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Customs clearance for Canada

Aircargo.nl handles the complete customs clearance for shipments to and from Canada. Trade zone: Derde land met vrijhandelsakkoord. AEO-F certified, experienced with machines, high-tech, foodstuffs, automotive parts, aerospace.

Customs Canada at a glance

Canada · North America

Derde land met vrijhandelsakkoord
Flight time
8 hours from Schiphol
Timezone
UTC−5
Currency
CAD
Continent
North America
Customs complexity Medium
Top exports
  • machines
  • high-tech
  • foodstuffs
  • automotive parts
  • aerospace
For customs clearance between the Netherlands and Canada specific rules apply. Aircargo.nl handles daily shipments to and from Canada, especially in product categories machines, high-tech, foodstuffs, automotive parts, aerospace. Our AEO-F status (NL AEOF 0002440) ensures faster processing times and a lower chance of physical inspections.

Below you will find the specific customs details for Canada: trade regime, origin documents, typical processing times, and which documents are needed for smooth clearance.

Free trade agreement in effect: origin document REX

Canada and the EU have a free trade agreement. The correct origin document for preferential tariff is: REX. With proper origin declaration, 0% or reduced import duties apply. We pre-check if your shipment qualifies and prepare the document.

Specific customs rules regarding Canada

CETA — EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement — provisionally in effect since 2017. 0% duties on ~98% of all goods when origin rules are followed. Origin Declaration on the invoice suffices (REX system). Canadian customs (CBSA) is efficient and transparent. Specific registrations apply for agricultural and pharmaceutical products (Health Canada, CFIA).

Typical documents for Canada

Commercial invoice with REX origin statement, packing list, Air Waybill, possibly CFIA permit for food, Health Canada registration for pharmaceuticals.

Aircargo.nl prepares these documents under our own authorization as an AEO-F customs broker. For Authorized Consignor shipments (ACR), export freight can depart immediately without delay at a customs office.

Key customs figures Canada

Our customs status
AEO-F
Trade zone
Derde land met vrijhandelsakkoord
Typical processing time
3-5 hours at Schiphol; 2-6 hours on the Canadian side (efficient)
Origin document
REX

Frequently asked questions about customs clearance Canada

How do I arrange customs clearance for imports from Canada?

We handle the import declaration through DMS under our AEO-F authorization. With correct documentation, release usually occurs within a few hours. When possible, we arrange pre-arrival declarations so your shipment doesn’t sit idle unnecessarily.

And for exports from the Netherlands to Canada?

Under our ACR license (Authorized Consignor), export shipments can depart directly from our or your location. For preferential tariffs in Canada, we prepare the correct origin document: REX.

Can I pay import duties in a consolidated manner?

Under our DPO license (Deferred Payment), you can settle import duties and VAT grouped — monthly instead of per shipment. This provides a direct cash flow advantage for regular import flows from Canada.

How long does customs clearance take between the Netherlands and Canada?

Typically 3-5 hours at Schiphol; 2-6 hours on the Canadian side (efficient). Our AEO-F status ensures priority handling and a lower rate of physical inspections.

What if I’m not established in the EU?

For clients located outside the EU, we act as indirect representative under our customs broker authorization. Learn more on our representation page.

Shipment to or from Canada?

Send us your shipment details for customs clearance between the Netherlands and Canada. We respond within 4 hours with a fixed price.

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