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when the carrier fails to report a shipment to customs in the prescribed manner at the nearest designated customs office. Non-compliance must be discovered through a CBSA initiated examination, tracer or audit.
For post-audit carrier, except air mode, no penalty assessed if carrier provides proof, within 24 hours of arrival of the shipment, that Cargo Control Document ( CCD ) was prepared for goods prior to their arrival in Canada, as per D3-1-1.
For Specified Goods, additional sanctions will apply, including seizure and/or ascertained forfeiture.
Carriers have only one obligation per arrival; that is to report. In scenarios where the carrier has met their one obligation and numerous shipments have not been reported on their conveyance, the CBSA can issue the penalties based on the number of shipments not reported – however only one Notice of Penalty Assessment ( NPA ) can be issued.
References:
Legislation- Reporting of Imported Goods Regulations
- Transportation of Goods Regulations
C023
Penalty
1st: $2,000 2nd: $4,000 3rd and Subsequent: $8,000Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person failed to report conveyances inbound and/or upon arrival.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance, in the highway mode, occurs when a conveyance is not reported upon arrival in Canada, as prescribed, at the nearest designated customs office open for business.
Non-compliance occurs when a carrier operating a conveyance that is transporting specified goods in air, marine and rail modes, fails to transmit a Conveyance Arrival Certification Message (CACM).
Applied against the carrier by the Transporter Compliance Unit, Commercial Program Directorate at Headquarters, against the carrier responsible for providing the CACM.
The CACM shall be sent to the CBSA using an Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) method at first point of arrival (FPOA) in accordance with the timelines, technical requirements, specifications and procedures for electronic means as set out in the Reporting of Imported Goods Regulations and the applicable Electronic Commerce Client Requirements Document.
Conveyances exempt from transmitting ACI data to the CBSA are also exempt from transmitting the CACM. Exempt conveyances must be reported to the CBSA at the FPOA, under section 12(1) of the Customs Act, in the same manner as they are today.
Exceptions/exemptions from transmitting pre-arrival information are listed in D-3.
It is important to understand that the transmission of ACI data does not constitute report. The carrier must report the conveyance on arrival in the prescribed manner.
For failure to transmit Advance Commercial Information, refer to C378.
If a carrier fails to report imported goods, refer to C021.
References:
Legislation- Reporting of Imported Goods Regulations
- Transportation of Goods Regulations
C025
Penalty
1st: $2,000 2nd: $4,000 3rd and Subsequent: $8,000Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person reporting goods under section 12 of the Customs Act inside or outside Canada failed to answer truthfully any question asked by an officer with respect to the goods.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when a person reporting commercial goods fails to answer truthfully any question asked with regards to the goods. The goods have been reported to the CBSA , but an untrue statement is made with respect to the goods.
Applied against the person reporting the goods.
This penalty applies to commercial goods only.
Person makes a verbal statement that is false in material fact in order to avoid compliance with the Act.
If no goods are reported and goods are subsequently found during an exam, contravention C021 should apply.
For written administrative type errors, see C005.
For written false statements, see C348.
References:
LegislationC026
Penalty
1st: $500 * 2nd: $750 3rd and Subsequent: $1,500Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
When requested by an officer, person failed to present goods, to remove any covering from goods, to unload any conveyance or open any part thereof, or failed to open or unpack any package or container.
Guidelines:
* A 30-day delay in the escalation of penalty levels from the first to the second will apply to this contravention. Should a second penalty with the same contravention be issued against the same client, the system will not escalate the penalty level to level two unless 30 days have transpired from when the first Notice of Penalty Assessment ( NPA ) was issued or the infraction occurred. The non-escalation rule applies from the first level to the second level only; it does not apply from the second to the third level.
Non-compliance occurs when the person who has reported goods under section 12 or the person who is stopped by an officer in accordance with subsection 99.(1) of the Customs Act fails to present goods, to remove any covering from goods, to unload any conveyance or open any part thereof, or failed to open or unpack any package or container when requested to do so by an officer.
Applied against person who reports the goods under section 12 of the Customs Act inside or outside Canada or person who is stopped by an officer in accordance with subsection 99.(1) of the Customs Act .
Officers should use discretion with regard to the term "available for examination" when goods are referred. For example, if the goods have arrived at the sufferance warehouse yard, but have not yet been off-loaded into the warehouse, no AMPS would be applicable.
If an RMD or RNS arrival notice is submitted or transmitted to the CBSA despite the person who reported goods under section 12 of the Customs Act having clearly indicated that the goods had not arrived, see C274.
In the case where the goods must be on hand at the time of the release request, and there are multiple containers documented on one cargo control document (against one release request), at least one of the containers must have arrived at the destination sufferance warehouse at the time the release request is submitted. The remaining containers must have arrived at the port of report and be en route or awaiting furtherance to the inland destination.
Should goods be referred for secondary processing, the importer / broker will be given an opportunity to provide information to the officer that the remaining goods have arrived in Canada and are en route or awaiting transportation to destination.
Requests for examinations must have enough detail for client to understand what is expected.
A reasonable amount of time to prepare the goods will be allowed. The term 'reasonable' is dependent on mode (for example marine operators will be given time to offload and stage the goods which is not required in other modes) and the nature or quality of the goods (such as hazardous goods that require special handling); extra time will be allotted to make the arrangements.
For situations where goods are moved or removed from the customs office or sufferance warehouse, see C033
For non-compliance when the operator of a bonded warehouse or duty free shop fails to open any package or container of goods or fails to remove any covering to allow free access to the goods when an officer requests to see the goods in order to conduct an examination, refer to C047 or C357.
References:
LegislationC031
Penalty
1st: $2,000 2nd: $4,000 3rd and Subsequent: $8,000Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
A person failed to report to an officer goods in their possession in respect of which an Act of Parliament that prohibits, controls or regulates, the importation of goods has been contravened.
Guidelines:
Non compliance occurs in instances where an officer finds controlled or prohibited goods that have not been reported.
Applied against any person found in possession of imported goods.
Results from secondary examination or investigation.
Although a penalty may be applied under this contravention all OGD admissibility requirements must be met prior to release. It is also possible that the OGD may have their own administrative monetary penalties.
References:
LegislationC032
Penalty
1st: $150 2nd: $225 3rd and Subsequent: $450Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Owner, having received the delivery of a wreck to themself or their agent, failed to have reported such delivery to an officer.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when a person having received the delivery of a wreck to himself/herself or their agent, failed to have reported such a delivery to an officer.
Applied against owner of the wreck.
Wreck defined as:
- jetsam, flotsam, lagan and derelict found in or on the shores of the sea or on any tidal water, or of any of the inland waters of Canada;
- cargo, stores and tackle of any vessel and of all parts of the vessel separated therefrom;
- the property of shipwrecked persons; and
- any wrecked aircraft, any part or cargo of a wrecked aircraft and a property in the possession of persons on board any aircraft that is wrecked, stranded or in distress.
Prior to issuance of penalty, ensure that client has not reported delivery of wreck elsewhere.
References:
Legislation- Reporting of Imported Goods Regulations
- Transportation of Goods Regulations
C033
Penalty
1st: $1,000 2nd: $2,000 3rd and Subsequent: $4,000Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person moved, removed, or caused to be moved goods that have been reported but not released from a CBSA office or sufferance warehouse, without CBSA authorization.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs in situations where goods have been reported under section 12(1) of the Customs Act :
- to CBSA at First Port of Arrival (FPOA), however, the in-bond goods are moved without authorization or delivered to the consignee, without release; or
- and are under CBSA control (at a CBSA office such as FPOA or inland office, highway frontier examining warehouse or a sufferance warehouse) and it is discovered by the CBSA that the goods have been removed from one of these locations without CBSA authorization.
Applied against a carrier or a sufferance warehouse operator.
Below are some examples of when C033 can be applied:
C033 is issued to the Carrier:
- where a carrier removes reported goods from a CBSA office or highway frontier examining warehouse without CBSA authorization;
- where goods have been reported to CBSA upon arrival at FPOA and the release of the goods will be affected at an CBSA inland office (the FPOA authorizes the bonded carrier to move the goods in-bond to an inland location for release) but the carrier directly delivers the goods to the importer/consignee rather than reporting to the inland office or sufferance warehouse;
- where a carrier moves in-bond goods from FPOA directly to a location identified by a sub-locator code, other than what is indicated on the original cargo transmission; or
- where a carrier has been directed to present the goods to a CBSA examining warehouse on form Y28 (Report to Warehouse), but fails to do so.
C033 is issued to the Sufferance Warehouse Operator:
- where a sufferance warehouse operator has received in-bond goods and allows the removal of in-bond goods from the warehouse prior to release or authorization by CBSA ; or
- where a BSO discovers through secondary examination, monitoring activity, or an audit of the sufferance warehouse, that removal of in-bond goods has occurred prior to CBSA release;
Notes:
- In all cases, this penalty applies only if the contravention is found during a CBSA examination, tracing procedure or an audit and there is evidence to support that a contravention to section 31 has been made.
- This penalty will not be applied in situations where an importer, carrier or sufferance warehouse operator voluntarily discloses non-compliance to CBSA .
- This penalty will not be applied in circumstances involving domestic goods bound for export.
In an audit situation, each shipment found in contravention within an audit will be assessed a penalty. For example, if five shipments were moved, a penalty of $5,000 (5 × $1,000) would be assessed at first level.
For transporting goods from point to point within Canada without the appropriate bond or security prior to release, see C036.
For removal of goods from a CBSA bonded warehouse or duty free shop, see C066.
References:
Legislation- D4-1-4, Customs Sufferance Warehouses
- D3-1-1, Policy Respecting the Importation and Transportation of Goods
- Reporting of Imported Goods Regulations
- Transportation of Goods Regulations
- Customs Sufferance Warehouses Regulations
C036
Penalty
1st: $500 * 2nd: $750 3rd and Subsequent: $1,500Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person transported or caused to be transported within Canada goods that have been imported but which have not been released, without having the appropriate bond or security.
Guidelines:
* A 30-day delay in the escalation of penalty levels from the first to the second will apply to this contravention. Should a second penalty with the same contravention be issued against the same client, the system will not escalate the penalty level to level two unless 30 days have transpired from when the first Notice of Penalty Assessment ( NPA ) was issued or the infraction occurred. The non-escalation rule applies from the first level to the second level only; it does not apply from the second to the third level.
Non-compliance occurs when goods have been moved from point to point within Canada, without the appropriate bond or security, prior to having been released.
In an audit situation, each shipment found in contravention within a first audit will be assessed a first level penalty.
For example, if five shipments were transported within Canada, without the appropriate bond or security, a penalty of $2,500 (5 × $500) would be assessed. The same applies for the second and third level penalties.
For situations where goods are moved or removed from the customs office or sufferance warehouse, see C033.
For situations where goods are removed from a bonded warehouse or duty free shop prior to release, see C066
References:
Legislation- Reporting of Imported Goods Regulations
- Transportation of Goods Regulations
C037
Penalty
1st: $1,000 2nd: $2,000 3rd and Subsequent: $4,000Penalty basis:
Per Container or Conveyance
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person who transported goods within Canada that have been imported but have not been released, failed to ensure that the conveyance or container which had been sealed for customs purposes, remained sealed until authorization from customs to break the seal was received.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when a seal number appears on the Cargo Control Document ( CCD ) but the conveyance or container that was sealed for customs purposes, is not sealed when it reaches the agency's inland release point.
A carrier must ensure that, when the conveyance or container is sealed by the agency for inland movement or when the company applied seal is accepted and notated on CBSA documentation, the conveyance or container remains sealed until the agency's authorization to break the seal is granted at the agency's inland release point.
This penalty does not apply when the agency's seal has been broken and replaced with one issued by a Canadian Police Service, a Provincial or Federal Government Department / Agency in the administration or enforcement of an Act of Parliament or the Criminal Code.
Replacement seal(s) must be intact and the new seal numbers are documented on the cargo control document / manifest.
For a damaged or broken seal as a result of an accident or other unforeseen event, see C039.
References:
LegislationOther References
C039
Penalty
1st: $500 2nd: $750 3rd and Subsequent: $1,500Penalty basis:
Per Container or Conveyance
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person transporting goods within Canada that have been imported but have not been released failed to report, as a result of an accident or other unforeseen event, a damaged or broken seal.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when a person transporting goods within Canada that have been imported but have not been released failed to report, as a result of an accident or other unforeseen event, a damaged or broken seal.
The requirement to prove who damaged or removed seal is not an element of offence.
References:
Regulation- Reporting of Imported Goods Regulations
- Transportation of Goods Regulations
C040
Penalty
1st: $300 2nd: $450 3rd and Subsequent: $900Penalty basis:
Per Container or Conveyance
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person transporting goods within Canada that have been imported but have not been released failed to report, as a result of an accident or other unforeseen event, the removal of goods from a damaged or disabled container or conveyance or has failed to report that the conveyance or container is damaged or disabled and can no longer transport goods.
Guidelines:
Applied by a Senior Officer Trade Compliance ( SOTC ) during an audit.
Non-compliance occurs when a person transporting imported goods within Canada that have not been released, fails to report as a result of an accident or other unforeseen event:
- the removal of goods from container or conveyance
- the transfer of goods to another container or conveyance
- the conveyance or container is damaged or disabled and can no longer transport goods.
References:
RegulationOther References
C042
Penalty
1st: $500 2nd: $750 3rd and Subsequent: $1,500Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person who transports or causes to be transported within Canada goods that have been imported but have not been released failed to afford an officer free access to any premises under his control.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when the person who transported (carrier) or caused to be transported (transporter company) in bond goods fails to permit access to any premise under his control when a request was made by an officer.
Access must be granted to any place that is part of or attached to any place where goods transported in bond are reported, loaded, unloaded or stored.
The officer must first clearly indicate he is requesting access to the premises. This request may be done verbally or in writing upon or prior to arrival at the location for examination of the goods.
Penalty is applied if entry is prevented, refused or there is failure to take the necessary steps to allow access to the officer.
However, a security guard or an employee who refuses to allow the entry to the premises should not be considered as preventing / refusing entry, when he is, within a reasonable time frame, in the process of contacting or obtaining permission or authority from a person in charge of the operation.
Access to property or facilities can only take place at "reasonable times" construed to mean during business hours.
For failure to allow an officer access to a bonded warehouse or duty free shop, see C046.
For failure to allow an officer access to a sufferance warehouse, see C356.
References:
LegislationC043
Penalty
1st: $500 2nd: $750 3rd and Subsequent: $1,500Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person who transports or causes to be transported within Canada goods that have been imported but have not been released failed to open any package or container of such goods or remove any covering therefrom.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when the person who transports or causes to transport in bond goods inland fails, upon request, to allow access to the premises under their control where the goods are and open any package or container or remove any covering for customs examination.
Border Services Officer must first make request to examine goods.
Request must have enough detail for client to understand what is expected.
References:
Legislation- Reporting of Imported Goods Regulations
- Transportation of Goods Regulations
C044
Penalty
1st: $300 * 2nd: $450 3rd and Subsequent: $900Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person who is required by subsection 22(1) of the Customs Act to keep records in respect of commercial goods, failed to keep records at the specified place for the prescribed period and in the prescribed manner, or failed to make those records available to an officer within the specified time or answer truthfully questions asked by an officer about the prescribed records.
Guidelines:
* A 30-day delay in the escalation of penalty levels from the first to the second will apply to this contravention. Should a second penalty with the same contravention be issued against the same client, the system will not escalate the penalty level to level two unless 30 days have transpired from when the first Notice of Penalty Assessment ( NPA ) was issued or the infraction occurred. The non-escalation rule applies from the first level to the second level only; it does not apply from the second to the third level.
Non-compliance occurs when the owner, operator or person in charge of company fails to:
- keep prescribed records at specified place for three years in the prescribed manner; or
- make prescribed records available to an officer within the time specified; or
- answer truthfully questions asked by an officer about the prescribed records.
In the case of CSA transporters:
Commercial documentation (e.g., bill of lading, freight bill, waybill) requested at time of report should be limited to that necessary to make a risk determination for contraband or public safety (admissibility) and whether the goods are CSA eligible.
Records may include those which reflect the "start to end of a shipment", for example, bills of lading, invoices, and proof of delivery receipts for goods authorized for delivery to an approved importer.
Records may be hard copy or electronic; consolidated, multiple or separate records. Circumstances surrounding each request will determine how much time is reasonable to allow person to produce information.
For example, during CSA monitoring review, the carrier was requested to provide proof of delivery for 24 shipments. The carrier could only provide proof for 22 of the 24 shipments. The CSA accounts manager gave the carrier two time extensions in which to provide the proof for the remaining two shipments, but the carrier was unable to provide the requested documentation. C044 may be issued in this instance.
A warehouse check is conducted resulting in goods not accounted for and it is discovered that records are missing.
Carrier failed to provide documents requested in writing via the cargo tracing process.
References:
Legislation- D3-1-5, International Commercial Transportation
- D3-1-8, Cargo-Export Movements
- D3-7-1, CBSA Marine Operations – Cargo Containers used in International Service
- Reporting of Exported Goods Regulations
- Reporting of Imported Goods Regulations
- Transportation of Goods Regulations
C045
Penalty
1st: $150 2nd: $225 3rd and Subsequent: $450Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
The operator of a Type BW sufferance warehouse refused to receive any goods brought to the warehouse that qualified under the terms of the licence.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when a highway sufferance warehouse operator refuses to receive qualified goods. "Qualified goods" refers to the class of goods authorized for storage, and the cargo control document on which the goods are being transported to the warehouse. These criteria are specified on the licence.
Applied against the operator of a type BW highway sufferance warehouse.
Operator may refuse goods when the storage of goods is requested by or on behalf of person who has unpaid account for storage fees at the sufferance warehouse.
References:
LegislationC046
Penalty
1st: $500 2nd: $750 3rd and Subsequent: $1,500Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
When requested by an officer, operator of a bonded warehouse or duty free shop failed to allow an officer free access to the warehouse or duty free shop or any premises or place under his control that is attached to or forms part of the warehouse or duty free shop.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when operator of a bonded warehouse or duty free shop fails to permit access to any premises under his control when a request was made by an officer.
Applied against operator of a bonded warehouse or duty free shop or, when approved for the Duty Deferral Program, applied against the processor, importer or exporter.
Access must be granted to any place that is part of or attached to any place where goods are reported, loaded, unloaded or stored.
The officer must first clearly indicate he is requesting access to the premises. This request may be done verbally or in writing upon or prior to arrival at the location for examination of the goods.
Penalty is applied if entry is prevented, refused or there is failure to take the necessary steps to allow access to the officer. However, a security guard or an employee who refuses to allow the entry to the premises should not be considered as preventing / refusing entry, when he, within a reasonable time frame, is in the process of contacting or obtaining permission or authority from a person in charge of the operation.
For failure by the person who transported (carrier) or caused to be transported (transporter company) to allow an officer access to an area where the in bond goods are being held, see C042.
For failure to allow access to a sufferance warehouse, see C356.
References:
Legislation- D4-3-7, Duty Free Shop – Contraventions and Penalties
- D7-4-1, Duty Deferral Program
C047
Penalty
1st: $500 2nd: $750 3rd and Subsequent: $1,500Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
When requested by an officer, operator of a bonded warehouse or duty free shop failed to open any package or container of goods therein or remove any covering therefrom to allow free access to the goods.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when the operator of a bonded warehouse or duty free shop fails to open any package or container of goods or fails to remove any covering to allow free access to the goods when an officer requests to see the goods in order to conduct an examination.
Applied against an operator of a bonded warehouse or duty free shop when operator fails or refuses to open any package, container of goods or remove any covering.
** NB – this contravention applies to an operator of a Customs Bonded Warehouse and should NOT be confused with the other Duty Deferral programs**.
For situations where goods are moved or removed from the customs office or sufferance warehouse, see C033.
For failure to allow access to goods in a sufferance warehouse, see C357.
References:
Legislation- D4-3-7, Duty Free Shop – Contraventions and Penalties
- D7-4-1, Duty Deferral Program
C048
Penalty
1st: $500 * 2nd: $750 3rd and Subsequent: $1,500Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Licensee of a sufferance warehouse failed to ensure that goods received in the sufferance warehouse were stored safely and securely in the area designated for that purpose.
Guidelines:
* A 30-day delay in the escalation of penalty levels from the first to the second will apply to this contravention. Should a second penalty with the same contravention be issued against the same client, the system will not escalate the penalty level to level two unless 30 days have transpired from when the first Notice of Penalty Assessment ( NPA ) was issued or the infraction occurred. The non-escalation rule applies from the first level to the second level only; it does not apply from the second to the third level.
Non-compliance occurs when the goods are not stored in either a safe or secure manner in the area designated on the site plan in the licensee's file.
For example, weapons or firearms are to be stored in a locked area within the warehouse.
For failure to ensure the safety and security of goods while in a customs bonded warehouse, see C196.
References:
RegulationC049
Penalty
1st: $1,000 2nd: $2,000 3rd and Subsequent: $4,000Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Licensee of a sufferance warehouse allowed a person other than the licensee, an employee of the licensee or an employee of a carrier engaged in the delivery of goods to or the removal of goods from the sufferance warehouse, to enter where goods are stored, without the written authorization or the attendance of an officer.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when a person, other than the licensee or his employees or an employee of a carrier engaged in the delivery or the removal of goods from the sufferance warehouse, enters any place where goods are stored.
For example, during a warehouse check, an unauthorized person is seen opening a parcel.
A penalty will apply when unauthorized persons are allowed access without written authorization or the attendance of an officer.
Applied for each occurrence and not based on the number of persons allowed access without proper authorization.
For unauthorized person found in a customs bonded warehouse, see C198.
References:
RegulationC050
Penalty
1st: $500 * 2nd: $750 3rd and Subsequent: $1,500Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Licensee failed to have in place procedures to maintain the security of, and restrict access to, the sufferance warehouse.
Guidelines:
* A 30-day delay in the escalation of penalty levels from the first to the second will apply to this contravention. Should a second penalty with the same contravention be issued against the same client, the system will not escalate the penalty level to level two unless 30 days have transpired from when the first Notice of Penalty Assessment ( NPA ) was issued or the infraction occurred. The non-escalation rule applies from the first level to the second level only; it does not apply from the second to the third level.
Non-compliance occurs when there is either lack of proper or visible signage restricting access posted at the entrance or when the licensee's procedures to ensure employees are aware of their responsibilities in the operation of a sufferance warehouse are inadequate.
Officer determines that the licensee did not have proper security procedures.
For failure to prevent access of an unauthorized person to customs sufferance warehouse, see C049.
For unauthorized person found in customs bonded warehouse, see C198.
References:
RegulationC051
Penalty
1st: $150 2nd: $225 3rd and Subsequent: $450Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Licensee of a duty free shop failed to ensure that goods are stored and marked in the manner prescribed in the Duty Free Shop Regulations .
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when goods are not properly inventoried (stored and identified). Non-compliance is discovered during a customs examination or an inventory audit.
References:
Regulation- D4-3-5, Duty Free Shop – Inventory Control and Sales Requirements
- D4-3-7, Duty Free Shop – Contraventions and Penalties
C052
Penalty
1st: $150 2nd: $225 3rd and Subsequent: $450Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Licensee of a duty free shop failed to ensure that goods received are held in an area designated by customs until they have been accounted for or have been approved for entry into the inventory.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when the duty free shop licensee fails to ensure that:
- imported goods received are held in a designated area until accounted for, or
- domestic goods received are held in designated area until approved for entry into inventory.
A penalty will be assessed if one requirement or the other is not met.
References:
RegulationOther References
C053
Penalty
1st: $250 2nd: $375 3rd and Subsequent: $750Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Licensee of a duty free shop failed to ensure that the duty free shop was locked and sealed when requested by a customs officer or other officer as prescribed in the Duty Free Shop Regulations .
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when the licensee of the duty free shop fails to ensure that the duty free shop is locked and sealed when requested by a customs officer or other officer as prescribed in the Duty Free Shop Regulations .
The requirement to lock and seal a duty free shop is normally requested by a customs officer when a complete inventory is undertaken by local CBSA officers or when a licensee fails to renew its duty free shop licence, or the licence has been suspended or cancelled by the Minister of Public Safety.
Authority for the above, is required to be given by the Manager of the Duty Free Shop Program prior to taking action.
References:
RegulationOther References
C054
Penalty
1st: $150 2nd: $225 3rd and Subsequent: $450Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Licensee of a duty free shop failed to ensure that the duty free shop was kept suitable for the safekeeping of the goods stored therein.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when the licensee of a duty free shop fails to ensure that the shop is kept suitable for the safekeeping of the goods stored therein or in the off-site storage facility.
For example, C054 may apply in the following cases:
Licensee of duty free shop fails to ensure access to the warehouse is properly controlled in a manner that ensures there is no public access to the inventory therein.
Or, during routine examination, a CBSA officer discovers that the licensee has not taken every reasonable measure to safeguard the security of the goods in the retail area to minimize theft.
Or, the licensee is found to not have adequate physical security (alarms, motion sensors, etc…) to protect the inventory in the shop, warehouse and/or off-site storage facility during silent hours.
References:
Regulation- D4-3-4, Duty-Free Shop – Operational Responsibilities
- D4-3-7, Duty Free Shop – Contraventions and Penalties
C055
Penalty
1st: $150 2nd: $225 3rd and Subsequent: $450Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Licensee of a duty free shop failed to acknowledge receipt of goods as prescribed in the Duty Free Shop Regulations , subsection 16(1).
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when the licensee fails to acknowledge receipt of goods by endorsing bill of lading, waybill or similar document or endorse the document used by the licensee, to account for inventory.
For example, during an examination a CBSA officer finds a bill of lading, waybill or similar document that has not been properly endorsed.
A duty free shop operator fails to account for the overages or shortages in shipments subsequent to endorsing bill of lading, waybill or similar document.
References:
RegulationOther References
C056
Penalty
1st: $150 2nd: $225 3rd and Subsequent: $450Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Licensee of a duty free shop failed to immediately notify the chief officer of customs of the receipt of the goods.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when the licensee fails to immediately notify (at the very least within 24 hours) the chief of operations or delegated representative of the local CBSA office upon receipt of goods.
Chief of operations means the manager of the CBSA office or offices that serve the area in which the duty free shop is located.
References:
RegulationOther References
C057
Penalty
1st: $150 2nd: $225 3rd and Subsequent: $450Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Licensee of a Duty Free Shop failed to present required documents to the chief officer of customs before any goods were taken into a duty free shop.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when the licensee fails, when requested, to present documents to the local CBSA chief of operations as required in the Duty Free Shop Policy and Regulations before any goods are taken into the duty free shop.
For example, while performing inventory verification, the licensee is found to have shipments in its warehouse for which appropriate documents have not been presented to the CBSA , and when requested, the licensee either refuses to provide the documents or has not retained such documents.
Chief of operations means the manager of the CBSA office or offices that serve the area in which the duty free shop is located.
References:
RegulationOther References
C058
Penalty
1st: $300 * 2nd: $450 3rd and Subsequent: $900Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Licensee of a sufferance warehouse failed to acknowledge receipt of goods as prescribed in the Customs Sufferance Warehouses Regulations section 14.
Guidelines:
* A 30-day delay in the escalation of penalty levels from the first to the second will apply to this contravention. Should a second penalty with the same contravention be issued against the same client, the system will not escalate the penalty level to level two unless 30 days have transpired from when the first Notice of Penalty Assessment ( NPA ) was issued or the infraction occurred. The non-escalation rule applies from the first level to the second level only; it does not apply from the second to the third level.
Non-compliance occurs when a licensee fails to acknowledge receipt of imported goods by electronic means or in the prescribed manner as prescribed in the Customs Sufferance Warehouses Regulations subsection 14(2).
Examples of non-compliance under C058:
- A licensee failed to transmit a Warehouse Arrival Certification Message (WACM).
- A licensee failed to endorse a bill of lading, for goods transported to Canada by a courier and to be released under subsection 32(4) of the Act.
For failure to acknowledge receipt of goods by a duty free shop licensee, see C055.
For failure to acknowledge receipt of goods by a customs bonded warehouse licensee, see C204.
References:
RegulationC059
Penalty
1st: $300 2nd: $450 3rd and Subsequent: $900Penalty basis:
Per Warehouse Check
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person altered or manipulated goods in a sufferance warehouse in a manner not prescribed in the Customs Sufferance Warehouses Regulations section 17.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when it is discovered that goods located in a sufferance warehouse were altered or manipulated in a manner not prescribed in the regulations.
Goods may be manipulated, unpacked, packed, altered or combined with other goods only for the purpose of:
Stamping or marking of manufactured tobacco and cigars or marking goods to indicate their country or geographic area of origin.
For failure to prevent the manipulation, combination or altering of goods in a customs bonded warehouse, see C210.
References:
RegulationC060
Penalty
1st: $500 * 2nd: $750 3rd and Subsequent: $1,500Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Licensee of a customs sufferance warehouse failed to provide facilities, equipment and personnel, sufficient to control access to the sufferance warehouse and secure storage of the goods.
Guidelines:
* A 30-day delay in the escalation of penalty levels from the first to the second will apply to this contravention. Should a second penalty with the same contravention be issued against the same client, the system will not escalate the penalty level to level two unless 30 days have transpired from when the first Notice of Penalty Assessment ( NPA ) was issued or the infraction occurred. The non-escalation rule applies from the first level to the second level only; it does not apply from the second to the third level.
Non-compliance occurs when the physical security, equipment and personnel, of the sufferance warehouse including; doors, other building components, locks and signs are not sufficient to secure storage of the goods.
This contravention also refers to equipment and personnel such as security systems and security guards.
For failure to ensure the safety and security of goods while in a sufferance warehouse, see C048.
For failure to ensure the safety and security of goods while in a customs bonded warehouse, see C196.
References:
RegulationC061
Penalty
1st: $150 2nd: $225 3rd and Subsequent: $450Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Licensee of a duty free shop failed to provide a summary of monthly sales in the prescribed form, not later than 15 days after the last day of the month in which the sales described on the form were made.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when the duty free shop operator fails to provide a summary of the monthly sales in the prescribed form, Form B117, not later than 15 days after the last day of the month in which the sales described on the form were made.
Chief of operations means the manager of the CBSA office or offices that serve the area in which the duty free shop is located.
References:
Other References
C063
Penalty
1st: $1,000 2nd: $2,000 3rd and Subsequent: $4,000Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Licensee failed to provide a list of all goods not removed from the sufferance warehouse within the time limit prescribed in subsection 15(1), 15(2), 15(3) or 15(4) of the Customs Sufferance Warehouses Regulations , as the case may have been, on the first business day following the end of that period.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when the licensee fails to provide a list of all goods not removed from the sufferance warehouse within the prescribed time limit. The goods may, at the end of that limitation period, be deposited in a place of safe-keeping as provided for in subsection 37(1) of the Act.
The licensee must provide a list of all the goods not removed from the sufferance warehouse within 40 days after the day the goods were reported under section 12 of the Customs Act .
Perishable goods must be removed from the sufferance warehouse within four days after the day on which they were reported under section 12 of the Act.
Prescribed substances within the meaning of the Atomic Energy Control Act or prescribed items within the meaning of the Atomic Energy Control Regulations must be removed from the sufferance warehouse within 14 days after the day on which they were reported under section 12 of the Act.
Tobacco products, distilled spirits, firearms, weapons and ammunition constitute a class of goods that are forfeit if they are not removed from a sufferance warehouse within 14 days after the day on which they were reported under section 12 of the Act.
References:
RegulationC064
Penalty
1st: $1,600 2nd: $3,200 3rd and Subsequent: $6,400Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Licensee of a duty free shop sold, gave or in any manner conveyed tobacco products to persons deemed to be minors under the laws of the province in which the duty free shop is located.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when the licensee of a duty free shop has sold or otherwise conveyed any tobacco product to a person deemed to be a minor under the laws of the province in which the duty free shop is located.
References:
RegulationOther References
C066
Penalty
1st: $1,000 2nd: $2,000 3rd and Subsequent: $4,000Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person removed goods from a bonded warehouse or duty free shop prior to release by an officer.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when goods are removed from a bonded warehouse or duty free shop prior to authorization.
For example, the BSO requests from the warehouse operator to examine a shipment, but the warehouse operator advises CBSA that the shipment is not available for examination and it is determined that the shipment had been delivered to the importer without customs release or authorization.
Or, the BSO conducts a warehouse examination. Documentation indicates that certain imported goods that are supposed to be in the warehouse are not there.
Or, the Regional CBSA Senior Officer Trade Compliance ( SOTC ) conducts a thorough Duty Deferral verification. The results indicate some imported goods were not available and are consequently considered to have been delivered without release or authorization.
For specified goods, ascertained forfeiture to be applied in addition to AMPS penalty.
For situations where goods are moved or removed from the customs office or sufferance warehouse, refer to C033.
References:
LegislationOther References
C069
Penalty
1st: $2,000 2nd: $4,000 3rd and Subsequent: $8,000Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person generated or used a false Release Notification System ( RNS ) notice to remove goods from a bonded warehouse, or duty free shop.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when a person generates or uses a false Release Notification System ( RNS ) to remove goods from a bonded warehouse or duty free shop.
Assessed against warehouse operator or person who generated a false message (i.e. importer).
Applied when it is discovered during a bonded warehouse examination or verification or a duty free shop audit that goods believed to be on site have been removed by the use of a false RNS .
For specified goods, ascertained forfeiture to be applied in addition to AMPS penalty.
For using a false RNS message to remove goods from a customs office or sufferance warehouse, see C359.
References:
Legislation- D7-4-4, Customs Bonded Warehouses
- D17-1-10, Coding of Customs Accounting Documents
- Release Notification System ( RNS ) Participants' Requirements Document
C070
Penalty
1st: $1,200 2nd: $2,400 3rd and Subsequent: $4,800Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Importer or owner failed to account for goods in prescribed time and manner.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when neither interim nor final accounting has been done by the importer or owner to account for the imported goods, and thus late accounting penalties would not be appropriate.
Each penalty imposed during a first verification will be at the first level ($1,200 per invoice/document) and each penalty imposed during a second verification will be at second level ($2,400 each).
The same applies for the third and subsequent verifications where each penalty will be assessed at $4,800.
Apply a penalty per commercial invoice or similar document.
References:
LegislationC071
Penalty
1st: $500 * 2nd: $750 3rd and Subsequent: $1,500Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person failed to provide required certificate, licence, permit or information before the goods are released.
Guidelines:
* A 30-day delay in the escalation of penalty levels from the first to the second will apply to this contravention. Should a second penalty with the same contravention be issued against the same client, the system will not escalate the penalty level to level two unless 30 days have transpired from when the first Notice of Penalty Assessment ( NPA ) was issued or the infraction occurred. The non-escalation rule applies from the first level to the second level only; it does not apply from the second to the third level.
Non-compliance occurs when a person fails to provide a permit, licence, certificate or other document or information that is required by customs at time of interim or final accounting before the goods are released.
For example, a release request was received for a shipment of cheese without a permit.
Or, a release request for agricultural goods was transmitted with an incorrect service option bypassing the Canadian Food Inspection Agency ( CFIA ) review process.
Although a penalty may be applied under this contravention all OGD admissibility requirements must be met prior to release. It is also possible that the OGD may have their own administrative monetary penalties.
References:
RegulationOther References
C080
Penalty
1st: $150 to a maximum of $5,000 (per issue) or $25,000 (per occurrence) 2nd: $225 to a maximum of $200,000 (per occurrence) 3rd and Subsequent: $450 to a maximum of $400,000 (per occurrence)
Penalty basis:
Per issue or per occurrence*
Retention period:
Contravention:
Authorized person failed to make the required corrections to a declaration of origin of imported goods subject to a free trade agreement within 90 days after having reason to believe that the declaration was incorrect.
Guidelines:
* The term “per issue” applies to each good for which a preferential tariff treatment under a free trade agreement was incorrectly claimed and for which a correction was not made, regardless of how often the error is repeated on import documents.
The term “per occurrence” at the first, second, and third levels applies to each uncorrected error for which a preferential tariff treatment under a free trade agreement was incorrectly claimed per B3 accounting document and not per B3 line.
Non-compliance is normally discovered by a Senior Officer Trade Compliance ( SOTC ) as a result of an audit, examination, verification, or subsequent monitoring activity.
Applied against the importer of record.
Where customs duties and/or taxes would be owed as a result of required corrections, see C350.
Where there is a failure to correct a declaration that would result in a refund of custosm duties, no penalty will apply.
Errors discovered during a second or subsequent audit, examination, verification, or monitoring activity, that are unrelated to the first penalty assessment will incur only first level penalties.
The SOTC must record in their report each error along with a detailed explanation of what constituted “reason to believe” for that error. This is required in order to establish the level of penalty for the next occurrence of the same error.
There will be a cap of $1,000 for each group of repeated and incorrect declarations where the client can demonstrate to the SOTC that the errors in the declaration were caused by a single keystroke / data entry error. This cap will apply only to first level penalties and only where corrections are made within 90 days of the date of the trade compliance verification final report.
Any combination of penalties issued under C080 and C350 shall not exceed the maximum penalty amount for each specific level and shall include all penalties that are issued as a result of an audit, examination, verification or subsequent monitoring activity. The maximum penalty amount for the first level is $5,000 (per issue) or $25,000 (per occurrence) depending on applicable reason to believe criterion. The conditions under which either of the $5,000 or $25,000 maximum penalties would be applied are explained in the First Level Penalties paragraph below. The maximum penalty amount for the second level remains unchanged at $200,000. The maximum penalty amount for the third level also remains unchanged at $400,000.
“Reason to Believe”
In regards to the obligation to self-correct under section 32.2 of the Customs Act , specific information regarding the origin that gives an importer reason to believe that a declaration is incorrect, can be found in:
- (a) legislative provisions such as specific origin provisions that are prima facie (i.e., at first sight), evident (obvious, apparent) and transparent (i.e., clear, self-explanatory). For example, proof of origin requirements under section 24 of the Customs Tariff and sections 35.1 of the Customs Act
- (b) formal assessment documents issued by the Canada Border Services Agency ( CBSA ) to the importer, relating to the imported goods, such as determinations (other than “deemed determinations”), re-determinations, further re-determinations, etc.;
- (c) final tribunal or court decisions in which the importer was the appellant, respondent or intervenor;
- (d) information received from exporters, suppliers, etc. (e.g. cancellation of certificates of origin);
- (e) written communication, addressed directly to the importer from the CBSA , such as a ruling (e.g., advance ruling issued under section 43.1 of the Customs Act ), or a trade compliance verification final report; or an official notification as a result of an exporter origin verification; or
- ( f ) a final report from an importer-initiated internal audit or review, or from an external company conducting an audit or review of an importer’s company.
First Level Penalties
Penalties apply where an importer failed to correct the origin of goods subject to a free trade agreement within 90 days after having “reason to believe” that the declaration was incorrect.
For errors that have occurred as a result of reason to believe criterion (a):
First level penalties that are the result of criterion (a) will be assessed on a per issue basis for each issue not corrected within 90 days of having “reason to believe”. A penalty of $150 will be assessed for each issue up to a maximum of $5,000. First level penalties will be assessed at $150 for each issue regardless of how often an error is repeated during the reassessment period, provided that all occurrence of the error are corrected within 90 days of the date of the trade compliance verification final report.
Errors that are not corrected within 90 days of receiving the trade compliance verification final report will be assessed a penalty of $150 per occurrence to a maximum of $25,000.
Assessments of penalties on a “per issue” basis will not apply in circumstances where an importer fails to furnish any proof of origin upon request.
An importer declares multiple goods under an FTA preferential tariff treatment (FTA PTT) and has a valid multiple product or multi-page proof of origin in support of the majority of the declared goods. In the same shipment and under the same declaration, the importer incorrectly declares an FTA PTT for one or two goods that are not certified on the multi-product or multi-page proof of origin. If the importer corrects the tariff treatment errors within 90 days of receiving the trade compliance verification final report, only one penalty of $150 for each good not covered by a certificate of origin will apply, regardless of how often the error is repeated over multiple accounting documents. If the error is not corrected within 90 days of receiving the trade compliance verification final report, a $150 penalty will apply for each occurrence of the error throughout the reassessment period, to a maximum of $25,000.
For errors that have occurred as a result of reason to believe criteria (b) through (f):
First level penalties that are the result of criteria (b) to (f) will be assessed on a per occurrence basis for each error not corrected within 90 days of having “reason to believe”. A penalty of $150 will be assessed for each occurrence over the reassessment period up to a maximum of $25,000.
Where an importer has received information from an exporter (or producer) that advises a certificate of origin is no longer valid or that goods no longer qualify as originating, corrections to declarations of origin must be made within 90 days of receipt of this notification. This would be considered an importer’s “reason to believe” under criterion (d).
Second Level Penalties
Second level penalties can only be applied to errors made on the same goods that have been assessed a first level penalty within the retention period.
For the same origin errors previously assessed a penalty at the first level, a second level penalty will apply following all subsequent audits, examinations, verifications, or monitoring activity for each declaration (B3) where the importer failed to correct the origin within 90 days after having “reason to believe” that the declaration was incorrect, to a maximum of $200,000 for the reassessment period.
Second level penalties would also apply to all adjustments made by importers where they failed to correct declarations within 90 days of having “reason to believe” that corrections are required.
Third Level Penalties
Third level penalties can only be applied to errors made on the same goods that have been assessed a second level penalty within the retention period.
For the same origin errors previously assessed a penalty at the second level, a third level penalty will apply following all subsequent audits, examinations, verifications, or monitoring activity for each declaration (B3) where the importer failed to correct the origin within 90 days after having “reason to believe” that the declaration was incorrect, to a maximum of $400,000 for the reassessment period.
Third level penalties would also apply to all adjustments made by importers where they failed to correct declarations within 90 days of having “reason to believe” that corrections are required.
References:
LegislationC081
Penalty
1st: $150 to a maximum of $5,000 (per issue) or $25,000 (per occurrence) 2nd: $225 to a maximum of $200,000 (per occurrence) 3rd and Subsequent: $450 to a maximum of $400,000 (per occurrence)
Penalty basis:
Per issue or per occurrence*
Retention period:
Contravention:
Authorized person failed to make the required corrections to a declaration of origin of imported goods within 90 days after having reason to believe that the declaration was incorrect.
Guidelines:
* The term “per issue” applies to each good for which a preferential tariff treatment (not related to a free trade agreement) was incorrectly claimed and for which a correction was not made, regardless of how often the error is repeated on import documents.
The term “per occurrence” at the first, second, and third levels applies to each uncorrected error for which a preferential tariff treatment (not related to a free trade agreement) was incorrectly claimed per B3 accounting document and not per B3 line.
Non-compliance is normally discovered by a Senior Officer Trade Compliance ( SOTC ) as a result of an audit, examination, verification, or subsequent monitoring activity.
Applied against the importer of record.
Where customs duties and/or taxes would be owed as a result of required corrections, see C351.
Where there is a failure to correct a declaration that would result in a refund of customs duties, no penalty will apply.
Errors discovered during a second or subsequent audit, examination, verification, or monitoring activity, that are unrelated to the first penalty assessment will incur only first level penalties.
The SOTC must record in their report each error along with a detailed explanation of what constituted “reason to believe” for that error. This is required in order to establish the level of penalty for the next occurrence of the same error.
There will be a cap of $1,000 for each group of repeated and incorrect declarations where the client can demonstrate to the SOTC that the errors in the declaration were caused by a single keystroke / data entry error. This cap will apply only to first level penalties and only where corrections are made within 90 days of the date of the trade compliance verification final report.
Any combination of penalties issued under C081 and C351 shall not exceed the maximum penalty amount for each specific level and shall include all penalties that are issued as a result of an audit, examination, verification or subsequent monitoring activity. The maximum penalty amount for the first level is $5,000 (per issue) or $25,000 (per occurrence) depending on applicable reason to believe criterion. The conditions under which either of the $5,000 or $25,000 maximum penalties would be applied are explained in the First Level Penalties paragraph below. The maximum penalty amount for the second level remains unchanged at $200,000. The maximum penalty amount for the third level also remains unchanged at $400,000.
“Reason to Believe”
In regards to the obligation to self-correct under section 32.2 of the Customs Act, specific information regarding the origin that gives an importer reason to believe that a declaration is incorrect, can be found in:
- (a) legislative provisions such as specific valuation provisions that are prima facie (i.e., at first sight), evident (obvious, apparent) and transparent (i.e., clear, self-explanatory). For example, proof of origin requirements under section 24 of the Customs Tariff and section 35.1 of the Customs Act
- (b) formal assessment documents issued by the Canada Border Services Agency ( CBSA ) to the importer, relating to the imported goods, such as determinations (other than “deemed determinations”), redeterminations, further redeterminations, etc.;
- (c) final tribunal or court decisions in which the importer was the appellant, respondent or intervenor;
- (d) information received from exporters, suppliers, etc. (e.g. cancellation of certificates of origin);
- (e) written communication addressed directly to the importer from the CBSA such as a ruling (e.g., advance ruling issued under section 43.1 of the Customs Act ), a trade compliance verification final report, or an official notification as a result of an exporter origin verification; or
- ( f ) a final report from an importer-initiated internal audit or review, or, from an external company conducting an audit or review of an importer’s company.
First Level Penalties
Penalties apply where an importer failed to correct the origin of goods within 90 days after having “reason to believe” that the declaration was incorrect.
For errors that have occurred as a result of reason to believe criterion (a):
First level penalties that are the result of criterion (a) will be assessed on a per issue basis for each issue not corrected within 90 days of having “reason to believe”. A penalty of $150 will be assessed for each issue up to a maximum of $5,000. First level penalties will be assessed at $150 for each issue regardless of how often an error is repeated during the reassessment period, provided that all occurrence of the error are corrected within 90 days of the date of the trade compliance verification final report.
Errors that are not corrected within 90 days of receiving the trade compliance verification final report will be assessed a penalty of $150 per occurrence to a maximum of $25,000.
Assessments of penalties on a “per issue” basis will not apply in circumstances where an importer fails to furnish any proof of origin upon request.
An importer declares multiple goods under tariff treatment and has valid multi-product or multi-page proof of origin in support of the majority of the declared goods. In the same shipment and under the same declaration, the importer incorrectly declares a tariff treatment for one or two goods that are not certified on the multi-product or multi-page proof of origin that has been provided. If the importer corrects the tariff treatment errors within 90 days of receiving the trade compliance verification final report, only one penalty of $150 for each good not covered by a certificate of origin will apply, regardless of how often the error is repeated over multiple accounting documents. If the error is not corrected within 90 days of receiving the trade compliance verification final report, a $150 penalty will apply for each occurrence of the error throughout the reassessment period, to a maximum of $25,000.
For errors that have occurred as a result of reason to believe criteria (b) through (f):
First level penalties that are the result of criteria (b) to (f) will be assessed on a per occurrence basis for each error not corrected within 90 days of having “reason to believe”. A penalty of $150 will be assessed for each occurrence over the reassessment period up to a maximum of $25,000.
Where an importer has received information from an exporter (or producer) that advises a proof of origin provided by the exporter is no longer valid or that goods no longer qualify as originating, corrections to declarations of origin must be made within 90 days of receipt of this notification. This would be considered an importer’s “reason to believe” under criterion (d).
Second Level Penalties
Second level penalties can only be applied to errors made on the same goods that have been assessed a first level penalty within the retention period.
For the same origin errors previously assessed a penalty at the first level, a second level penalty will apply following all subsequent audits, examinations, verifications, or monitoring activity for each declaration (B3) where the importer failed to correct the origin within 90 days after having “reason to believe” that the declaration was incorrect, to a maximum of $200,000 for the reassessment period.
Second level penalties would also apply to all adjustments made by importers where they failed to correct declarations within 90 days of having “reason to believe” that corrections are required.
Third Level Penalties
Third level penalties can only be applied to errors made on the same goods that have been assessed a second level penalty within the retention period.
For the same origin errors previously assessed a penalty at the second level, a third level penalty will apply following all subsequent audits, examinations, verifications, or monitoring activity for each declaration (B3) where the importer failed to correct the origin within 90 days after having “reason to believe” that the declaration was incorrect, to a maximum of $400,000 for the reassessment period.
Third level penalties would also apply to all adjustments made by importers where they failed to correct declarations within 90 days of having “reason to believe” that corrections are required.
References:
LegislationC082
Penalty
1st: $150 to a maximum of $5,000 (per issue) or $25,000 (per occurrence) 2nd: $225 to a maximum of $200,000 (per occurrence) 3rd and Subsequent: $450 to a maximum of $400,000 (per occurrence)
Penalty basis:
Per issue or per occurrence*
Retention period:
Contravention:
Authorized person failed to make the required corrections to a declaration of tariff classification within 90 days after having reason to believe that the declaration was incorrect.
Guidelines:
* The term “per issue” applies to each uncorrected tariff classification error of a good regardless of how often the error is repeated on import documents. A “good” also includes the same and similar goods that have the same function as the goods being verified, that differ in a manner (e.g., size, colour, capacity) that does not alter the tariff classification of the goods at the tariff item level
The term “per occurrence” at the first, second, and third levels applies to each uncorrected tariff classification error of a good per B3 accounting document and not per B3 line.
Non-compliance is normally discovered by a Senior Officer Trade Compliance ( SOTC ) as a result of an audit, examination, verification or subsequent monitoring activity.
Applied against the importer of record.
Where customs duties and/or taxes would be owed as a result of required corrections, see C352.
Where there is a failure to correct a declaration that would result in a refund of customs duties, no penalty will apply.
Errors discovered during a second or subsequent audit, examination, verification, or monitoring activity, that are unrelated to the first penalty assessment will incur only first level penalties.
The SOTC must record in their report each error along with a detailed explanation of what constituted “reason to believe” for that error. This is required in order to establish the level of penalty for the next occurrence of the same error.
There will be a cap of $1,000 for each group of repeated and incorrect declarations where the client can demonstrate to the SOTC that the errors in the declaration were caused by a single keystroke/data entry error. This cap will apply only to first level penalties and only where corrections are made within 90 days of the date of the trade compliance verification final report.
Any combination of penalties issued under C082 and C352 shall not exceed the maximum penalty amount for each specific level and shall include all penalties that are issued as a result of an audit, examination, verification or subsequent monitoring activity. The maximum penalty amount for the first level is $5,000 (per issue) or $25,000 (per occurrence) depending on applicable reason to believe criterion. The conditions under which either of the $5,000 or $25,000 maximum penalties would be applied are explained in the First Level Penalties paragraph below. The maximum penalty amount for the second level remains unchanged at $200,000. The maximum penalty amount for the third level also remains unchanged at $400,000.
“Reason to Believe”
In regards to the obligation to self-correct under section 32.2 of the Customs Act, specific information regarding the tariff classification or diversion of the imported goods that gives an importer reason to believe that a declaration is incorrect, can be found in:
- (a) legislative provisions such as specific tariff provisions that are prima facie (i.e., at first sight), evident (i.e., obvious, apparent), and transparent (i.e., clear, self-explanatory). For example:
- i) Obvious classification 0104.10.00 - - - (Live sheep and goats) Sheep
- ii) Involving conditional relief which is contingent upon a specific use 0812.10.10.00 - - -Pitted sweet cherries, with stems, provisionally preserved by sulphur dioxide gas, for use in the manufacture of maraschino cherries with stems;
First Level Penalties
A tariff classification error occurs when a good is not classified and accounted for in accordance with the rules and schedules of the Customs Tariff Act . Penalties apply where an importer failed to correct the tariff classification of the good within 90 days after having “reason to believe” that the declaration was incorrect.
For errors that have occurred as a result of reason to believe criterion (a):
First level penalties that are the result of criterion (a) will be assessed on a per issue basis for each issue not corrected within 90 days of having “reason to believe”, A penalty of $150 will be assessed for each issue up to a maximum of $5,000. First level penalties will be assessed at $150 for each issue regardless of how often an error is repeated during the reassessment period, provided that all occurrence of the error are corrected within 90 days of the date of the trade compliance verification final report.
Errors that are not corrected within 90 days of receiving the trade compliance verification final report will be assessed a penalty of $150 per occurrence to a maximum of $25,000.
Plastic conveyor belts are classified under Chapter 84 when they are specifically excluded by virtue of Note 1(a) to Section XVI, and the error was repeated on multiple accounting documents. Only one penalty of $150 will apply if the error is corrected within 90 days of receiving the trade compliance verification final report, regardless of how often the same error is repeated over multiple accounting documents. If the error is not corrected within 90 days of receiving the trade compliance verification final report, a $150 penalty will apply for each occurrence of the error throughout the reassessment period, to a maximum of $25,000.
For errors that have occurred as a result of reason to believe criteria (b) through (g):
First level penalties that are the result of criteria (b) through (g) will be assessed on a per occurrence basis for each error not corrected within 90 days of having “reason to believe”. A penalty of $150 will be assessed for each occurrence over the assessment period up to a maximum of $25,000.
Second Level Penalties
Second level penalties can only be applied to errors made on the same goods that have been assessed a first level penalty within the retention period.
For the same tariff classification errors previously assessed a penalty at the first level, a second level penalty will apply following all subsequent audits, examinations, verifications, or monitoring activity for each declaration (B3) where the importer failed to correct the tariff classification within 90 days after having “reason to believe” that the declaration was incorrect, to a maximum of $200,000 for the reassessment period.
Second level penalties would also apply to all adjustments made by importers where they failed to correct declarations within 90 days of having “reason to believe” that corrections are required.
Third Level Penalties
Third level penalties can only be applied to errors made on the same goods that have been assessed a second level penalty within the retention period.
For the same tariff classification errors previously assessed a penalty at the second level, a third level penalty will apply following all subsequent audits, examinations, verifications, or monitoring activity for each declaration (B3) where the importer failed to correct the tariff classification within 90 days after having “reason to believe” that the declaration was incorrect, to a maximum of $400,000 for the reassessment period.
Third level penalties would also apply to all adjustments made by importers where they failed to correct declarations within 90 days of having “reason to believe” that corrections are required.
References:
LegislationC083
Penalty
1st: $150 to a maximum of $5,000 (per issue) or $25,000 (per occurrence) 2nd: $225 to a maximum of $200,000 (per occurrence) 3rd and Subsequent: $450 to a maximum of $400,000 (per occurrence)
Penalty basis:
Per issue or per occurrence*
Retention period:
Contravention:
Authorized person failed to make the required corrections to a declaration of value for duty within 90 days after having reason to believe that the declaration was incorrect.
Guidelines:
* The term “per issue” applies to each element of the value for duty provisions that is incorrect and for which a correction was not made, regardless of how often the error is repeated on import documents.
The term “per occurrence” at the first, second, and third levels applies to each uncorrected value for duty error per B3 accounting document and not per B3 line.
Non-compliance is normally discovered by a Senior Officer Trade Compliance ( SOTC ) as a result of an audit, examination, verification or subsequent monitoring activity.
Applied against the importer of record.
Where customs duties and/or taxes would be owed as a result of required corrections, see C353.
Where there is a failure to correct a declaration that would result in a refund of customs duties, no penalty will apply.
Errors discovered during a second or subsequent audit, examination, verification, or monitoring activity that are unrelated to the first penalty assessment will incur only first level penalties.
The SOTC must record in their report each error along with a detailed explanation of what constituted “reason to believe” for that error. This is required in order to establish the level of penalty for the next occurrence of the same error.
There will be a cap of $1,000 for each group of repeated and incorrect declarations where the client can demonstrate to the SOTC that the errors in the declaration were caused by a single keystroke / data entry error. This cap will apply only to first level penalties and only where corrections are made within 90 days of the date of the trade compliance verification final report.
Any combination of penalties issued under C083 and C353 shall not exceed the maximum penalty amount for each specific level and shall include all penalties that are issued as a result of an audit, examination, verification or subsequent monitoring activity. The maximum penalty amount for the first level is $5,000 (per issue) or $25,000 (per occurrence) depending on applicable reason to believe criterion. The conditions under which either of the $5,000 or $25,000 maximum penalties would be applied are explained in the First Level Penalties paragraph below. The maximum penalty amount for the second level remains unchanged at $200,000. The maximum penalty amount for the third level also remains unchanged at $400,000.
Errors in declarations of value for duty do not always lend themselves to a clear distinction on the assessment of penalties on a “per issue” or “per occurrence” basis. Where there is uncertainty over whether a penalty should be assessed on a “per issue” or “per occurrence” basis, officers are strongly encouraged to contact the Origin and Valuation Policy Unit for assistance in the assessment of penalties.
“Reason to Believe”
In regards to the obligation to self-correct under section 32.2 of the Customs Act, specific information regarding the value for duty that gives an importer reason to believe that a declaration is incorrect, can be found in:
- (a) legislative provisions such as specific valuation provisions that are prima facie (i.e., at first sight), evident (obvious, apparent) and transparent (i.e., clear, self-explanatory). For example, packaging or assists provisions;
- (b) formal assessment documents issued by the Canada Border Services Agency ( CBSA ) to the importer, relating to the imported goods, such as determinations (other than “deemed determinations”), re-determinations, further re-determinations, etc.;
- (c) final tribunal or court decisions in which the importer was the appellant, respondent or intervenor;
- (d) information received from vendors, freight forwarders, exporters, suppliers, etc. (e.g. vendor’s invoice indicating retroactive price increase for goods already purchased);
- (e) written communication addressed directly to the importer from the CBSA such as a national customs ruling, or a trade compliance verification final report; or
- ( f ) a final report from an importer-initiated internal audit or review, or from an external company conducting an audit or review of an importer’s company.
First Level Penalties
A value for duty error occurs when the value for duty of goods is not determined in accordance with the requirements of sections 44 to 55 of the Customs Act . A value for duty error can be, but is not limited to, the use of the wrong valuation method or its improper application, the use of the incorrect price paid or payable, or not making each of the required adjustments as required under the valuation provisions of the Customs Act . Each will be considered a separate error. Penalties apply where an importer failed to correct the value for duty within 90 days after having “reason to believe” that the declaration was incorrect.
For errors that have occurred as a result of “reason to believe” criterion (a):
First level penalties that are the result of criterion (a) will be assessed on a per issue basis for each issue not corrected within 90 days of having “reason to believe”. A penalty of $150 will be assessed for each issue up to a maximum of $5,000. First level penalties will be assessed at $150 for each issue regardless of how often an error is repeated during the reassessment period, provided that all occurrence of the error are corrected within 90 days of the date of the trade compliance verification final report.
Errors that are not corrected within 90 days of receiving the trade compliance verification final report will be assessed a penalty of $150 per occurrence to a maximum of $25,000.
An importer failed to make an adjustment for assists, as required under the provisions of 48(5)(a)(iii) of the Customs Act . If the error is corrected within 90 days of receiving the trade compliance verification final report, only one penalty of $150 to a maximum of $5,000 will apply regardless of how often the error is repeated over multiple accounting documents. If the error is not corrected within 90 days of receiving the trade compliance verification final report, a $150 penalty will apply for each occurrence of each error throughout the reassessment period, to a maximum of $25,000.
For errors that have occurred as a result of reason to believe criteria (b) through (f):
First level penalties that are the result of criteria (b) through (f) will be assessed on a per occurrence basis for each error not corrected within 90 days of having “reason to believe”. A penalty of $150 will be assessed for each occurrence over the reassessment period up to a maximum of $25,000.
Second Level Penalties
Second level penalties can only be applied to errors made on the same issues that have been assessed a first level penalty within the retention period.
For the same value for duty errors previously assessed a penalty at the first level, a second level penalty will apply following all subsequent audits, examinations, verifications, or monitoring activity for each declaration (B3) where the importer failed to correct the value for duty within 90 days after having “reason to believe” that the declaration was incorrect to a maximum of $200,000 for the reassessment period.
Second level penalties would also apply to all adjustments made by importers where they failed to correct declarations within 90 days of having “reason to believe” that corrections are required.
Third Level Penalties
Third level penalties can only be applied to errors made on the same issues that have been assessed a second level penalty within the retention period.
For the same value for duty errors previously assessed a penalty at the second level, a third level penalty will apply following all subsequent audits, examinations, verifications, or monitoring activity for each declaration (B3) where the importer failed to correct the value for duty within 90 days after having “reason to believe” that the declaration was incorrect, to a maximum of $400,000 for the reassessment period.
Third level penalties would also apply to all adjustments made by importers where they failed to correct declarations within 90 days of having “reason to believe” that corrections are required.
References:
LegislationC152
Penalty
1st: $150 2nd: $225 3rd and Subsequent: $450Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Importer or owner of goods failed to furnish the proof of origin upon request.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when, subsequent to a written request, the importer or owner of the goods fails to furnish proof of origin or the proof of origin presented does not support the tariff treatment claimed in the original (final) accounting document. Specific proofs of origin required in support of a claim for a specific tariff treatment are set out in Departmental Memorandum D11-4-2, Proof of Origin.
Non-compliance occurs where a signature is required, but is not included in the proof of origin presented.
Applied against the importer.
Normally applied by a Senior Officer Trade Compliance ( SOTC ).
SOTC s must make a request and provide reasonable amount of time for the client to comply. Current policy is a minimum of five business days with one extension.
Apply a penalty per request, regardless of the number of transactions or documents pertaining to that request.
This penalty also applies when the blanket period field, with respect to free trade agreements where a certificate of origin is the required proof, is missing and there is no indication on the document of a reference number such as the invoice number, the purchase order number or any other unique reference indicator that could be used to identify that the goods covered by the certificate are the imported goods.
C152 does not apply when a certificate of origin is not properly completed or field information, other than a signature, is missing or omitted. In this situation, see C005.
Applicable to all tariff treatments.
References:
LegislationOther References
C157
Penalty
1st: $300 2nd: $450 3rd and Subsequent: $900Penalty basis:
Per Written Request
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person who imports, or causes to be imported, commercial goods failed to make records in respect of those goods available to an officer when requested.
Apply a penalty per written request for records basis.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when a verification, audit, inspection or examination determines that a company does not make records available to an officer for review purposes.
Applied against the importer.
This penalty is normally applied by a Senior Officer Trade Compliance (SOTC) and approved by the regional Manager, Trade Compliance.
Records can be made available on-site at the company premises, delivered directly to the officer's place of work, or made available at another place as designated by the Minister (Non-Resident Importers may undertake to keep records at another location as provided in the Memorandum D17-1-21).
SOTCs must use discretion when deciding how much time to allow the importer to make records available. Thirty days is considered reasonable for the first request for records and fifteen days for subsequent requests for the same records.
This contravention is subject to graduated penalties and is applied on a per request basis, which will be made in writing and may involve more than one record.
Typically, one written request for records would be made per audit, verification, or examination. Subsequent written requests for records will be necessary if some or all of the records requested have not been made available to an officer.
The first contravention is subject to a $300 penalty.
Subsequent requests for records that are not made available will be subject to an escalation of penalty levels on a per request basis.
Second contravention is subject to a $450 penalty; third and subsequent contraventions are subject to $900 penalties.
References:
LegislationOther References
C158
Penalty
1st: $2,000 2nd: $4,000 3rd and Subsequent: $8,000Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person failed to answer truthfully questions asked by an officer concerning the records in respect of commercial goods.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when a verification, audit or examination determines that a company failed to answer questions truthfully about records requested by an officer.
Applied against the importer.
This penalty is normally applied by an investigations officer and approved by the regional Manager, Investigations.
The officer must have written documentation proving that the company did not provide truthful answers.
Apply a penalty per instance.
References:
LegislationOther References
C160
Penalty
Flat rate
$25,000Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person who is required by subsection 40(3) of the Customs Act to keep records in respect of commercial goods failed to keep records for a period of six years, or as specified in the Imported Goods Records Regulations .
This applied when an audit, verification or examination determines that there are no records in existence.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when an audit, verification or examination determines that a licensee of a duty free shop or sufferance warehouse has kept no records regarding the receipt and removal of commercial goods into and from the duty free shop or sufferance warehouse.
Applied against the licensee (warehouse or DFS ), certificate holder (duty deferral), courier or CSA importer.
Because no records exist, the audit or verification team is unable to proceed with the verification and render a determination regarding the company's compliance with CBSA administered legislation and regulations.
Consultation with regional management and headquarters personnel must occur prior to the application of this penalty.
The officer should proceed with caution.
The officer should use discretion when deciding how much time to allow the company to prove that records exist. Thirty days may be considered reasonable as a minimum.
This contravention is subject to a flat penalty amount of $25,000.
Because the verification is stopped at the outset due to nil record keeping, no other determination regarding other record contraventions can be made.
No other penalty for record contraventions can be combined with this penalty.
Apply a penalty when records do not exist.
References:
LegislationOther References
C161
Penalty
1st: $300 2nd: $450 3rd and Subsequent: $900Penalty basis:
Per Written Request
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person who is required by subsection 40(3) of the Customs Act to keep records in respect of commercial goods failed to keep records at the person's place of business or at such other place that may be designated by the Minister as specified in the Imported Goods Records Regulations .
Apply a penalty per written request for records basis.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when an audit, verification or examination determines that a licensee of a duty free shop or bonded warehouse, who is known to keep records, failed to keep specific records that were formally requested by an officer in writing regarding the sale or disposal of commercial goods that were previously received into it.
Applied against the licensee (warehouse or DFS ), certificate holder (duty deferral), courier or CSA importer.
The officer should use discretion when deciding how much time to allow the company to prove that records exist. Thirty days may be considered reasonable as a minimum.
This contravention is subject to graduated penalties and is applied on a per request basis, which will be made in writing and may involve more than one record.
Typically, only one written request for records would be made per audit, verification or examination.
The first contravention is subject to a $300 penalty.
Subsequent written requests for records later determined not to have been kept or exist will be subject to the second and third level penalties.
References:
LegislationOther References
C163
Penalty
1st: $300 2nd: $450 3rd and Subsequent: $900Penalty basis:
Per Written Request
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person who is required by subsection 40(3) of the Customs Act to keep records in respect of commercial goods failed to make the records available to the officer when requested.
Apply a penalty per written request for records basis.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when an audit, verification or examination determines that the licensee of a duty free shop, sufferance warehouse or bonded warehouse, already determined to keep records and that records exist, does not make records available to an officer for review purposes.
Applied against the licensee (warehouse or DFS ), certificate holder (duty deferral), courier or CSA importer.
Records can be made available on-site at the company premises or delivered directly to the place of work of the Senior Officer Trade Compliance.
The officer must exercise discretion when deciding how much time to allow the person to make records available. Thirty days may be considered reasonable as a minimum.
This contravention is subject to graduated penalties and is applied on a per request basis, which will be made in writing and may involve more than one record.
Typically, only one written request for records would be made per audit, verification or examination.
The first contravention is subject to a $300 penalty.
Subsequent written requests for records later determined not to have been kept or exist will be subject to the second and third level penalties.
Because the record(s) are not available for verification, no other record penalty can be assessed regarding the transaction(s) under review.
This is the only record penalty that can be applied to the transaction(s) under review.
If all records of an audit, verification or examination are not available for review, the officer may wish to reconsider whether the records actually exist, see C160.
References:
LegislationOther References
C164
Penalty
1st: $2,000 2nd: $4,000 3rd and Subsequent: $8,000Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person who is required by subsection 40(3) of the Customs Act to keep records in respect of commercial goods failed to truthfully answer any questions asked by the officer concerning the records.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when an audit, verification or examination determines that a licensee of a duty free shop or bonded warehouse failed to answer questions truthfully about records requested by an officer.
Applied against the licensee (warehouse or DFS ), certificate holder (duty deferral), courier or CSA importer.
This penalty is normally applied by an investigations officer.
The officer must have written documentation proving that the licensee failed to answer questions truthfully.
References:
LegislationOther References
C168
Penalty
1st: $150 2nd: $225 3rd and Subsequent: $450Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person failed to report within 90 days a failure to comply with a condition imposed under a tariff item in the List of Tariff Provisions in the schedule to the Customs Tariff .
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when a person was granted a refund under paragraph 74(1)(f) of the Customs Act and:
- The goods subsequently failed to comply with conditions imposed under a tariff item; and
- Refund has been paid under paragraph 74(1)(f) of the Act and the goods are subsequently sold or disposed of in a manner that would not entitle the importer to relief (i.e. revenue adjustment). For example, failure to maintain records or certificates of end use.
This penalty is also applied if a good is diverted from one conditional relief tariff item to another such that no additional duties are payable or refunded, but the diversion was not reported.
Applied against the importer.
Results from review or verification.
This contravention applies whether or not the refund received is repayable.
For errors discovered during a first audit, the first level penalty will apply.
For errors discovered during a second audit, the second level penalty will apply.
For errors discovered during a third or subsequent audits, the third level penalty will apply.
For situations where there is a repayable refund, see C169.
References:
LegislationOther References
C169
Penalty
1st: $150 2nd: $225 3rd and Subsequent: $450Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person failed to repay within 90 days duties and interest refunded under paragraph 74(1)(f) of the Customs Act after a failure to comply with a condition imposed under a tariff item in the List of Tariff Provisions in the schedule to the Customs Tariff .
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when a refund has been paid under paragraph 74(1)(f) of the Customs Act and the goods subsequently fail to comply with conditions imposed under a tariff item.
Applied against the importer.
Penalty is applied as a result of a review or verification.
For errors discovered during a first visit, review or verification, a first level penalty will apply.
For errors discovered during a second visit, review or verification, a second level penalty will apply.
For errors discovered during a third and subsequent visits, reviews or verifications, the third level penalty will apply.
For failure to report a failure to comply with a condition imposed under a tariff item, see C168.
References:
LegislationOther References
C170
Penalty
1st: $500 * 2nd: $750 3rd and Subsequent: $1,500Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Exporter failed to report the export of goods on an export declaration at the time, place and/or in the manner prescribed.
Guidelines:
* A 30-day delay in the escalation of penalty levels from the first to the second will apply to this contravention. Should a second penalty with the same contravention be issued against the same client, the system will not escalate the penalty level to level two unless 30 days have transpired from when the first Notice of Penalty Assessment ( NPA ) was issued or the infraction occurred. The non-escalation rule applies from the first level to the second level only; it does not apply from the second to the third level.
Non-compliance occurs when the exporter fails to provide an export declaration (Form B13A, CAED, or G7 EDI Export Reporting) for goods that are not controlled, regulated or prohibited within the following legislative time frames prior to export:
- if the goods are exported by mail, not less than two hours before the goods are delivered to the post office where the goods are mailed;
- if the goods are exported by vessel, not less than 48 hours before the goods are loaded onto the vessel;
- if the goods are exported by aircraft, not less than two hours before the goods are loaded on board the aircraft;
- if the goods are exported by rail, not less than two hours before the railcar on which the goods have been loaded is assembled to form part of a train for export; and
- if the goods are exported by highway or any other mode of transportation, they must be reported immediately before being exported, i.e. before the conveyance transporting the goods crosses the border or leaves Canada.
Applied against the exporter.
Note: live animals or time-sensitive goods may, unless they are prohibited, controlled or regulated goods, be reported immediately before they are exported, regardless of mode.
Apply a penalty per shipment.
One C170 will apply to exporters who fail to submit a monthly export summary report within the legislative time frame as per Section 4(2) of the Reporting of Exported Goods Regulations, regardless of the number of shipments contained on the summary reports.
An export declaration must be presented for goods moving in transit through the U.S. en route to a non-U.S. destination within the legislated time frames.
Note: an export declaration is not required when goods are destined for final consumption in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
However, if the goods are prohibited, controlled or regulated, any required permits, licences and/or certificates must be presented to the CBSA according to the legislative time frames prior to export.
For failure to provide export permit, licence or certificate, see C315.
For failure to report goods subject to export control, see C345.
For exporters who use summary reporting for goods that have not been approved by the CBSA , see C317.
For failure to provide true, accurate and complete information on an export report, see C005.
References:
LegislationOther References
C189
Penalty
1st: $600 2nd: $1,200 3rd and Subsequent: $2,400Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person who has reported goods under subsection 95(1) of the Customs Act failed to answer truthfully any question asked by an officer with respect to the goods.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when the officer finds evidence during an examination that the information reported regarding the goods for export is not true, accurate and/or complete.
For example, the information regarding the origin of the goods for export is untrue. Or when the officer contacts the exporter to verify the information and the exporter gives an untrue response.
Applied against the exporter, exporter's agent or person transporting the goods.
For failure to answer truthfully any question with respect to goods subject to export control, see C346.
References:
LegislationC190
Penalty
1st: $500 2nd: $750 3rd and Subsequent: $1,500Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person who has reported goods under subsection 95(1) of the Customs Act or the person who has possession of the goods at the time of the request by the Officer failed to present goods, remove any covering from the goods, unload the conveyance or open thereof or unpack any package.
Guidelines:
Applied against the person who files the report or the person in possession of the goods at the time of the request.
Officer must request from the person in possession of the goods to examine the goods.
Request must have enough details for the client to understand what is expected.
Reasonable amount of time to prepare the goods will be allowed.
Apply a penalty per instance.
References:
LegislationC192
Penalty
1st: $150 * 2nd: $225 3rd and Subsequent: $450Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person who reported goods under subsection 95(1) of the Customs Act failed to export goods and failed to report failure to export the goods.
Guidelines:
* A 30-day delay in the escalation of penalty levels from the first to the second will apply to this contravention. Should a second penalty with the same contravention be issued against the same client, the system will not escalate the penalty level to level two unless 30 days have transpired from when the first Notice of Penalty Assessment ( NPA ) was issued or the infraction occurred. The non-escalation rule applies from the first level to the second level only; it does not apply from the second to the third level.
Non-compliance occurs when the exporter fails to notify the CBSA that the goods are no longer to be exported as originally reported.
Applied against the exporter.
Officers should determine if the failure to export the goods was caused by circumstances beyond the exporter's / carrier's responsibility or control.
Apply a penalty per shipment.
References:
LegislationC193
Penalty
1st: $150 2nd: $225 3rd and Subsequent: $450Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Exporter or producer of goods failed to provide officer with a copy of certificate of origin on request.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when, upon request, the exporter or the producer of goods fails to provide the completed and signed certificate of origin to the officer.
Applied against the producer of goods or the exporter.
Officer must first request the certificate of origin.
This requirement ensures that Canadian exporters are following bi-lateral agreements.
Apply a penalty per request.
References:
LegislationOther References
C194
Penalty
1st: $150 2nd: $225 3rd and Subsequent: $450Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person who has completed and signed a certificate of origin in accordance with subsection 97(1) of the Customs Act failed to notify person to whom the certificate was given, of incorrect information.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when there is evidence that person who completed and signed the certificate did not immediately notify all persons to whom the certificate was given of incorrect information.
Applied against the exporter or the producer of the goods.
This penalty only applies to the certificate of origin.
Apply a penalty per certificate.
References:
LegislationOther References
C195
Penalty
Flat rate
$25,000Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person who exported goods or caused goods to be exported failed to keep records at the place of business in Canada or at a designated place for a prescribed period.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when the person fails to keep records at the specified place, in the prescribed manner and for the prescribed period which is deemed to be six years following the exportation.
References:
LegislationOther References
C196
Penalty
1st: $500 * 2nd: $750 3rd and Subsequent: $1,500Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Bonded warehouse licensee or operator failed to comply with the provisions in the Customs Bonded Warehouses Regulations in respect of safety and security of goods while in a warehouse.
Guidelines:
* A 30-day delay in the escalation of penalty levels from the first to the second will apply to this contravention. Should a second penalty with the same contravention be issued against the same client, the system will not escalate the penalty level to level two unless 30 days have transpired from when the first Notice of Penalty Assessment ( NPA ) was issued or the infraction occurred. The non-escalation rule applies from the first level to the second level only; it does not apply from the second to the third level.
Non-compliance occurs when the physical security, equipment and personnel, of the bonded warehouse including; doors, other building components, locks and signs are not sufficient to secure storage of the goods.
This contravention also refers to equipment and personnel such as security systems and security guards.
Non-compliance occurs when the licensee fails to fulfill any of these requirements.
Apply a penalty per instance (i.e. per visit to the warehouse).
For failure to ensure the safety and security of goods while in a sufferance warehouse, see C048.
References:
RegulationC197
Penalty
1st: $500 2nd: $750 3rd and Subsequent: $1,500Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Customs bonded warehouse licensee or operator failed to provide adequate space, personnel, or equipment or information required for the examination of goods.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when the licensee or the warehouse operator fails to provide the following services when requested to do so by the CBSA :
- the personnel and equipment necessary to ensure that the goods to be examined by an officer are made available to the officer for examination; and
- the personnel necessary to furnish information, for verification purposes, to an officer with respect to the bonded warehouse operations and inventory system.
The request to conduct verification can be made to any representative of the warehouse licensee or operator.
Applied against the operator or the licensee.
A second level penalty is not to be assessed until the first Notice of Penalty Assessment has actually been issued.
Apply a penalty per instance (i.e. per visit to the warehouse).
References:
RegulationC198
Penalty
1st: $1,000 2nd: $2,000 3rd and Subsequent: $4,000Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Customs bonded warehouse licensee or operator allowed unauthorized person(s) access to the bonded warehouse facility.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when a person, other than the licensee, an employee of the licensee or an employee of a carrier engaged in the delivery of goods to or the removal of goods from the bonded warehouse enters any place in it where goods are stored.
Non-compliance also occurs when unauthorized persons are allowed access without written authorization or the attendance of an officer.
Applied against the licensee or the warehouse operator.
Apply a penalty for each occurrence and not based on the number of persons allowed access without proper authorization.
Apply a penalty per instance (i.e. per visit to the warehouse).
For sufferance warehouse, see C049.
References:
RegulationC199
Penalty
1st: $150 2nd: $225 3rd and Subsequent: $450Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Customs bonded warehouse licensee or operator received or transferred intoxicating liquor without written approval from the appropriate, authorized provincial board, commission or agency.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when a customs bonded warehouse licensee or operator receives in or transfers from a bonded warehouse intoxicating liquor without written approval as authorized by the laws of that province/territory in which the customs bonded warehouse is situated.
Applied against the customs bonded warehouse licensee or operator.
During a first verification or audit, for each instance where goods are received in or transferred from, a first level penalty will be assessed.
During a second verification or audit, a second level penalty will be assessed, and the third level penalty will apply for a third or subsequent verifications or audits.
Apply a penalty per shipment, per visit.
References:
RegulationC200
Penalty
1st: $150 2nd: $225 3rd and Subsequent: $450Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Customs bonded warehouse licensee or operator received certain unauthorized domestic tobacco or alcohol products into the bonded facility.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when a licensee or operator receives certain unauthorized domestic tobacco or alcohol products into the bonded facility.
Applied against the customs bonded warehouse licensee or operator.
Apply a penalty per shipment, per visit.
References:
RegulationC201
Penalty
1st: $300 2nd: $450 3rd and Subsequent: $900Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Customs bonded warehouse licensee or operator received imported tobacco products or imported packaged spirits or wine into the customs bonded warehouse or removed imported tobacco products or imported packaged spirits or wine from the warehouse facility in a manner that was not prescribed.
Guidelines:
Applied against the customs bonded warehouse licensee or operator.
The licensee or operator shall not remove imported tobacco products or imported packaged spirits or wine unless the products are to be removed from the warehouse for the following reasons:
- sale to a foreign diplomat in Canada,
- export from Canada,
- sale to a duty free shop, or
- use as ships' stores.
During a first verification or audit, for each instance where goods are received or removed, a first level penalty will be assessed.
During a second verification or audit, for each instance where goods are received or removed, a second level penalty will be assessed and the third level penalty will apply for a third or subsequent verifications or audits.
References:
RegulationC202
Penalty
1st: $150 2nd: $225 3rd and Subsequent: $450Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Customs bonded warehouse licensee or operator received imported bulk spirits, bulk wine, or specially denatured alcohol that was not intended for export.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when a licensee or operator receives imported bulk spirits, bulk wine or specially denatured alcohol that was not intended for export.
Applied against the customs bonded warehouse licensee or operator.
During a first verification or audit, for each instance goods are received, a first level penalty will be assessed.
During a second verification or audit, for each instance goods are received, a second level penalty will be assessed and the third level penalty will apply for a third or subsequent verifications or audits.
Apply a penalty per shipment, per visit.
References:
RegulationC204
Penalty
1st: $150 2nd: $225 3rd and Subsequent: $450Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Customs bonded warehouse licensee failed to acknowledge receipt of goods in the manner prescribed in the Bonded Warehouses Regulations .
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when it is discovered that a licensee or operator failed to acknowledge receipt of goods in the manner prescribed in the Customs Bonded Warehouses Regulations .
Non-compliance also occurs when the warehouse operator refuses to accept responsibility by endorsing bill of lading, waybill or similar document presented by the carrier, and refuses to complete a B3 (type 10, 13 or type 30) to account for the shipment inventory.
Applied against the customs bonded warehouse licensee or operator.
Apply a penalty per instance of failing to acknowledge receipt of goods or refusal.
References:
RegulationC207
Penalty
1st: $300 * 2nd: $450 3rd and Subsequent: $900Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Master of a ship failed to place alcohol, tobacco and other goods for sale on board the ship under lock or seal and keep them there while the ship was in port.
Guidelines:
* A 30-day delay in the escalation of penalty levels from the first to the second will apply to this contravention. Should a second penalty with the same contravention be issued against the same client, the system will not escalate the penalty level to level two unless 30 days have transpired from when the first Notice of Penalty Assessment ( NPA ) was issued or the infraction occurred. The non-escalation rule applies from the first level to the second level only; it does not apply from the second to the third level.
Non-compliance occurs when the alcohol, tobacco and other goods for sale on board are not kept under lock or seal while in port unless otherwise authorized by an officer.
Non-compliance is discovered as a result of ship examination upon its arrival in port.
Applied against master of ship or marine agent.
References:
LegislationD4-2-0, Ships' Stores Regulations
C208
Penalty
1st: $300 * 2nd: $450 3rd and Subsequent: $900Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
While the international aircraft was on the ground, the carrier failed to seal bar.
Guidelines:
* A 30-day delay in the escalation of penalty levels from the first to the second will apply to this contravention. Should a second penalty with the same contravention be issued against the same client, the system will not escalate the penalty level to level two unless 30 days have transpired from when the first Notice of Penalty Assessment ( NPA ) was issued or the infraction occurred. The non-escalation rule applies from the first level to the second level only; it does not apply from the second to the third level.
"When an international aircraft is on the ground the carrier shall ensure that bar-boxes on board are sealed" (subsection 5(1) of the Ships Stores Regulations ).
Applied against the carrier.
Non-compliance is discovered as a result of aircraft examination.
Exception: Seals on bar-boxes on an international aircraft may be broken when passengers begin boarding and, provided that no domestic passengers are carried, may remain unsealed where the aircraft is progressively boarded at more than one airport in Canada.
Apply a penalty per bar-box.
References:
RegulationD4-2-0, Ships' Stores Regulations
C210
Penalty
1st: $300 2nd: $450 3rd and Subsequent: $900Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person altered, manipulated or combined goods while in a bonded warehouse in a manner not prescribed.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance is discovered as a result of review of bonded warehouse operation or as a result of duty drawback or duty deferral verification.
Applied against the customs bonded warehouse operator or licensee.
Goods shall not be manipulated, altered or combined with other goods while in a bonded warehouse except for the purpose of or in the course of:
- Disassembling or reassembling goods that have been assembled or disassembled for packing, handling or transportation;
- Displaying;
- Inspecting;
- Marking, labelling, tagging or ticketing;
- Removing from the warehouse, for the sole purpose of soliciting orders for goods or services, a small quantity of material, or a portion, a piece or an individual object, that represents the goods;
- Storing;
- Testing;
- Packing, unpacking, packaging or repackaging; or
- Any of the following that do not materially alter the characteristics of the goods:
- 1. Cleaning,
- 2. Complying with any applicable law of Canada or of a province,
- 3. Diluting,
- 4. Normal maintenance and servicing,
- 5. Preserving,
- 6. Separating defective goods from prime quality goods,
- 7. Sorting or grading, and
- 8. Trimming, filing, slitting or cutting.
All infractions discovered during the first visit, will be counted for one penalty and first level penalty will be assessed.
For failure to prevent the manipulation, combination or altering of goods in a sufferance warehouse, see C059.
Apply a penalty per visit.
References:
Regulation- D7-4-1, Duties Relief Program
- D7-4-3, NAFTA Requirements for Drawback and Duty Deferral
C214
Penalty
1st: $300 2nd: $450 3rd and Subsequent: $900Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person failed within 90 days or such other period as may be prescribed to report a failure to comply with a condition of a duties relief provision or remission order.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when a person fails to report a failure to comply with a condition.
Non-compliance is discovered as a result of a verification or audit.
Applied against the importer or licensee.
This penalty is applied whether or not there was an amount, which was repayable.
For errors discovered during a first verification or audit, the first level penalty will apply per verification or audit.
For errors discovered during a second verification or audit, a second level penalty will apply per verification or audit.
Third level penalty applies for errors discovered during a third or subsequent verifications or audits.
When person fails to pay the amount of duties, see C215.
References:
Legislation- D7-4-2, Duty Drawback Program
- D7-4-3, NAFTA Requirements for Drawback and Duty Deferral
- D4-3-2 to D4-3-7, Duty Free Shop Regulations
- D4-2-0 and D4-2-1, Ships' Stores Regulations
C215
Penalty
1st: $300 2nd: $450 3rd and Subsequent: $900Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person failed within 90 days or such other period as may have been prescribed to pay the amount of duties in respect of which relief or remission was granted unless the provisions of subparagraph 118(1)(b)(i) or (ii) of the Customs Tariff were met.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when a person fails to pay the amount of duties in respect of which a relief or remission was granted within 90 days.
Non-compliance is discovered as a result of a verification or audit.
Applied against the importer or licensee.
For errors discovered during a first verification or audit, a first level penalty will apply per verification or audit.
For errors discovered during a second verification or audit, a second level penalty will apply per verification or audit.
Third level penalty applies for errors discovered during a third or subsequent verifications or audits.
When person fails to report failure to comply with a condition, see C214. In that case both penalties will apply.
References:
Legislation- D7-4-3, NAFTA Requirements for Drawback and Duty Deferral
- D7-4-2, Duty Drawback Program
- D4-3-2 to D4-3-7, Duty Free Shop Regulations
- D4-2-0 and D4-2-1, Ships' Stores Regulations
C216
Penalty
1st: $300 2nd: $450 3rd and Subsequent: $900Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person failed within 90 days after the date of the diversion to report diverted goods to a customs officer at a customs office.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when a drawback has been granted by reason of a deemed exportation under subsection 89(3) of the Customs Tariff and the goods are not subsequently exported but are diverted to an unqualified use and the person fails to report this diversion.
Applied against the importer.
This contravention is applied whether or not there was an amount, which was repayable.
Contravention does not occur until 90 days after diversion.
For errors discovered during a first verification or audit, the first level penalty will apply per verification or audit.
For errors discovered during a second verification or audit, a second level penalty will apply per verification or audit.
Third level penalty applies for errors discovered during a third or subsequent verifications or audits.
When person fails to pay the amount of drawback and any interest granted, see C217.
References:
Legislation- D7-4-2, Duty Drawback Program
- D7-4-3, NAFTA Requirements for Drawback and Duty Deferral
- D4-3-2 to D4-3-7, Duty Free Shop Regulations
- D4-2-0 and D4-2-1, Ships' Stores Regulations
C217
Penalty
1st: $300 2nd: $450 3rd and Subsequent: $900Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person failed within 90 days after the date of the diversion to pay the amount of the drawback and the amount of any interest granted.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when a drawback has been granted by reason of a deemed exportation and the goods are not subsequently exported but are diverted to an unqualified use and the person fails to pay the amount of the drawback and any interest granted on the drawback.
Applied against the importer.
Contravention does not occur until 90 days after diversion.
For errors discovered during a first verification or audit, a first level penalty will apply.
For errors discovered during a second verification or audit, a second level penalty will apply.
Third level penalty applies for errors discovered during a third or subsequent verifications or audits.
When person fails to report diverted goods that were deemed exported, see C216.
References:
Legislation- D7-4-1, Duties Relief Program
- D7-4-3, NAFTA Requirements for Drawback and Duty Deferral
- D4-3-2 to D4-3-7, Duty Free Shop Regulations
- D4-2-0 and D4-2-1, Ships' Stores Regulations
C218
Penalty
1st: $300 2nd: $450 3rd and Subsequent: $900Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person failed to pay within 90 days duties relieved under section 89 of the Customs Tariff on the goods that entered into a process which produced by-product(s) not eligible for relief.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when a person failed to pay within 90 days, the duties relieved, under section 89 of the Customs Tariff , on goods that entered into a process, which produced a by-product not eligible for relief.
Applied against the importer.
For errors discovered during a first audit, review or verification, a first level penalty will apply.
For errors discovered during a second audit, review or verification, a second level penalty will apply.
Third level penalty applies for errors discovered during a third or subsequent audits, reviews or verifications.
References:
LegislationOther References
C221
Penalty
1st: $300 2nd: $450 3rd and Subsequent: $900Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person failed to pay within 90 days duties relieved under section 89 of the Customs Tariff , on goods that entered into a process that produced merchantable scrap or waste that was not eligible for relief.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance is discovered during an audit, verification or examination.
Applied against the importer.
Any scrap or waste product that has value, and remains in Canada, is liable for the amount of duties owing at the classification and rate applicable at the time the scrap or waste is produced.
For errors discovered during a first audit, review or verification, a first level penalty will apply under subsection 89(3) of the Customs Tariff .
For errors discovered during a second audit, review or verification, a second level penalty will apply.
Third level penalty applies for errors discovered during a third or subsequent audits, reviews or verifications.
References:
LegislationOther References
C223
Penalty
1st: $150 2nd: $225 3rd and Subsequent: $450Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Non Customs Self Assessment ( CSA ) importer failed to provide a detailed product description in respect of goods liable for review under the Special Import Measures Act ( SIMA ), after the importer has been notified in writing.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when non- CSA importer fails to provide a detailed product description in respect of goods liable for review under the Special Import Measures Act ( SIMA ) after the importer has been notified in writing.
Applied against the importer.
Officer must be an authorized user of the SIMA Compliance Web site to be able to apply this penalty.
The penalty cannot be issued unless the importer had been notified in writing by the Anti-dumping and Countervailing Directorate that detailed product description is required.
The importer will have seven days after issuance of the letter, to provide the subsequent import documents requested by the SIMA officer.
More time can be negotiated, depending on the circumstances.
In instances where an officer finds an importer in contravention for the first time, the officer must forward this information to HQ . HQ will issue the notification to the importer.
The Anti-dumping and Countervailing Directorate will identify the information required in the notice letter to the importer and it may vary by case.
Verify that the importer has been notified regarding the product description requirements by referring to the case information on the SIMA Compliance Web site.
For the first B3, apply the first level penalty; for the second B3, apply the second level penalty; for the third and subsequent B3, apply the third level penalty.
Apply a penalty per document, i.e. per B3 or B2.
For CSA importer, see C224.
References:
LegislationC224
Penalty
1st: $150 2nd: $225 3rd and Subsequent: $450Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Customs Self Assessment ( CSA ) importer failed to provide the detailed product description within the period specified in respect to goods liable to a Special Import Measures Act ( SIMA ) action.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when a CSA importer fails to provide a detailed product description in respect of goods liable for review under the SIMA after the importer has been notified in writing.
Officer must be an authorized user of the SIMA Compliance Web site to be able to apply this penalty.
Applied against CSA importers.
Penalty cannot be issued unless the importer has been notified in writing that detailed product description is required.
The importer will have 21 days after issuance of the letter, to provide the records.
More time can be negotiated, depending on the circumstances.
The penalty will be applied if the information is not provided after this first request.
Type and extent of information required will be identified by the Anti-dumping and Countervailing Directorate in the notice letter to the importer.
In instances where an officer finds an importer in contravention for the first time, the officer must forward this information to HQ . HQ will issue the notification to the importer.
Verify that the importer has been notified regarding the product description requirements by referring to the case information on the SIMA Compliance Web site.
For the first B3, apply the first level penalty; for the second B3, apply the second level penalty; for the third and subsequent B3, apply the third level penalty.
Apply a penalty per document, i.e. per B3 or B2.
For non- CSA importer, see C223.
References:
LegislationC225
Penalty
Flat rate
$25,000Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Importer failed to keep prescribed records for goods subject to Special Import Measures Act ( SIMA ) action.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when the importer fails to keep prescribed records for goods subject to Special Import Measures Act ( SIMA ) action.
Applied against the importer.
Officer must be an authorized user of the SIMA Compliance Web site to be able to apply this penalty.
Penalty cannot be issued unless the importer has been notified in writing that prescribed records are required.
In instances where an officer finds an importer in contravention for the first time, the officer must forward this information to HQ .
HQ will issue the notification to the importer.
Verify that the importer has been notified regarding these requirements by referring to the case information on the SIMA Compliance Web site.
Prescribed records are:
- date of sale
- description of the goods
- date of release
- the location of release
- commercial invoice
- purchase order
- proof of payment including credits and adjustments
- any other information as requested in the written notice
Apply a penalty per audit or verification.
References:
LegislationC234
Penalty
Flat rate
$25,000Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
The importer or transporter failed to provide true, accurate and complete information when applying to participate in the Customs Self Assessment ( CSA ) program.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when the discovered errors or omissions relate to:
- Information required on Part I of the CSA Application from importer or transporter which would have resulted in the application being denied, namely:
- applicant identification
- information on divisions of the company
- additional information provided for the application process, when requested
- Importer information required for Part II of the CSA Application, which would have resulted in the application being denied namely:
- business date(s) that results in late or non-account
- accounting trigger(s) that results in non-account
- accounting option that results in late accounting (the importer is not using accounting option attested to in the CSA Undertaking)
- descriptions provided in section B – Books and Records, that result in non-compliance
- Transporter information required for Part II of the CSA Application which would have resulted in the application being denied namely:
- descriptions provided in section B – Books and Records, that result in non-compliance
Normally applied by a CSA compliance manager.
Applied against the importer or transporter, at the legal entity level.
Applied at time of application or subsequent to CSA approval.
Apply a penalty regardless of number of errors on application.
Any information pertaining to this contravention discovered by a Senior Officer Trade Compliance should be communicated to the CSA compliance manager.
No penalty for obvious clerical or administrative errors.
References:
LegislationC244
Penalty
$0.00 per transactional B3's
Penalty basis:
Per Transactional B3
Retention period:
Contravention:
The Customs Self Assessment ( CSA ) approved importer failed to account for goods in the prescribed manner or within the prescribed time limit.
This is a warning notice used to establish the compliance level of the importer. If your annual compliance falls below the established level, a penalty may be assessed under C246.
Guidelines:
Applied against the importer.
This is a system generated warning.
There may be multiple contraventions listed on the Notice of Penalty Assessment ( NPA ).
Applied when the date in the Release Date field falls outside the established accounting time frame.
For situations where the CSA importer fails to make the accounting of goods in accordance with the terms and regulatory delays more than 5% during a calendar year, see C246.
Apply a penalty per transaction.
References:
LegislationOther References
CSA Participants' Requirements Document
C246
Penalty
Flat rate
$100Penalty basis:
Per Transactional B3
Retention period:
Contravention:
The Customs Self Assessment ( CSA ) approved importer failed to account for goods in the prescribed manner or within the prescribed time limit less than 95% of the time on a calendar year basis.
Guidelines:
Applied against the importer.
Applied by CSA Compliance Manager.
Penalties will only be issued if importer's compliance level falls below 95% on a calendar year basis.
To establish the compliance level, the total number of B3s accepted by the system for each importer will be compared to the number of late accounted B3s.
Date in the Release Date field falls outside the established accounting time frame.
For failure to account for goods, by an approved importer, in the prescribed manner or within the prescribed time limit, see C244.
Apply a penalty per transaction between 95% and the lower compliance level.
There may be multiple contraventions listed on the Notice of Penalty Assessment ( NPA ).
References:
LegislationOther References
CSA Participants' Requirements Document
C250
Penalty
Flat rate
$100Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
The Customs Self Assessment ( CSA ) approved importer failed to provide the Revenue Summary Form to customs in the prescribed manner or within the prescribed time.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when importer fails to provide a Revenue Summary Form ( RSF ) in accepted status by the last business day of the month.
Non-compliance also occurs when importer fails to provide a breakout of the RSF in accepted status as prescribed.
To attain accepted status, the system will validate both paper and electronic RSF s for such things as:
- totals add up correctly;
- valid line object codes are used;
- mandatory fields are completed (e.g. header, period start and end dates).
Normally applied by Senior Trusted Trade Officers.
Applied against the importer.
References:
LegislationOther References
CSA Participants' Requirements Document
C251
Penalty
Flat rate
$100Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
The Customs Self Assessment ( CSA ) approved importer did not remit duties, taxes, interest charges and penalties owing to Customs, directly to a financial institution, as provided in the Customs Act .
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when a CSA approved importer has not remitted payments to an institution named in section 3.5 of the Customs Act .
Applied by a CSA compliance manager.
If the compliance manager has not received notification from another office the payment due was received, contact CSA importer to determine if and where payment was made.
A penalty does not apply if the importer paid at a CBSA office because of an emergency that prevented payment at a financial institution.
References:
LegislationC260
Penalty
1st: $150 2nd: $225 3rd and Subsequent: $450Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Customs broker failed to immediately notify the Chief Officer of Customs in writing, of any change in the address of a business office at which he/she transacts business as a customs broker.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when the customs broker fails to immediately provide the chief officer of customs with written notification of any change in the address of the business office at which he/she transacts business as a customs broker.
Prior to issuing an AMPS penalty, CBSA officers should verify the following information:
- Contact the chief officer of customs where the broker is licensed, in order to confirm if the broker immediately provided written notification of any change in his/her business address.
- Contact Brokers Licensing Unit, in Headquarters, to confirm if the broker provided written notification of any change in business address.
Apply a penalty per change of address without written notification to the chief officer of customs.
References:
RegulationC261
Penalty
1st: $300 2nd: $450 3rd and Subsequent: $900Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Customs broker failed to immediately notify the Chief Officer of Customs in writing of changes in the legal or business name of the partnership or the corporation where the customs broker is a partnership or corporation.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when the licensed customs broker fails to immediately provide the chief officer of customs with written notification of any change in the legal or business name of the partnership or the corporation.
Prior to issuing an AMPS penalty, CBSA officers should verify the following information:
- Contact the chief officer of customs where the broker is licensed, to confirm if the broker provided written notification of any change to the legal or business name of the partnership or the corporation.
- Contact Brokers Licensing Unit, in Headquarters, to confirm if the required written notification of the change was provided.
Apply a penalty per change in business name.
References:
RegulationC262
Penalty
1st: $150 2nd: $225 3rd and Subsequent: $450Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Customs broker failed to immediately notify the Chief Officer of Customs in writing of changes in the membership of the partnership where the customs broker is a partnership.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when the customs broker fails to immediately provide the chief officer of customs with written notification of any changes in the membership of the partnership.
Prior to issuing a penalty, CBSA officers should verify the following information:
- Contact the chief officer of customs where the broker is licensed, to confirm if the broker provided immediate written notification of any change in the membership of the partnership.
- Contact Brokers Licensing Unit, in Headquarters, to confirm if the required written notification of change was provided.
Apply a penalty per change in membership of the partnership.
References:
RegulationC263
Penalty
1st: $150 2nd: $225 3rd and Subsequent: $450Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Customs broker failed to immediately notify the Chief Officer of Customs in writing of changes in the officers or directors of the corporation where the customs broker is a corporation.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when the customs broker fails to immediately provide the chief officer of customs with written notification, of any changes in the officers or directors of the corporation.
Prior to issuing an AMPS penalty, CBSA officers should verify the following information:
- Contact the chief officer of customs where the broker is licensed, to confirm if the broker immediately provided written notification of any changes in the officers or directors of the corporation.
- Contact Brokers Licensing Unit, in Headquarters, to confirm if the required written notification of change was provided.
Apply a penalty per change in the officers or directors of the corporation.
References:
RegulationC265
Penalty
1st: $150 2nd: $225 3rd and Subsequent: $450Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Customs broker failed to immediately notify the Chief Officer of Customs in writing of changes in the ownership of the business or corporation where the broker is an individual or corporation.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when a customs broker fails to immediately provide the chief officer of customs with written notification of any changes in the ownership of the business or corporation.
Prior to issuing an AMPS penalty, CBSA officers should verify the following information:
- Contact the chief officer of customs office where the broker is licensed, in order to confirm if the broker immediately supplied written notification of any changes in the ownership of the business or corporation.
- Contact Brokers Licensing Unit, in Headquarters, to confirm if the required written notification of change was provided.
Apply a penalty per change in the ownership of the business or corporation.
References:
RegulationC266
Penalty
1st: $300 2nd: $450 3rd and Subsequent: $900Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Customs broker failed to immediately notify the Chief Officer of Customs in writing of changes in the individuals meeting the knowledge requirement determined in accordance with Section 4 of the Customs Broker Licensing Regulations .
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when the customs broker fails to immediately provide the chief officer of customs with written notification of any changes in the individual(s) meeting the knowledge requirement in accordance with section 4 of the regulations, within their brokerage firm. Brokerage firms are required to have one individual who has Professional Status and acts as the “Qualified Officer” of the firm. These individuals must meet the knowledge requirements outlined in the Customs Brokers Licensing Regulations .
Prior to issuing an AMPS penalty, CBSA officers should verify the following information:
- Contact the chief officer of customs where the broker is licensed to confirm if the broker immediately provided written notification of any change in the individual(s) who meet the knowledge requirement in accordance with section 4 of the regulations within their firm.
- Contact Brokers Licensing Unit, in Headquarters, to confirm if the broker immediately provided the required notification of any change in individuals who meet the knowledge requirement in accordance with the regulations.
Apply a penalty per instance of non-notification per change of qualified person.
References:
RegulationC267
Penalty
1st: $150 2nd: $225 3rd and Subsequent: $450Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Broker failed to account to a client for funds owed or refunded.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when a broker fails to promptly account for funds received for the client from the Receiver General for Canada, or received from the client in excess of the duties and / or other charges payable in respect of the client's business with the Canada Border Services Agency.
The broker must account to the client for all funds received from the CBSA . A refund cheque (from a B2) should always be made out in the name of the importer and should not be cashed by the broker, unless specifically authorized by a "power of attorney".
A contravention will become apparent following either an audit or a complaint from a client and subsequent investigation by regional officials.
Each failure to account to a client shall be deemed to be a separate contravention.
This contravention will normally be applied at the local or regional level.
The Brokers Licensing unit, in Headquarters, should be advised of any penalties issued.
References:
RegulationC269
Penalty
1st: $300 2nd: $450 3rd and Subsequent: $900Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
A customs broker failed to keep records and books of account indicating all financial transactions made while transacting business as a customs broker.
Guidelines:
Applied against the broker.
All contraventions found within the same audit, verification or examination from the sample pool, will be assessed at the same level (e.g. first level, second level, etc.).
There will be one assessment per audit, verification or examination and a penalty will be applied as per the relevant level for the identified contravention.
One or more records not kept, (per client), will be considered to be separate contravention.
Brokers who operate at more than one location may keep their records and books of account at a single location. Therefore, before applying the penalty, the officer should verify that the records are not kept at another location.
References:
RegulationC270
Penalty
1st: $300 2nd: $450 3rd and Subsequent: $900Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
A customs broker failed to keep copies of each customs accounting document and supporting documents made while transacting business as a customs broker.
Guidelines:
Applied against the broker.
Non-compliance is discovered following a verification or audit.
One or more records not kept, (per client if applicable), will be considered to be a separate contravention.
All contraventions found within the same audit, verification or examination from the sample pool, will be assessed at the same level (e.g. first level, second level, etc.).
There will be one assessment per audit, verification or examination and a penalty will be applied as per the relevant level for the identified contravention.
Brokers who operate at more than one location may keep their records and books of account at a single location. Therefore, before applying the penalty, the officer should verify that the records are not kept at another location.
References:
RegulationC271
Penalty
1st: $300 2nd: $450 3rd and Subsequent: $900Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
While transacting business as a customs broker, a broker failed to keep copies of all correspondence, bills, accounts, statements and other papers received or prepared that related to the transaction of business as a customs broker.
Guidelines:
Applied against the broker.
Non-compliance is discovered following a verification or audit.
One or more records not kept, (per client if applicable), will be considered to be separate contravention.
All contraventions found within the same audit, verification or examination from the sample pool, will be assessed at the same level (e.g. first level, second level, etc.).
There will be one assessment per audit, verification or examination and a penalty will be applied as per the relevant level for the identified contravention.
Customs brokers who operate at more than one location may keep their records and books of account at a single location. Therefore, before applying the penalty, the officer should verify that the records are not kept at another location.
References:
RegulationC272
Penalty
1st: $300 2nd: $450 3rd and Subsequent: $900Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
While transacting business as a customs broker, a broker failed to keep separately, all of the records, books of account and copies of transactions referred to in paragraphs 13(1)(a) to (c) of the Customs Brokers Licensing Regulations related to business transacted as a customs broker.
Guidelines:
Applied against the broker.
Non-compliance is discovered as a result of verification or audit.
A customs broker may transact business for a client directly, or through the services of a qualified sub-agent (customs broker).
Records pertaining to clients served directly, must be kept separately (or at least be distinguishable) from the records pertaining to clients served indirectly, through the services of a sub-agent.
One or more records not kept separately, (per client if applicable), will be considered to be separate contravention.
All contraventions found within the same audit, verification or examination from the sample pool, will be assessed at the same level (e.g. first level, second level, etc.).
There will be one assessment per audit, verification or examination and a penalty will be applied as per the relevant level for the identified contravention.
Brokers who operate at more than one location may keep their records and books of account at a single location. Therefore, before applying the penalty, the officer should verify that the records are not kept at another location.
References:
RegulationC274
Penalty
1st: $1,000 2nd: $2,000 3rd and Subsequent: $4,000Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person provided information to an officer that is not true, accurate and complete.
Goods reported as arrived for customs processing when they are not arrived.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when the importer/broker submits a post arrival release request (i.e. RMD ) prior to the authorized time frames for the release of goods.
- Applies if a RMD was submitted or transmitted by the importer or broker, despite the fact that the carrier had clearly indicated that the goods had not arrived by means of a future estimated time of arrival ( ETA ).
- In the case of a RMD , the importer / broker should supply customs with a copy of the cargo control document provided by the carrier. If the carrier did not indicate an ETA or provided an incorrect ETA for the arrival of the goods, the importer should not receive a penalty.
- In the case of a release request (i.e. RMD ) presented prior to the arrival, "per instance" pertains to "per transaction" that is submitted to customs by the importer or broker outside of the authorized time frames regardless of the number of shipments attached to the RMD .
Non-compliance also occurs when the sender of a Release Notification System ( RNS ) arrival message (i.e. sufferance warehouse operator or carrier) submits the RNS prior to the authorized time frames for the release of goods.
- If a RNS arrival certification was transmitted, despite the fact that the carrier had clearly indicated that the goods have not arrived by means of a future ETA , the penalty would apply to the person who transmitted the arrival notice (in most cases the sufferance warehouse operator).
- In the case of an RNS "arrival" message sent prior to the arrival, "per instance" pertains to each "cargo control number" that was transmitted to customs as "arrived" outside of the authorized time frames by the carrier or sufferance warehouse operator.
In both situations, the importer RMD submission and the RNS arrival, the goods must either be at the customs office (i.e. sufferance warehouse) of clearance or en route to the customs office of clearance, according to the time frames for the release of goods.
The officer will use discretion as to the time frame that the goods must be made available for examination, i.e. where the goods must be on hand for a RMD , in the case of a freight forwarder deconsolidation, the sufferance warehouse operator will be given an opportunity to show that the goods are at least in the warehouse compound and will be off-loaded into the warehouse for examination within a reasonable amount of time.
In the case where the goods must be on hand at the time of the release request, and there are multiple containers documented on one cargo control document (against one release request), at least one of the containers must have arrived at the destination sufferance warehouse at the time the release request is submitted. The remaining containers must have arrived at the port of report and be en route or awaiting furtherance to the inland destination.
For situations where the goods are not available for examination, see C026.
The following table summarizes the earliest acceptable release time frames for the arrival of goods by the various modes of transport and service options:
Release time frames for the arrival of goods by the various modes of transport and service options
Mode Carrier Document type* on RMD or PARS Release Service Option Condition Earliest Time Frame to Report Arrival of PARS or Submit a RMD According to Conveyance Arrival Air Primary or Secondary PARS PARS received and processed Wheels up to destination customs office Primary RMD Cargo data made available to customs in an electronic format for pre-arrival review Wheels up to destination customs office Primary or Secondary RMD Cargo data not made available to customs in an electronic format for pre-arrival review Arrival at destination customs office Rail Primary or Secondary PARS PARS received and processed 1 hour non-stop to Canada Primary RMD Cargo data made available to customs in an electronic format for pre-arrival review 1 hour non-stop to Canada Primary or Secondary RMD Cargo data not made available to customs in an electronic format for pre-arrival review Arrival at destination customs office Marine Primary or Secondary PARS PARS received and processed 12:01 a.m. on day of vessel arrival at customs office of cargo report Primary RMD Cargo data made available to customs in an electronic format for pre-arrival review 12:01 a.m. on day of vessel arrival at customs office of cargo report Primary or Secondary RMD Cargo data not made available to customs in an electronic format for pre-arrival review Arrival at destination customs office Hwy Primary or Secondary PARS PARS received and processed Arrival in Canada Primary or Secondary RMD Arrival at destination customs office *Primary Document = cargo control document issued by carrier who reports the arrival of the goods at the first point of arrival in Canada.
*Secondary Document = remanifest, house bill or abstract cargo control document issued by carrier, forwarder or agent.
References:
LegislationOther References
C277
Penalty
1st: $150 2nd: $225 3rd and Subsequent: $450Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Authorized person failed to notify in writing the Minister or a designated officer, within two weeks, of any change in the address of that authorized person's business office.
Guidelines:
Applied against the courier company that has been authorized to account for personal/casual goods only.
Written notification must be received by the CBSA within two weeks of change.
Confirm with HQ that a notification has not already been provided for the change of address before applying the penalty.
Apply a penalty per change of address.
Refer to D17-4-0 for a list specifying who can import casual goods.
References:
RegulationOther References
C278
Penalty
1st: $150 2nd: $225 3rd and Subsequent: $450Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Authorized person failed to notify in writing the Minister or a designated officer, within two weeks, of any change in that authorized person's legal or business name.
Guidelines:
Applied against the courier company that has been authorized to account for personal/casual goods only.
Written notification must be received by the CBSA within two weeks of change.
Confirm with HQ that a notification has not already been provided for the change of legal or business name before applying the penalty.
Apply a penalty per change in name.
Refer to D17-4-0 for a list specifying who can import casual goods.
References:
RegulationOther References
C279
Penalty
1st: $150 2nd: $225 3rd and Subsequent: $450Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Authorized person failed to notify in writing the Minister or a designated officer, within two weeks, of any change in the ownership of the business.
Guidelines:
Applied against the courier company that has been authorized to account for personal/casual goods only.
Written notification must be received by the CBSA within two weeks of change.
Confirm with HQ that a notification has not already been provided for the change of ownership before applying the penalty.
Apply a penalty per change.
Refer to D17-4-0 for a list specifying who can import casual goods.
References:
RegulationOther References
C288
Penalty
Flat Rate: $100Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person failed to account for imported goods within five business days of their release for goods that have an estimated value for duty exceeding $3,300.
This is in the instance of an individual transaction.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when importer fails to present the final accounting documentation and have it accepted by the custom system within the prescribed time limit of the 5th day after the goods have been released.
Applied against the importer.
Customs Commercial System (CCS) will automatically generate a $100 late accounting penalty for each overdue B3 that is valued greater than $3,300.
In non-automated ports, the officer would manually issue this penalty on a K23 for $100 for each overdue B3.
The officer is not to issue a Notice of Penalty Assessment ( NPA ) in ICS when this non-compliance is discovered.
The five day delay begins on the next business day following the day of release; the day of release is counted as day 0. When goods are released on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the accounting period starts on the first business day after release.
Where circumstances beyond a client's control ( CBSA error or delay, natural or human made disaster, system failure, etc.) causes this late accounting penalty, the client can request for a waiver or cancellation under section 3.3 of the Customs Act by using Form E571, to the releasing office or to HQ (Brokers Licensing).
Requests for waiver or cancellation will not be approved in cases where the late accounting resulted from neglect or lack of awareness on the part of the importer or broker.
For failure to account within prescribed time frames for imported goods valued at $3,300 or less, see C292.
References:
LegislationOther References
C292
Penalty
Flat Rate: $100Penalty basis:
Per Transactional B3
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person failed to account for imported goods no later than the twenty-fourth day of the month following the month of their release, for goods with an estimated value for duty not exceeding $3,300.
This is in the instance of an individual transaction.
Guidelines:
Applied by the officer on a K23 for $100 for each overdue B3.
The officer is not to issue a Notice of Penalty Assessment ( NPA ) in ICS when this non-compliance is discovered.
Applied against the importer.
Where circumstances beyond a client's control ( CBSA error or delay, natural or human made disaster, system failure, etc.) causes this late accounting penalty, the client can request for a waiver or cancellation under section 3.3 of the Customs Act by using Form E571, to the releasing office or to HQ (Brokers Licensing).
Requests for waiver or cancellation will not be approved in cases where the late accounting resulted from neglect or lack of awareness on the part of the importer or broker.
For failure to account within prescribed time frames for imported goods valued greater than $3,300, see C288.
References:
LegislationOther References
C298
Penalty
1st: $300 2nd: $450 3rd and Subsequent: $900Penalty basis:
Per Written Request
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person failed to provide records to an officer when requested, within the time specified by the officer.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when a person, who has received a written request from an officer, fails to produce records, books, letters, accounts, invoices, statements or other documents or information as specified by the officer.
An officer may make a written request to any person for any purpose related to the administration or enforcement of the Customs Act, including the collection of any amount owing under the Customs Act.
This penalty is normally applied by a Senior Officer Trade Compliance (SOTC) or investigations officer and approved by the regional Manager, Trade Compliance or regional Manager, Investigations.
SOTCs must use discretion when deciding how much time to allow the company to produce the document or records at issue. Thirty days may be considered reasonable.
This contravention is subject to graduated penalties and is applied on a per request basis, which will be made in writing and may involve more than one document.
The first contravention is subject to a $600 penalty.
For failure to keep records in respect of commercial goods imported, see C299.
For failure to make records available in respect of commercial goods, see C157.
References:
LegislationC299
Penalty
Flat rate
$25,000Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person who imports commercial goods or causes commercial goods to be imported failed to keep the prescribed records at the specified place in the prescribed manner and for the prescribed period.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when an audit, verification, inspection or examination determines that a person has not kept all of the prescribed records in the prescribed manner in respect of an importation of commercial goods at their place of business in Canada or at a place designated by the Minister for a period of 6 years following the importation.
The prescribed records are those that are identified in section 2 of the Imported Goods Records Regulations. The regulations require the person keep, in respect of commercial goods, all records that relate to:
- marking, purchase, importation, costs and value of the commercial goods;
- payment for the commercial gods;
- the sale or other disposal of the commercial goods; and
- any application for an advance ruling made under section 43.1 of the Act in respect of the commercial goods.
The prescribed manner in which these records must be kept is identified in section 4 of the Imported Goods Record Regulations. The regulations require that the records are kept in a manner that enables an officer to perform detailed audits and to obtain or verify information on which a determination of the amount of duties paid, payable, deferred, refunded, or relieved was made.
The prescribed records are to be kept at the person’s place of business in Canada or at a place designated by the Minister. The place designated by the Minister is any location where the person has requested and received authorization from the Canada Border Services Agency in accordance with D17-1-21 Maintenance of Records in Canada by Importers.
This penalty is normally applied by a Senior Officer Trade Compliance (SOTC) or investigations officer and approved by the regional Manager, Trade Compliance or the regional Manager, Investigations.
SOTCs should use discretion when deciding how much time to allow the person to demonstrate that they are compliant. Thirty days may be considered reasonable.
This contravention is subject to a flat penalty amount of $25,000.
For failure to make records available in respect of commercial goods imported, see C157.
References:
LegislationOther References
C315
Penalty
1st: $1,000 2nd: $2,000 3rd and Subsequent: $4,000Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Exporter failed to provide to customs, according to the legislative timeframes, any export permit, licence or certificate required.
Guidelines:
Applied against the exporter.
If the goods are prohibited, controlled or regulated, any required permits, licences and/or certificates must be made available prior to export within the legislative time frames:
(1) if the goods are exported by mail, not less than two hours before the goods are delivered to the post office where the goods are mailed;
(2) if the goods are exported by vessel, not less than 48 hours before the goods are loaded onto the vessel;
(3) if the goods are exported by aircraft, not less than two hours before the goods are loaded on board the aircraft;
(4) if the goods are exported by rail, not less than two hours before the railcar on which the goods have been loaded is assembled to form part of a train for export; and
(5) if the goods are exported by highway or any other mode of transportation, they must be reported immediately before being exported, i.e., before the conveyance transporting the goods crosses the border or leaves Canada.
Export permits are not required for softwood lumber exports destined to the United States.
Apply a penalty per missing permit, certificate or licence.
For missing, incorrect or untrue information on a permit, licence or certificate, see C005.
For failure to submit export declarations for goods not subject to export control, see C170.
For failure to report goods subject to export control, see C345.
For false information provided on a permit, licence or certificate, see C348.
References:
Legislation- D19-10-3, Administration of the Export and Import Permit Act (Exportations); Appendix B, Export Control List
- Reporting of Exported Goods Regulations , section 5
C317
Penalty
1st: $1,000 2nd: $2,000 3rd and Subsequent: $4,000Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Exporter submitted written summary report for goods that do not qualify for summary reporting.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when the exporter reports goods that have not been approved by the CBSA to be reported on a summary report or when the exporter reports goods that are controlled, regulated or prohibited, under any Act of Parliament, on a summary report without written permission from the appropriate government department controlling the goods.
Applied against the exporter.
One C317 penalty will apply regardless of the number of commodities that do not qualify for summary reporting.
For summary reports containing untrue, inaccurate and incomplete information, see C005.
For false information provided on a permit, licence or certificate, see C348.
References:
Legislation- Reporting of Exported Goods Regulations , section 8
- D19-10-3, Administration of the Export and Import Permit Act (Exportations); Appendix B, Export Control List
C318
Penalty
1st: $300 2nd: $450 3rd and Subsequent: $900Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person who exported goods failed to make such records available to an officer within the time specified.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when an exporter who exported goods fails to make such records available to an officer when requested in writing, within the time specified.
Officer must request export records in writing.
The exporter will be given a minimum of 30 days to fulfill the written request and provide the records.
Additional time may be negotiated between the officer and the exporter depending on the circumstances.
References:
LegislationOther References
C319
Penalty
1st: $2,000 2nd: $4,000 3rd and Subsequent: $8,000Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person who exported goods failed to truthfully answer any questions asked by an officer in respect of the records.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when it has been determined that the exporter did not answer truthfully questions asked by an officer in respect of records for the goods being exported.
For example, officer contacts the exporter and asks for the total number of declarations submitted in the last year. Officer compares the information given by the exporter against available data and discovers that the information does not match. Penalty C319 may be applied.
References:
LegislationC320
Penalty
1st: $300 2nd: $450 3rd and Subsequent: $900Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person failed to repay amount or portion of refund, drawback or interest to which they were not entitled.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when the person fails to repay the amount over and above the amount of the refund, drawback, or interest for which he was eligible, on the day that the refund or drawback is received.
Non-compliance is discovered as result of a review or verification.
Applied against the person who was not eligible for a refund, drawback, or interest or who has not repaid any amount over and above that for which he was eligible.
Where the overpayment is a result of a change of information from a third party about whom the client has no knowledge, the penalty will not apply.
References:
Legislation- D7-4-2, Duty Drawback Program
- D7-4-3, NAFTA Requirements for Drawback and Duty Deferral
- D8-2-1, Canadian Goods Abroad Program
C328
Penalty
1st: $150 2nd: $225 3rd and Subsequent: $450Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
A courier did not acquire the prescribed authorization from the CBSA before accounting for casual goods released under subsection 32(4) of the Customs Act .
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when a courier accounts for casual goods even though he is not authorized to do so under the courier program.
Prior to applying a penalty, officer must review the list of authorized Courier / LVS participants found in D17-4-0, and confirm with the regional coordinator / specialist that the courier has obtained the prescribed authorization from the CBSA before accounting for non-commercial goods.
It is important to note that this contravention only relates to the accounting function.
Apply a penalty per cargo release list, per occurrence.
References:
LegislationOther References
C330
Penalty
Penalty basis:
Per Transactional B3
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person failed to account for imported goods no later than the twenty-fourth day of the month following the month of their release. This is in the instance of an individual transaction.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when a person fails to account for imported goods no later than the 24th day of the month following the month of their release.
The officer is to issue the penalty in ICS when this non-compliance is discovered.
This is in the instance of an individual transaction.
Applied against the courier if the goods are casual which are covered by subsection 32(5)(a) of the Customs Act , or applied against the importer if the goods are commercial which are covered by subsection 32(5)(b) of the Customs Act .
In the Courier Low Value Shipment Program (CLVS), the release of the reported shipments is not system generated. The release process is completed by an officer (it is not done in ACROSS ). Release occurs through the paper copy of a Cargo/Release List or through a third-party courier system), there is no automatic control check for late accounting of the F type entries presented by customs brokers.
Note: While couriers are responsible to report and release shipments in the CLVS, that does not mean that they are responsible to account for the goods. As per 32(5) of the Customs Act , two entities could be responsible, the courier (if casual goods) or the importer (if commercial goods).
Apply a penalty per transactional B3.
References:
Legislation
- Accounting for Imported Goods and Payment of Duties Regulations
- Persons Authorized to Account for Casual Goods Regulations
C331
Penalty
$100 per shipment ($2,000 maximum)Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person failed to account for imported goods no later than the twenty-fourth day of the month following the month of their release.
This is in the instance of consolidated entries.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when a person fails to account for imported goods (on consolidated B3s) no later than the 24th day of the month following the month of their release.
The officer is to issue the penalty in ICS when this non-compliance is discovered. Applied against the courier if the shipment consists of casual goods which are covered under subsection 32(5)(a) of the Customs Act , or, applied against the importer if the shipment consists of commercial goods which are covered by subsection 32(5)(b) of the Customs Act .
Apply a penalty per shipment.
In instances of consolidated entries, apply a penalty per shipment, maximum of $2,000.
Note: In the Courier Low Value Shipment Program, as the release of the reported shipments takes place outside of ACROSS , i.e. it occurs through the paper copy of a Cargo/Release List or through a third-party courier system, there is no automatic control check for late accounting of the 'F' type entries presented by customs brokers.
References:
Legislation- Accounting for Imported Goods and Payment of Duties Regulations
- Persons Authorized to Account for Casual Goods Regulations
C336
Penalty
Flat Rate: $100Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person failed to pay duties on goods accounted for under subsections 32(2) and 32(3) of the Customs Act .
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs and a penalty is assessed against an importer when:
- the importer has their own account security and fails to pay their K84 in full by the date specified on the K84;
- their broker short-remits their K84 when the importer uses the Importer Direct Security or GST Direct Payment Options. In these situations, brokers must have provided their central payment office with the Option Agreement and HQ acknowledgment. The penalty is applied against the importer indicated on the customs broker's reconciliation sheet.
Non-compliance occurs and a penalty is assessed against a broker when:
- the broker does not pay their K84 in full by the date specified on the K84;
- the broker only partially pays their K84 (i.e. short-pays, not short remits).
Penalty is applied against the broker's business number.
In addition to the penalty, a K23 is still issued as a result of a late-payment on a K84. There will not be an additional penalty for the late payment of the K23.
Non-compliance occurs and a penalty is assessed by CSA compliance manager against a CSA importer when:
- the total Revenue Summary Form ( RSF ) amount has not been remitted to a financial institution within the prescribed time limits.
- If RSF received, but no payment received at financial institution, the CSA compliance manager will contact importer to determine if payment has been made at a CBSA office.
No penalty should be assessed in cases where:
- no interim payment (subject to late payment interest only); or
- payment made to CBSA office by last business day of month.
The following should be considered prior to issuing C336:
- verify if there was a notice issued by the Assessment Unit ( HQ ) to allow for late payment of the K84 without the interest or penalties in certain months of the year, and determine whether or not the procedures in the notice were followed properly;
- verify if a payment was made at another CBSA office.
Failure to remit duties, taxes, interest charges, and penalties owing to customs directly to financial institution, see C251.
Failure to provide the RSF to customs in the prescribed manner or within the prescribed time, see C250.
References:
Legislation- D11-6-5, Interest and Penalty Provisions – Determinations and Re-Determinations, Appraisals and Re-Appraisals, and Duty Relief
- Accounting for Imported Goods and Payment of Duties Regulations
C340
Penalty
Flat rate
$25,000Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person who is required by subsection 22(1) of the Customs Act to keep records in respect of commercial goods failed to keep records for the prescribed period and in the prescribed manner.
This applies when an audit, verification or examination determines that there are no records in existence.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when an audit or verification determines that a carrier or transporter failed to keep any records whatsoever.
Applied against the carrier.
This occurs when no records exist.
Apply a penalty per instance.
For no existing records by a warehouse or duty free shop licensee, courier, certificate holder (duty deferral) or CSA Importer, see C160.
References:
Legislation- Reporting of Exported Goods Regulations
- Reporting of Imported Goods Regulations
- Transportation of Goods Regulations
C342
Penalty
1st: $250 * 2nd: $375 3rd and Subsequent: $750Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person (importer) failed to transmit release information to the correct customs office.
Guidelines:
* A 30-day delay in the escalation of penalty levels from the first to the second will apply to this contravention. Should a second penalty with the same contravention be issued against the same client, the system will not escalate the penalty level to level two unless 30 days have transpired from when the first Notice of Penalty Assessment ( NPA ) was issued or the infraction occurred. The non-escalation rule applies from the first level to the second level only; it does not apply from the second to the third level.
Non-compliance occurs when a person (importer) transmits the release request to an office other than where goods are to be presented for entry into Canada.
An electronic release client transmits their post-arrival service option (i.e. Release on Minimum Documentation - RMD ) to the Accelerated Commercial Release Operations Support System ( ACROSS ) with an incorrect customs office code.
For example, an importer or agent transmits the RMD release request to customs office “X” but the goods arrived at a different location. This may result in information not being available for targeting at the appropriate location.
This does not apply to pre-arrival service options.
References:
LegislationC345
Penalty
1st: $2,000 2nd: $4,000 3rd and Subsequent: $8,000Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Exporter failed to report goods subject to export control prior to export.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when the exporter fails to report goods subject to export control prior to export according to legislative time frames prior to export.
For strategic goods controlled by the Export and Import Permits Act , follow the existing Regional Intelligence and Contraband Division's communication procedures.
This penalty applies to exported goods under section 5 of the Reporting of Exported Goods Regulations and any statute that controls the export of goods.
Seize goods when there is evidence that exporter avoided compliance with export requirements.
If seizure of goods is impractical, or goods are not found, an ascertained forfeiture may be served in addition to AMPS penalty.
Apply a penalty per shipment.
For failure to provide export permit, licence or certificate prior to export, see C315.
For failure to report the export of goods on an export declaration prior to export, see C170.
References:
Legislation- Reporting of Exported Goods Regulations , sections 3 and 5
- D19-10-3, Administration of the Export and Import Permits Act (Exportations); Export Control List, Appendix B
- D19, Acts and Regulations of Other Government Departments
C346
Penalty
1st: $2,000 2nd: $4,000 3rd and Subsequent: $8,000Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person who has reported goods under subsection 95(1) of the Customs Act that are subject to export control, failed to answer truthfully any question asked by an officer with respect to the goods.
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when a person has not answered truthfully questions relating to exportation of goods that are subject to export control.
For example, an officer reviews the information provided for a shipment, which shows that the goods were consigned to a party in a country not controlled by export regulations. However, during an examination of the goods, the officer finds the bill of sale, which shows that the goods were purchased by and consigned to a party in a controlled country. Officer contacts the exporter to confirm the final destination of goods and the exporter indicates that the final destination of the goods is the non-controlled country, which is untrue. Penalty C346 may be applied.
In addition to the AMPS penalty, if the export of the goods would pose a security risk, goods may be seized as forfeit.
If seizure of goods is impractical, or goods are not found, an ascertained forfeiture may be served in addition to AMPS penalty.
Applied against the exporter.
For failure to answer truthfully any question with respect to goods not subject to export control, see C189.
zFor failure to provide true, accurate and complete information on an export declaration, see C005.
References:
LegislationC348
Penalty
1st: $2,000 2nd: $4,000 3rd and Subsequent: $8,000Penalty basis:
Retention period:
Contravention:
Person provided false information in any permit, certificate, licence, document or declaration required to be provided for imported or exported goods under the Customs Act , the Customs Tariff or Special Import Measures Act ( SIMA ) or under any other Act of Parliament that prohibits, controls or regulates the importation or exportation of goods
Guidelines:
Non-compliance occurs when an importer, carrier or an exporter, provides false written information in relation to the admissibility of goods, the report of goods, the release of goods, or the accounting for goods.
Normally applied by an officer as a result of an audit, examination or an investigation of company books and records.
Although a penalty may be applied under this contravention all OGD admissibility requirements must be met prior to release. It is also possible that the OGD may have their own administrative monetary penalties.
In cases where a person reporting goods under section 12 of the Customs Act fails to answer questions truthfully, see C025.
In cases where there has been an obvious or administrative error in the documentation, see C005.
For Export Summary Reporting, see C317.
For Certificate of Origin of Goods Exported to a Free-Trade Partner, see C194.
For CSA Application, see C234.
For B13A Export Declaration, see C170.
For Export Permit or Licence, see C315 and C345.
For Failure to account for imported goods at time of the release request, see C360.
Apply a penalty per document regardless of number of errors in a single document.
References:
LegislationOther References
C350
Penalty
1st: $150 to a maximum of $5,000 (per issue) or $25,000 (per occurrence) 2nd: $225 to a maximum of $200,000 (per occurrence) 3rd and Subsequent: $450 to a maximum of $400,000 (per occurrence)
Penalty basis:
Per issue or per occurrence*
Retention period:
Contravention:
Authorized person failed to pay duties as a result of required corrections to a declaration of origin of imported goods subject to a free trade agreement within 90 days after having reason to believe that the declaration was incorrect.
Guidelines:
* The term “per issue” applies to each good for which a preferential tariff treatment under a free trade agreement was incorrectly claimed and for which a correction was not made, regardless of how often the error is repeated on import documents.
The term “per occurrence” at the first, second, and third levels applies to each uncorrected error for which a preferential tariff treatment under a free trade agreement was incorrectly claimed per B3 accounting document and not per B3 line.
Non-compliance is normally discovered by a Senior Officer Trade Compliance ( SOTC ) as a result of an audit, examination, verification or subsequent monitoring activity.
Applied against the importer of record.
Contravention C350 applies only in cases where customs duties and/or taxes would be payable by the importer as a result of a required correction. Where customs duties and/or taxes would not be owed as a result of required corrections, see C080.
Contravention C080 will not be applied in addition to this contravention.
Errors discovered during a second or subsequent audit, examination, verification, or monitoring activity, that are unrelated to the first penalty assessment will incur only first level penalties.
The SOTC must record in their report each error along with a detailed explanation of what constituted “reason to believe” for that error. This is required in order to establish the level of penalty for the next occurrence of the same error.
There will be a cap of $1,000 for each group of repeated and incorrect declarations where the client can demonstrate to the SOTC that the errors in the declaration were caused by a single keystroke / data entry error. This cap will apply only to first level penalties and only where corrections are made within 90 days of the date of the trade compliance verification final report.
Any combination of penalties issued under C080 andC350 shall not exceed the maximum penalty amount for each specific level and shall include all penalties that are issued as a result of an audit, examination, verification or subsequent monitoring activity. The maximum penalty amount for the first level is $5,000 (per issue) or $25,000 (per occurrence) depending on applicable reason to believe criterion. The conditions under which either of the $5,000 or $25,000 maximum penalties would be applied are explained in the First Level Penalties paragraph below. The maximum penalty amount for the second level remains unchanged at $200,000. The maximum penalty amount for the third level also remains unchanged at $400,000.
“Reason to Believe”
In regards to the obligation to self-correct under section 32.2 of the Customs Act , specific information regarding the origin that gives an importer reason to believe that a declaration is incorrect, can be found in:
- (a) legislative provisions such as specific origin provisions that are prima facie (i.e., at first sight), evident (obvious, apparent) and transparent (i.e., clear, self-explanatory). For example, proof of origin requirements under section 24 of the Customs Tariff, section 35.1 of the Customs Act and proof of origin requirements stated in Memorandum D11-4-2;
- (b) formal assessment documents issued by the Canada Border Services Agency ( CBSA ) to the importer, relating to the imported goods, such as determinations (other than “deemed determinations”), re-determinations, further re-determinations, etc.;
- (c) final tribunal or court decisions in which the importer was the appellant, respondent or intervenor;
- (d) information received from exporters, suppliers, etc. (e.g., cancellation of certificates of origin);
- (e) written communication addressed directly to the importer from the CBSA , such as a ruling (e.g., advance ruling issued under section 43.1 of the Customs Act ), a trade compliance verification final report; or
- ( f ) a final report from an importer-initiated internal audit or review, or from an external company conducting an audit or review of an importer’s company.
First Level Penalties
Penalties apply where an importer failed to correct the origin of goods subject to a free trade agreement within 90 days after having “reason to believe” that the declaration was incorrect.
For errors that have occurred as a result of reason to believe criterion (a):
First level penalties that are the result of criterion (a) will be assessed on a per issue basis for each issue not corrected within 90 days of having “reason to believe”. A penalty of $150 will be assessed for each issue up to a maximum of $5,000. First level penalties will be assessed at $150 for each issue regardless of how often an error is repeated during the reassessment period, provided that all occurrence of the error are corrected within 90 days of the date of the trade compliance verification final report.
Errors that are not corrected within 90 days of receiving the trade compliance verification final report will be assessed a penalty of $150 per occurrence to a maximum of $25,000.
Assessments of penalties on a “per issue” basis will not apply in circumstances where an importer fails to furnish any proof of origin upon request.
An importer declares multiple goods under an FTA preferential tariff treatment (FTA PTT) and has valid multi-product or multi-page proof of origin in support of the majority of the declared goods. In the same shipment and under the same declaration, the importer incorrectly declares an FTA PTT for one or two goods that are not certified on the multi-product or multi-page proof of origin. If the importer corrects the tariff treatment errors within 90 days of receiving the trade compliance verification final report, only one penalty of $150 for each good not covered by a certificate of origin will apply, regardless of how often the error is repeated over multiple accounting documents. If the error is not corrected within 90 days of receiving the trade compliance verification final report, a $150 penalty will apply for each occurrence of the error throughout the reassessment period, to a maximum of $25,000.
For errors that have occurred as a result of reason to believe criteria (b) through (f):
First level penalties that are the result of criteria (b) to (f), there will be assessed on a per occurrence basis for each error not corrected within 90 days of having “reason to believe”. A penalty of $150 will be assessed for each occurrence over the reassessment period up to a maximum of $25,000.
Where an importer has received information from an exporter (or producer) that informs them a certificate of origin is no longer valid or that goods no longer qualify as originating, corrections to declarations of origin must be made within 90 days of receipt of this notification. This would be considered an importer’s “reason to believe” under criterion (d).
Second Level Penalties
Second level penalties can only be applied to errors made on the same goods that have been assessed a first level penalty within the retention period.
For the same origin errors previously assessed a penalty at the first level, a second level penalty will apply following all subsequent audits, examinations, verifications, or monitoring activity for each declaration (B3) where the importer failed to correct the origin within 90 days after having “reason to believe” that the declaration was incorrect to a maximum of $200,000 for the reassessment period.
Second level penalties would also apply to all adjustments made by importers where they failed to correct declarations within 90 days of having “reason to believe” that corrections are required.
Third Level Penalties
Third level penalties can only be applied to errors made on the same goods that have been assessed a second level penalty within the retention period.
For the same origin errors previously assessed a penalty at the second level, a third level penalty will apply following all subsequent audits, examinations, verifications, or monitoring activity for each declaration (B3) where the importer failed to correct the origin within 90 days after having “reason to believe” that the declaration was incorrect, to a maximum of $400,000 for the reassessment period.
Third level penalties would also apply to all adjustments made by importers where they failed to correct declarations within 90 days of having “reason to believe” that corrections are required.
References:
LegislationC351
Penalty
1st: $150 to a maximum of $5,000 (per issue) or $25,000 (per occurrence) 2nd: $225 to a maximum of $200,000 (per occurrence) 3rd and Subsequent: $450 to a maximum of $400,000 (per occurrence)
Penalty basis:
Per issue or per occurrence*
Retention period:
Contravention:
Authorized person failed to pay duties as a result of required corrections to a declaration of origin of imported goods within 90 days after having reason to believe that the declaration was incorrect.
Guidelines:
* The term “per issue” applies to each good for which a preferential tariff treatment (not related to a free trade agreement) was incorrectly claimed and for which a correction was not made, regardless of how often the error is repeated on import documents.
The term “per occurrence” at the first, second, and third levels applies to each uncorrected error to a declaration of origin per B3 accounting document and not per B3 line.
Non-compliance is normally discovered by a Senior Officer Trade Compliance ( SOTC ) as a result of an audit, examination, verification or subsequent monitoring activity.
Applied against the importer of record.
Contravention C351 applies only in cases where customs duties and/or taxes are payable by the importer as a result of the correction. Where customs duties and/or taxes would not be owed as a result of required corrections, see C081.
Contravention C081 will not be applied in addition to this contravention.
Errors discovered during a second or subsequent audit, examination, verification, or monitoring activity, that are unrelated to the first penalty assessment will incur only first level penalties.
The SOTC must record in their report each error along with a detailed explanation of what constituted “reason to believe” for that error. This is required in order to establish the level of penalty for the next occurrence of the same error.
There will be a cap of $1,000 for each group of repeated and incorrect declarations where the client can demonstrate to the SOTC that the errors in the declaration were caused by a single keystroke / data entry error. This cap will apply only to first level penalties and only where corrections are made within 90 days of the date of the trade compliance verification final report.
Any combination of penalties issued under C081 and C351 shall not exceed the maximum penalty amount for each specific level and shall include all penalties that are issued as a result of an audit, examination, verification or subsequent monitoring activity. The maximum penalty amount for the first level is $5,000 (per issue) or $25,000 (per occurrence) depending on applicable reason to believe criterion. The conditions under which either of the $5,000 or $25,000 maximum penalties would be applied are explained in the First Level Penalties paragraph below. The maximum penalty amount for the second level remains unchanged at $200,000. The maximum penalty amount for the third level also remains unchanged at $400,000.
“Reason to Believe”
In regards to the obligation to self-correct under section 32.2 of the Customs Act, specific information regarding the origin that gives an importer reason to believe that a declaration is incorrect, can be found in:
- (a) legislative provisions such as specific valuation provisions that are prima facie (i.e., at first sight), evident (obvious, apparent) and transparent (i.e., clear, self-explanatory). For example, proof of origin requirements under section 24 of the Customs Tariff and section 35.1 of the Customs Act
- (b) formal assessment documents issued by the Canada Border Services Agency ( CBSA ) to the importer, relating to the imported goods, such as determinations (other than “deemed determinations”), re-determinations, further re-determinations, etc.;
- (c) final tribunal or court decisions in which the importer was the appellant, respondent or intervenor;
- (d) information received from exporters, suppliers, etc. (e.g., cancellation of certificates of origin);
- (e) written communication addressed directly to the importer from the CBSA such as a ruling (e.g., advance ruling issued under section 43.1 of the Customs Act ), a trade compliance verification final report, or an official notification as a result of an exporter origin verification; or
- ( f ) a final report from an importer-initiated internal audit or review, or from an external company conducting an audit or review of an importer’s company.
First Level Penalties
Penalties apply where an importer failed to correct the origin of goods within 90 days after having “reason to believe” that the declaration was incorrect.
For errors that have occurred as a result of reason to believe criterion (a):
First level penalties that are the result of criterion (a) will be assessed on a per issue basis for each issue not corrected within 90 days of having “reason to believe”. A penalty of $150 will be assessed for each issue up to a maximum of $5,000. First level penalties will be assessed at $150 for each issue regardless of how often an error is repeated during the reassessment period, provided that all occurrence of the error are corrected within 90 days of the date of the trade compliance verification final report.
Errors that are not corrected within 90 days of receiving the trade compliance verification final report will be assessed a penalty of $150 per occurrence to a maximum of $25,000.
Assessments of penalties on a “per issue” basis will not apply in circumstances where an importer fails to furnish any proof of origin upon request.
An importer declares multiple goods under tariff treatment and has valid multi-product or multi-page proof of origin in support of the majority of the declared goods. In the same shipment and under the same declaration, the importer incorrectly declares a tariff treatment for one or two goods that are not certified on the multi-product or multi-page proof of origin that has been provided. If the importer corrects the tariff treatment errors within 90 days of receiving the trade compliance verification final report, only one penalty of $150 for each good not covered by a certificate of origin will apply, regardless of how often the error is repeated over multiple accounting documents. If the error is not corrected within 90 days of receiving the trade compliance verification final report, a $150 penalty will apply for each occurrence of the error throughout the reassessment period, to a maximum of $25,000.
For errors that have occurred as a result of reason to believe criteria (b) through (f)
First level penalties that are the result of criteria (b) to (f) will be assessed on a per occurrence basis for each error not corrected within 90 days of having “reason to believe”. A penalty of $150 will be assessed for each occurrence over the reassessment period up to a maximum of $25,000.
Where an importer has received information from an exporter (or producer) that advises a proof of origin provided by the exporter is no longer valid or that goods no longer qualify as originating, corrections to declarations of origin must be made within 90 days of receipt of this notification. This would be considered an importer’s “reason to believe” under criterion (d).
Second Level Penalties
Second level penalties can only be applied to errors made on the same goods that have been assessed a first level penalty within the retention period.
For the same origin errors previously assessed a penalty at the first level, a second level penalty will apply following all subsequent audits, examinations, verifications, or monitoring activity for each declaration (B3) where the importer failed to correct the origin within 90 days after having “reason to believe” that the declaration was incorrect to a maximum of $200,000 for the reassessment period.
Second level penalties would also apply to all adjustments made by importers where they failed to correct declarations within 90 days of having “reason to believe” that corrections are required.
Third Level Penalties
Third level penalties can only be applied to errors made on the same goods that have been assessed a second level penalty within the retention period.
For the same origin errors previously assessed a penalty at the second level, a third level penalty will apply following all subsequent audits, examinations, verifications, or monitoring activity for each declaration (B3) where the importer failed to correct the origin within 90 days after having “reason to believe” that the declaration was incorrect, to a maximum of $400,000 for the reassessment period.
Third level penalties would also apply to all adjustments made by importers where they failed to correct declarations within 90 days of having “reason to believe” that corrections are required.
References:
LegislationC352
Penalty
1st: $150 to a maximum of $5,000 (per issue) or $25,000 (per occurrence) 2nd: $225 to a maximum of $200,000 (per occurrence) 3rd and Subsequent: $450 to a maximum of $400,000 (per occurrence)
Penalty basis:
Per issue or per occurrence*
Retention period:
Contravention:
Authorized person failed to pay duties as a result of required corrections to a declaration of tariff classification within 90 days after having reason to believe that the declaration was incorrect.
Guidelines:
* The term “per issue” applies to each uncorrected tariff classification error of a good regardless of how often that error is repeated on import documents. A “good” also includes the same and similar goods that have the same function as the goods being verified, that differ in a manner (e.g., size, colour, capacity) that does not alter the tariff classification of the goods at the tariff item level.
The term “per occurrence” at the first, second, and third levels applies to each uncorrected tariff classification error of a good per B3 accounting document and not per B3 line.
Non-compliance is normally discovered by a Senior Officer Trade Compliance ( SOTC ) as a result of an audit, examination, verification or subsequent monitoring activity.
Applied against the importer of record.
Contravention C352 applies only in cases where customs duties and/or taxes are payable by the importer as a result of the correction. Where customs duties and/or taxes would not be owed as a result of required corrections, see C082.
Contravention C352 also applies when importers had “reason to believe” that declarations in respect of excise duty, excise tax and/or the goods and services tax (GST) were in error and failed to correct the error within 90 days of the date of the “reason to believe”. Errors with respect to excise duty, excise tax and/or the GST are treated as “tariff classification errors” for purposes of paragraph 32.2(2)(b) of the Customs Act .
Contravention C082 will not be applied in addition to this contravention.
Errors discovered during a second or subsequent audit, examination, verification, or monitoring activity, that are unrelated to the first penalty assessment will incur only first level penalties.
The SOTC must record in their report each error along with a detailed explanation of what constituted “reason to believe” for that error. This is required in order to establish the level of penalty for the next occurrence of the same error.
There will be a cap of $1,000 for each group of repeated and incorrect declarations where the client can demonstrate to the SOTC that the errors in the declaration were caused by a single keystroke / data entry error. This cap will apply only to first level penalties and only where corrections are made within 90 days of the date of the trade compliance verification final report.
Any combination of penalties issued under C082 and C352 shall not exceed the maximum penalty amount for each specific level and shall include all penalties that are issued as a result of an audit, examination, verification or subsequent monitoring activity. The maximum penalty amount for the first level is $5,000 (per issue) or $25,000 (per occurrence) depending on applicable reason to believe criterion. The conditions under which either of the $5,000 or $25,000 maximum penalties would be applied are explained in the First Level Penalties paragraph below. The maximum penalty amount for the second level remains unchanged at $200,000. The maximum penalty amount for the third level also remains unchanged at $400,000.
“Reason to Believe”
In regards to the obligation to self-correct under section 32.2 of the Customs Act, specific information regarding the tariff classification or diversion of the imported goods that gives an importer reason to believe that a declaration is incorrect, can be found in:
- legislative provisions such as specific tariff provisions that are prima facie (i.e., at first sight), evident (i.e., obvious, apparent), and transparent (i.e., clear, self-explanatory). For example:
- i) Obvious classification
0104.10.00
- - - (Live sheep and goats) Sheep - ii) Involving conditional relief which is contingent upon a specific use
0812.10.10.00
- - -Pitted sweet cherries, with stems, provisionally preserved by sulphur dioxide gas, for use in the manufacture of maraschino cherries with stems;
First Level Penalties
A tariff classification error occurs when a good is not classified and accounted for in accordance with the rules and schedules of the Customs Tariff Act. Penalties apply where an importer failed to correct the tariff classification of the good within 90 days after having reason to believe that the declaration was incorrect.
For errors that have occurred as a result of “reason to believe” criterion (a):
First level penalties penalties that are the result of criterion (a) will be assessed on a per issue basis for each issue not corrected within 90 days of having “reason to believe”. A penalty of $150 will be assessed for each issue up to a maximum of $5,000. First level penalties will be assessed at $150 for each issue regardless of how often an error is repeated during the reassessment period, provided that all occurrence of the error are corrected within 90 days of the date of the trade compliance verification final report.
Errors that are not corrected within 90 days of receiving the trade compliance verification final report will be assessed a penalty of $150 per occurrence to a maximum of $25,000.
Plastic conveyor belts are classified under Chapter 84 when they are specifically excluded by virtue of Note 1(a) to Section XVI, and the error was repeated on multiple accounting documents. Only one penalty of $150 will apply if the error is corrected within 90 days of receiving the trade compliance verification final report, regardless of how often the same error is repeated over multiple accounting documents. If the error is not corrected within 90 days of receiving the trade compliance verification final report, a $150 penalty will apply for each occurrence of the error throughout the reassessment period, to a maximum of $25,000.
For errors that have occurred as a result of reason to believe criteria (b) through (g):
First level penalties that are the result of criteria (b) to (g) will be assessed on a per occurrence basis for each error not corrected within 90 days of having “reason to believe”. A penalty of $150 will be assessed for each occurrence over the reassessment period up to a maximum of $25,000.
Second Level Penalties
Second level penalties can only be applied to errors made on the same goods that have been assessed a first level penalty within the retention period.
For the same tariff classification errors previously assessed a penalty at the first level, a second level penalty will apply following all subsequent audits, examinations, verifications, or monitoring activity for each declaration (B3) where the importer failed to correct the tariff classification within 90 days after having “reason to believe” that the declaration was incorrect to a maximum of $200,000 for the reassessment period.
Second level penalties would also apply to all adjustments made by importers where they failed to correct declarations within 90 days of having “reason to believe” that corrections are required.
Third Level Penalties
Third level penalties can only be applied to errors made on the same goods that have been assessed a second level penalty within the retention period.
For the same tariff classification errors previously assessed a penalty at the second level, a third level penalty will apply following all subsequent audits, examinations, verifications, or monitoring activity for each declaration (B3) where the importer failed to correct the tariff classification within 90 days after having “reason to believe” that the declaration was incorrect, to a maximum of $400,000 for the reassessment period.
Third level penalties would also apply to all adjustments made by importers where they failed to correct declarations within 90 days of having “reason to believe” that corrections are required.
References:
LegislationOther References
C353
Penalty
1st: $150 to a maximum of $5,000 (per issue) or $25,000 (per occurrence) 2nd: $225 to a maximum of $200,000 (per occurrence) 3rd and Subsequent: $450 to a maximum of $400,000 (per occurrence)
Penalty basis:
Per issue or per occurrence*
Retention period:
Contravention:
Authorized person failed to pay duties as a result of required corrections to a declaration of value for duty within 90 days after having reason to believe that the declaration was incorrect
Guidelines:
* The term “per issue” applies to each element of the value for duty provisions that is incorrect and for which a correction was not made, regardless of how often the error is repeated on import documents.
The term “per occurrence” at the first, second, and third levels applies to each uncorrected value for duty error per B3 accounting document and not per B3 line.
Non-compliance is normally discovered by a Senior Officer Trade Compliance ( SOTC ) as a result of an audit, examination, verification, or subsequent monitoring activity.
Applied against the importer of record.
Contravention C353 applies only in cases where customs duties and/or taxes are payable by the importer as a result of the correction. Where customs duties and/or taxes would not be owed as a result of required corrections, see C083.
Contravention C083 will not be applied in addition to this contravention.
Errors discovered during a second or subsequent audit, examination, verification, or monitoring activity that are unrelated to the first penalty assessment will incur only first level penalties.
The SOTC must record in their report each error along with a detailed explanation of what constituted “reason to believe” for that error. This is required in order to establish the level of penalty for the next occurrence of the same error.
There will be a cap of $1,000 for each group of repeated and incorrect declarations where the client can demonstrate to the SOTC that the errors in the declaration were caused by a single keystroke / data entry error. This cap will apply only to first level penalties and only where corrections are made within 90 days of the date of the trade compliance verification final report.
Any combination of penalties issued under C083 and C353 shall not exceed the maximum penalty amount for each specific level and shall include all penalties that are issued as a result of an audit, examination, verification or subsequent monitoring activity. The maximum penalty amount for the first level is $5,000 (per issue) or $25,000 (per occurrence) depending on applicable reason to believe criterion. The conditions under which either of the $5,000 or $25,000 maximum penalties would be applied are explained in the First Level Penalties paragraph below. The maximum penalty amount for the second level remains unchanged at $200,000. The maximum penalty amount for the third level also remains unchanged at $400,000.
Errors in declarations of value for duty do not always lend themselves to a clear distinction on the assessment of penalties on a “per issue” or “per occurrence” basis. Where there is uncertainty over whether a penalty should be assessed on a “per issue” or “per occurrence” basis, officers are strongly encouraged to contact the Origin and Valuation Policy Unit through the functional guidance process for assistance in the assessment of penalties.
“Reason to Believe”
In regards to the obligation to self-correct under section 32.2 of the Customs Act, specific information regarding the value for duty that gives an importer reason to believe that a declaration is incorrect, can be found in:
- (a) legislative provisions such as specific valuation provisions that are prima facie (i.e., at first sight), evident (obvious, apparent) and transparent (i.e., clear, self-explanatory). For example, packaging or assists provisions;
- (b) formal assessment documents issued by the Canada Border Services Agency ( CBSA ) to the importer, relating to the imported goods, such as determinations (other than “deemed determinations”), re-determinations, further re-determinations, etc.;
- (c) final tribunal or court decisions in which the importer was the appellant, respondent or intervenor;
- (d) information received from vendors, freight forwarders, exporters, suppliers, etc. (e.g. vendor’s invoice indicating retroactive price increase for goods already purchased);
- (e) written communication addressed directly to the importer or the importer’s agent from the CBSA such as a national customs ruling, or a trade compliance verification final report; or
- ( f ) a final report from an importer-initiated internal audit or review, or from an external company conducting an audit or review of an importer’s company.
First Level Penalties
A value for duty error occurs when the value for duty of goods is not determined in accordance with the requirements of sections 44 to 55 of the Customs Act. A value for duty error can be, but is not limited to, the use of the wrong valuation method or its improper application, the use of the incorrect price paid or payable, or not making each of the required adjustments as required under the valuation provisions of the Customs Act. Each will be considered a separate error. Penalties apply where an importer failed to correct the value for duty within 90 days after having “reason to believe” that the declaration was incorrect.
For errors that have occurred as a result of reason to believe criterion (a):
First level penalties that are the result of criterion (a) will be assessed on a per issue basis for each issue not corrected within 90 days of having “reason to believe”. A penalty of $150 will be assessed for each issue up to a maximum of $5,000. First level penalties will be assessed at $150 for each issue regardless of how often an error is repeated during the reassessment period, provided that all occurrence of the error are corrected within 90 days of the date of the trade compliance verification final report.
Errors that are not corrected within 90 days of receiving the trade compliance verification final report will be assessed a penalty of $150 per occurrence to a maximum of $25,000.
An importer failed to make an adjustment for assists, as required under the provisions of 48(5)(a)(iii) of the Customs Act . If the error is corrected within 90 days of receiving the trade compliance verification final report, only one penalty of $150 to a maximum of $5,000 will apply regardless of how often the error is repeated over multiple accounting documents. If the error is not corrected within 90 days of receiving the trade compliance verification final report, a $150 penalty will apply for each occurrence of each error throughout the reassessment period, to a maximum of $25,000.
For errors that have occurred as a result of reason to believe criteria (b) through (f):
First level penalties that are the result of criteria (b) through (f) will be assessed on a per occurrence basis for each error not corrected within 90 days of having “reason to believe”. A penalty of $150 will be assessed for each occurrence over the reassessment period up to a maximum of $25,000.
Second Level Penalties
Second level penalties can only be applied to errors made on the same issues that have been assessed a first level penalty within the retention period.
For the same value for duty errors previously assessed a penalty at the first level, a second level penalty will apply following all subsequent audits, examinations, verifications, or monitoring activity for each declaration (B3) where the importer failed to correct the value for duty within 90 days after having “reason to believe” that the declaration was incorrect to a maximum of $200,000 for the reassessment period.
Second level penalties would also apply to all adjustments made by importers where they failed to correct declarations within 90 days of having “reason to believe” that corrections are required.
Third Level Penalties
Third level penalties can only be applied to errors made on the same issues that have been assessed a second level penalty within the retention period.
For the same value for duty errors previously assessed a penalty at the second level, a third level penalty will apply following all subsequent audits, examinations, verifications, or monitoring activity for each declaration (B3) where the importer failed to correct the value for duty within 90 days after having “reason to believe” that the declaration was incorrect, to a maximum of $400,000 for the reassessment period.
Third level penalties would also apply to all adjustments made by importers where they failed to correct declarations within 90 days of having “reason to believe” that corrections are required.
- i) Obvious classification