Import from Thailand to Canada: CBSA and CARM Guide (2026)
Canada is a straightforward market to import into once you have your CARM account and your classification right. The friction is administrative, not tariff-driven.
Step one: CARM
The CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management system is now the system of record for commercial imports. If you are the importer of record you need your own CARM Client Portal account, a business number with an RM import-export program account, and financial security posted in your own name. You cannot ride on your broker's bond indefinitely.
| Requirement | Who does it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Business number + RM account | Importer | Free, via CRA |
| CARM portal registration | Importer | Delegate your broker afterwards |
| Financial security | Importer | Bond or cash deposit |
| Customs broker authorisation | Importer delegates | Done inside CARM |
Duty, GST and taxes
- Duty: MFN rate for Thai origin - there is no Canada-Thailand FTA. Many industrial and machinery lines are 0%; consumer goods, textiles and footwear can run 8-18%.
- GST: 5% on duty-paid value, recoverable for GST-registered businesses.
- PST/HST: depends on province and whether you sell domestically after import.
Valuation
CBSA uses transaction value. Include assists, royalties and any commissions that are not genuine buying commissions. If you buy through a trading partner, the price you actually pay is your declared value - clean and defensible.
Labelling and marking
- Bilingual English and French on most consumer product labels
- Country of origin marking - "Made in Thailand"
- Metric-first measurements under the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act
- Category rules: Health Canada for cosmetics and natural health products, CFIA for food, CSA or cUL certification for electrical goods
Freight reality
Laem Chabang to Vancouver typically runs 4-5 weeks; to Montreal via Suez or transloaded from the west coast 5-7 weeks. Many importers ship to Vancouver and rail east - budget 7-10 days inland plus drayage.
Common mistakes
- Leaving CARM registration until the container is on the water
- Assuming a US-market label is compliant in Canada (French is the usual failure)
- Missing CSA or cUL certification on electrical goods, which stops retail placement even after customs release
How TUSKO helps
We control the Thai side - factory selection, QC, and a complete document pack matched to CBSA expectations - so your broker files a clean entry and your product is retail-ready on arrival.
FAQ
Do I need a customs broker to import from Thailand into Canada? Not legally, but practically yes. You still need your own CARM account and security even with a broker.
Is there duty on Thai goods entering Canada? Yes, at the MFN rate - there is no preferential agreement. Rates vary widely by tariff line, so classify before you commit.
How long does CARM registration take? Usually days if your CRA business number and RM account already exist; allow two to three weeks end to end for first-time importers posting security.
Does my label need French? For most consumer products sold in Canada, yes - bilingual mandatory information is required. Plan a Canada-specific label version at the factory.
What is a realistic first order size? Most Canadian importers we work with start between CAD 25,000 and CAD 75,000, which fills a 20ft container or a substantial LCL lot.