Here is what every Canadian importer and exporter needs to know about container examinations by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA):
- No shipment should be subjected to separate examinations for “First Port of Arrival (FPOA)” exams and Commercial Examination.
- If a Commercial Examination is required, it should happen at the same time as the FPOA.
- If the CBSA wants to do both examinations on a single container, an application can be made to cancel the second examination.
- If a second examination does take place, an application can be made to obtain reimbursement of the costs.
- Containers that require fumigation should wait for no more than three days to be examined.
- CBSA exams at the Container Examination Facility are completed within a 24 hour examination window, but it could take several days to move the container from the dock to the Examination Facility.
For more information, contact David Lychek, Manager – Ocean & Air Services.