Question 1

What is trade advisory in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Trade advisory is strategic support for Canadian importers covering tariff classification, FTA utilisation, duty drawback, rules of origin, and import duty planning. It goes beyond transactional customs clearance to help reduce landed cost legally and build stronger import programs.

Question 2

How much duty can trade advisory save a Canadian importer?

Accepted Answer

Savings depend on commodity, sourcing country, and import volume. FTA utilisation can reduce duty to zero on qualifying goods, while drawback can recover duties already paid on exported goods. For mid-size importers, annual savings can be meaningful when multiple opportunities exist.

Question 3

What is CUSMA and how does it affect Canadian importers?

Accepted Answer

CUSMA is Canada’s trade agreement with the United States and Mexico. Goods that meet its rules of origin can qualify for preferential, often zero, duty rates when imported into Canada, but only if documentation and filing are handled correctly.

Question 4

What are rules of origin and why do they matter?

Accepted Answer

Rules of origin determine whether a product qualifies for preferential treatment under an FTA. If goods meet the applicable rule and the supporting documentation is valid, importers may claim reduced or zero duty rates.

Question 5

What is duty drawback in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Duty drawback allows importers to recover duties paid on goods that are later exported, either as-is, after processing, or when incorporated into exported products. Claims are subject to eligibility rules and time limits.

Question 6

What is the CPTPP and which countries does it cover?

Accepted Answer

The CPTPP is Canada’s trade agreement covering countries including Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Chile, Peru, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Importers sourcing from these markets may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates on qualifying goods.

Question 7

How do I know if my goods qualify for a free trade agreement rate?

Accepted Answer

Qualification depends on the tariff classification of the goods, the supplier’s production location, the materials used, and the relevant FTA’s rules of origin. A proper eligibility review is needed before making the claim.

Question 8

What is tariff classification and why does it affect my duty rate?

Accepted Answer

Tariff classification is the assignment of an HS code to imported goods. The code determines the base duty rate, can affect trade remedy duty exposure, and often influences whether an FTA claim is available.

Question 9

What is a trade compliance audit?

Accepted Answer

A trade compliance audit is a structured review of import entries to assess classification, valuation, and origin accuracy while identifying duty savings opportunities and CBSA risk exposure.

Question 10

What are trade remedy duties in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Trade remedy duties are additional anti-dumping or countervailing duties applied to certain goods from specific countries when dumping or subsidisation findings exist. These duties can materially change sourcing economics.

Question 11

How long does a trade advisory engagement take?

Accepted Answer

An initial import profile assessment and opportunity report typically takes about 5 to 7 business days. Implementation timelines vary depending on whether the work involves FTA setup, amendments, or drawback claims.

Question 12

Can uCustoms help me recover duties I have already paid?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Depending on the situation, duty may be recoverable through B2 amendments for entry corrections or through drawback claims for qualifying exported goods.

Question 13

What is the difference between trade advisory and customs brokerage?

Accepted Answer

Customs brokerage handles the transactional side of clearing goods with CBSA. Trade advisory is the strategic layer that reviews tariff classification, FTA opportunities, duty minimisation, sourcing impact, and compliance design.

Question 14

Do I need a trade advisor if I already have a customs broker?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, yes. Many brokers process entries efficiently but do not proactively review tariff strategy, FTA eligibility, or drawback opportunities. Trade advisory fills that gap.

Question 15

How much does trade advisory cost?

Accepted Answer

Fees depend on scope and complexity. Some engagements are project-based for specific reviews or claims, while others are monthly advisory retainers for importers that need ongoing support.

Question 16

What is import tariff strategy?

Accepted Answer

Import tariff strategy is the proactive design of an import program to minimise total duty cost while remaining compliant. It brings together classification, FTA utilisation, sourcing analysis, trade remedy awareness, and drawback planning.

Question 17

Can uCustoms help with both CUSMA and CPTPP in the same engagement?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many importers source across multiple treaty regions, and we can review eligibility across all relevant Canadian trade agreements together rather than one by one.

Question 18

Is trade advisory available for non-resident importers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Non-resident importers often face additional documentation and compliance complexity, and trade advisory can be structured around those requirements.

Pay Less Duty. Import Smarter.

What is Trade Advisory?

Frequently Asked Questions