Accurate, Compliant, and Documented Customs Valuation
uCustoms helps Toronto ON importers determine the correct customs value for every shipment, apply the right WTO valuation method, and maintain audit-ready documentation that stands up to CBSA review.
Customs Valuation Service in Toronto ON — What It Is and Why It Matters
Customs valuation in Toronto ON is the process of determining the dutiable value of imported goods so that the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) can calculate the correct amount of import duties, GST/HST, and other applicable taxes. Every commercial shipment imported into Canada must have a declared customs value on the B3 Canada Customs Coding Form. That value forms the basis for every duty calculation at the border.
Canada`s customs valuation rules are governed by the Customs Act and aligned with the World Trade Organization (WTO) Customs Valuation Agreement. CBSA requires importers to apply six valuation methods in a strict hierarchical sequence, beginning with the Transaction Value Method — the price actually paid or payable for the goods when sold for export to Canada. If the transaction value cannot be established or is not acceptable, importers must work through the remaining five methods in order.
For Toronto ON importers managing dozens or hundreds of SKUs, multiple suppliers, and complex sale structures involving royalties, assists, related parties, or deferred payment terms, determining the correct customs value is not straightforward. Undervaluation exposes your business to CBSA reassessment, penalties, and interest stretching back four years. Overvaluation means you are paying more duty than you legally owe.
uCustoms was built to bring precision, consistency, and documentation discipline to the customs valuation process for Toronto ON businesses — so every shipment is valued correctly the first time
Frequently Asked Questions — Customs Valuation Service Toronto ON
What is customs valuation in Canada?
Customs valuation in Canada is the process of determining the customs value of imported goods so that CBSA can calculate the applicable duties and taxes. The customs value is used as the basis for duty calculation under Canada's Customs Act and follows the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement. The primary method is the transaction value method — the price actually paid or payable for the goods when sold for export to Canada.
What are the six WTO customs valuation methods used in Canada?
Canada applies the six WTO valuation methods in strict hierarchical order: (1) Transaction Value — the price paid or payable; (2) Transaction Value of Identical Goods; (3) Transaction Value of Similar Goods; (4) Deductive Value — based on the selling price in Canada; (5) Computed Value — based on cost of production plus profit; (6) Fall-Back Method — a flexible method using reasonable means. CBSA requires importers to apply each method in sequence and only move to the next if the previous cannot be applied.
What happens if CBSA disagrees with my customs valuation?
If CBSA determines that the declared customs value is incorrect — through a trade compliance verification, audit, or random review — they can reassess the value and issue a demand for additional duties, interest, and penalties. CBSA can look back up to four years for most importers. Keeping complete valuation documentation and applying the correct WTO method consistently is the most effective defence against reassessment.
Does customs valuation apply to all imports into Canada?
Yes. Every commercial importation into Canada requires a customs value to be declared on the B3 Canada Customs Coding Form. The customs value determines the amount of import duties and GST/HST assessed on the shipment. Errors in customs valuation — whether accidental undervaluation or incorrect method selection — can result in CBSA penalties and post-entry corrections.