Customs Documents Guide — Canada to USA
Enveo National & Worldwide Movers Inc. handles all customs documentation for every Canada–USA move. This guide explains every document required — what it is, who files it, and what you need to provide.
Customs Documents — Canada to USA Moves at a Glance
Two sets of customs clearance are required on every Canada–USA move: CBSA export clearance in Canada, and US CBP import clearance in the USA. Enveo’s licensed brokers manage both.
CBSA Export: Leaving Canada
- B13A Export Declaration — filed electronically via CERS before your goods depart Canada
- No export permit required for standard household goods
- Currency over CAD $10,000 declared separately on CBSA Form E677
- Firearms, controlled goods flagged and handled before packing day
- Carrier release coordinated with your load schedule
- Enveo files all CBSA documents — you sign and review only
US CBP Import: Entering USA
- CBP Form 3299 — Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles
- Duty-free entry for goods owned and used for 1+ year
- New or unused items assessed at applicable US tariff rates
- ISF 10+2 Importer Security Filing for all ocean freight shipments
- EPA Form 3520-1 / DOT HS-7 for Canadian vehicle imports
- Enveo's US licensed brokers file all CBP documents at the port of entry
Customs documents photo
Documents You Keep With You Personally
These items must travel with you — never pack them in your moving shipment. You will need them at the US port of entry and upon arrival.
- Valid Canadian passport
- US visa, Green Card, or immigration authorisation
- Birth certificates and marriage certificates
- Children's school records and immunisation certificates
- Medical records and prescription medication documentation
- Canadian bank statements (proof of residency — required by US CBP)
- Canadian vehicle ownership documents (if driving your vehicle across)
- Copies of all Enveo customs documents: B13A, CBP Form 3299, inventory
The 1-Year Rule — Duty-Free Household Goods Entry
Under US CBP regulations, Canadians permanently relocating to the USA qualify for duty-free entry of household goods under CBP Form 3299, provided items have been owned and used for at least one year before the move.
Key Points
- ✓ Duty-free: furniture, appliances, electronics, clothing owned and used 1+ years
- ✓ Duty-free: artwork, books, and personal effects for personal use
- ✓ Duty-free: vehicles (with EPA/DOT compliance forms)
- ✗ Dutiable: items purchased new within the past year
- ✗ Dutiable: commercial goods, inventory, or items for resale
- ✗ Subject to US limits: alcohol, tobacco, firearms (separate ATF permit required)
- Enveo identifies potentially dutiable items during the inventory stage
Border inspection photo
How Customs Clearance Works on Your Move
From your Canadian home to US delivery — every customs step, handled by Enveo.
01
Pre-Departure Filing
Enveo files the CBSA B13A export declaration electronically via CERS. For ocean freight, ISF 10+2 is filed with US CBP 24 hours before vessel loading. You sign — we file.
02
CBSA Export Clearance
At the Canada–US border crossing or port of loading, CBSA reviews the export declaration and releases your shipment for departure. Ground freight: same day. Ocean: at port of loading.
03
US CBP Import Filing
Enveo’s US licensed brokers file CBP Form 3299 and coordinate release at the US port of entry — land crossing or ocean port. Most clearances complete within 24 hours for ground freight.
04
Release & Delivery
Your goods are released by US CBP and delivered to your US address. Enveo provides full documentation of all customs filings for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions — Customs Documents
How much does it cost to move household goods from Canada to the USA?
No. Enveo includes licensed CBSA (Canadian export) and US CBP (US import) broker services in every move quote. Our brokers handle all filings at both ends. You do not need to engage a separate customs agent.
Will I pay US customs duty on my household goods moving from Canada?
The B13A is the Canadian export declaration required for all international shipments above a value threshold. It is filed electronically by Enveo through the CBSA CERS system before your goods depart. It must accurately describe all household goods — which is why Enveo’s room-by-room inventory is essential.
How long does it take to move household goods from Canada to the USA?
For ground freight at a land crossing, clearance typically takes 1–4 hours when documentation is complete. For ocean freight at a US seaport, clearance typically takes 2–5 business days after vessel arrival. Air freight customs usually clears within 24 hours.
What items cannot be shipped from Canada to the USA with household goods?
The item will be seized. Depending on the category, this may result in a fine, delay to the entire shipment, or criminal proceedings. Enveo conducts a prohibited items briefing before every packing day. Our crews are trained to flag restricted items before loading.
Do I need to be in the USA when my household goods are delivered?
No. Enveo’s licensed US brokers manage clearance at the US port of entry on your behalf. You do not need to be physically present when your shipment clears US CBP. This is common for ocean freight where the vessel arrives days after you have already crossed into the USA.
Can Enveo store my household goods in Canada before they are shipped to the USA?
Ready to Move Your Household Goods from Canada to the USA?
Enveo National & Worldwide Movers Inc. provides fully managed household goods moving services from Canada to all 50 US states. Professional packing, cross-border customs clearance, ocean or ground freight, and door-to-door delivery — all under one all-inclusive contract. Contact us today for your free no-obligation quote.
Call Enveo at +1 587-358-2992 — serving Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto, Edmonton, Montreal, Halifax, Winnipeg, Ottawa, and all major Canadian cities to all 50 US states.