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“Together with PF Collins International Trade Solutions, Robert Hardy of Hardy Fish Co Ltd., the Gander International Airport Authority, and Allied Aviation Services Company, we have been able to leverage close geographic proximity to the supply and Gander International Airport and build new infrastructure that delivered these premium products to global markets in record time.”

He also noted that partners such as Eastern Fish Markets and Happy Adventure Sea Products are world-class seafood processors that work with elite harvesters who are catching the highest quality lobsters in the world.

“We have demonstrated to our European customers that they will receive the highest quality product from us. Without Bob Hardy’s persistence, experience and encouragement, we would not have stayed with this project. His support was instrumental,” Roche said.

Whitecap would also like to recognize their partner and customers in Spain that have been instrumental in guiding the project.

While the project’s start was considered a success, Roche emphasized that the real work starts now.

“With our partners, Whitecap will quickly expand the species we can ship live and fresh and the destinations that we will service as a collective group. Timing could not be better given the recent large increase in Atlantic cod quotas, so this species will be a big part of our future shipments.”

Mark Wheaton, General Manager of Eastern Fish Markets, underscored the launch’s importance in shaping the province’s identity in the global seafood industry.

“It’s a milestone for the Newfoundland and Labrador Lobster fishery – the beginning of finally selling Newfoundland and Labrador Lobster as ‘Newfoundland and Labrador Lobster’ and not having our lobster branded as someone else’s once we sell it. To the harvesters that continue to support Eastern Fish Markets with Grade A quality lobster, my hat is off to every single one. Without this product, this could not have been possible.”

Eastern Fish Markets specialize in premium Newfoundland & Labrador wild lobster sourced from first-class harvesters who ensure superior quality.

“Our team of harvesters source these animals from the cold, clean waters of the North Atlantic, which are considered to be one of the healthiest ocean habitats in the world. We are committed to community values, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability, emphasizing careful handling of live harvest to maintain quality.”

Raymond Collins, President of PF Collins, stressed the importance of speed and precision in maintaining that quality.

“When global trade shifts overnight, the only solution is to move faster. This project gives our seafood exporters a direct runway to premium international markets. PF Collins is proud to support the logistics planning, aircraft bookings, and freight forwarding documentation that help get our province’s top-tier seafood into the hands of global buyers quickly and efficiently.”

Roche added that this project is a powerful example of how public and private sectors can work together to achieve a common goal. The project partners acknowledge the valuable advice and support of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the Atlantic Fisheries Fund, the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology, and the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture.

“Every participating partner played an essential role in turning this vision into reality, and the project stands as a model for future collaborations focused on sustainability, innovation, and economic growth,” he said.

While the inaugural flight was focused on lobster destined for the Spanish market, the broader strategy includes expansion into France, the United Kingdom, and eventually, high-value Asian markets like South Korea and Japan. This plan not only provides short-term protection for Newfoundland and Labrador’s seafood industry but also creates the opportunity for the province to establish long-lasting, resilient trade corridors for the years ahead. The consortium looks forward to delivering premium-quality, fresh North Atlantic cod from Newfoundland and Labrador to many customers across Europe this fall.

As the Gander seafood hub continues to evolve, the success of this pilot project marks the beginning of a new chapter – one where Newfoundland and Labrador seafood is no longer just ocean-harvested, but also runway-ready.

Check out an additional CBC Article covering the flight here!

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If you are currently registered in CBSA’s CARM client portal, you are able to make payments towards your CBSA 15-digit Business Number account. Payments made in the CARM client portal or any other manner should only be made by GST Direct or by having a RPP Duty Bond in place. 

GST Direct

GST Direct has been arranged via your Customs Broker. Release of goods is secured on your Customs Broker’s Bond. Your Customs Broker will make payment on the Duty, Excise Tax, & SIMA directly to the CBSA and supply you with a monthly statement on the 25th of each month outlining the GST portion. In turn, the Importer will make payment directly to CBSA for the GST amount provided by your Customs Broker. Payment must be made by the last business day of the same month.

RPP Duty Bond

The Importer has secured their own Release Prior to Payment Duty Bond and arranged with their Customs Broker to utilize the Importer bond to obtain release prior to payment. On the 25th of each month, your Customs Broker will supply you with a monthly statement outlining all Duties & Taxes. In turn, the Importer will make payment directly to CBSA for the total provided by your Customs Broker. Payment must be received by CBSA by the last business day of each month.

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Importing a Vessel into Canada Governed
by Canada’s Coasting Trade Act

There are many rules and regulations that vessel owners/operators must consider when importing a vessel into Canada. The operation of foreign vessels in Canada is regulated by the Government of Canada’s Coasting Trade Act and enforced by several federal and provincial departments and agencies.

Below we provide an overview of the processes and procedures required when planning to import a boat into Canada. For your convenience, we have included the following Importing a Vessel into Canada Guide with additional details to download.

Download

Canada’s Coasting Trade Act

The Coasting Trade Act protects Canada’s marine industry by limiting vessel operations within its waters to Canadian-registered, duty paid vessels. While priority is given to these vessels, there are provisions for the temporary entry of foreign or non-duty paid vessels. This is provided there are no Canadian-registered vessels available or capable to perform the required scope of work.

Foreign or non-registered, duty paid vessels must obtain a Coasting Trade Licence prior to beginning operations in Canada. Owners or operators (or agent on their behalf, such as PF Collins) must submit an application to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) or the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA). The success of the application is dependent upon the suitability and availability of any Canadian-registered vessels to complete the work.

Exemptions Under the Coasting Trade Act

Exemptions for Seismic Vessels

To improve access to better seismic data for offshore development, Canada’s 2012 Economic Action Plan amended the Coasting Trade Act to remove the requirement for foreign seismic vessels to obtain a Coasting Trade Licence when undertaking oil and gas exploration on the continental shelf of Canada. Seismic vessels must still obtain a Coasting Trade Licence when conducting activities in the Territorial Sea of Canada.

Exemptions for Importing a Vessel under CETA

In 2017, the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) introduced provisions to allow European Union entities to provide specific services without the requirement of a Coasting Trade Licence. These services include:

• Feeder service between the Ports of Halifax and Montreal
• Repositioning of empty containers
• Dredging services

For more information about importing a vessel under CETA visit our dedicated page below, email us at info@pfcollins.com or call us toll-free at 1-800-763-2255

Duty and Tax Considerations When Importing a Vessel

All vessels entering Canada for temporary periods must pay the applicable duty and tax.

Imported vessels are typically subject to a duty rate of 25% of the fair market value, prorated for each month the vessel is operating in Canada. The duty rate is also subject to any free trade agreements that apply (e.g. CETA). 

In addition, imported vessels are subject to the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST), calculated at a rate of 5% of the monthly duty-paid value of the vessel. The GST is fully refundable when the importer is a GST-registered entity with the Government of Canada.

A federal Excise Tax is also applied on marine diesel fuel, added to the normal domestic fuel price.

Other Considerations

Immigration for Foreign Crew and Shore-Based Personnel

Foreign crew entering Canada to work onboard the vessel must obtain a work permit prior to employment.

Service Canada issues Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA) for crew onboard foreign vessels approved by the CBSA. When assessing applications, Service Canada expects Canadians to have the first opportunity to fill the positions. Therefore, the application process requires advertising for onboard positions and the inclusion of a succession plan for Canadian personnel.

Local petroleum boards may also require local benefits provisions be met for operations related to offshore oil and gas. Petroleum boards in Canada include the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board and Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board.

Safety Inspections

As a pre-requisite for the issuance of a Coasting Trade Licence, the vessel must undergo inspection at its first port of call in Canada to ensure compliance with the safety requirements of Transport Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard, and the local petroleum board.

Information & Resources

To further clarify and assist with importing a vessel into Canada, please see the following resources:

• PF Collins Marine Agency
• CEFTA, CETA, and CUKTCA Origin Declaration Form

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A Non-Resident Importer (NRI) is a business based outside of Canada, who does not have a physical presence in Canada, but imports goods into Canada as the Importer of Record.

The Non-Resident Importer (NRI) Program is an initiative of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) that allows international exporters to sell products to Canadian customers directly on a delivered-price basis, without the need for a physical presence in Canada.

Registering as an NRI offers many benefits, including the following:

• Better control over your supply chain
• An increased ability to compete in the Canadian marketplace
• Opportunities to provide better service to Canadian customers

Below we summarize the benefits of becoming a Non-Resident Importer, your responsibilities, and how to register to the NRI Program. For your convenience, we have also created a comprehensive NRI Guide available to download

Download

We offer a Non-Resident Importer Registration Service for those ready to obtain a Business Number, register to CARM and authorize books & records, as well as a Non-Resident Importer Record-Keeping Service for existing clients of PF Collins to maintain important import documents.

Who is a Non-Resident Importer?

A Non-Resident Importer (NRI) is a business based outside of Canada. They do not have a physical presence in Canada but imports goods into Canada under their own name. By registering as an Non-Resident Importer, your company becomes the Importer of Record into Canada.

Becoming the Importer of Record offers many benefits. For instance, the Importer of Record can include all costs of shipping and customs into one price to the customer. The sale resembles a domestic transaction for your Canadian customer, making your product easier to purchase.

However, the risk of becoming the Importer of Record is that you are responsible for complying with the many rules and regulations associated with importing goods into Canada under the Customs Act and Customs Tariff Act.

What are the Benefits of Becoming an NRI?

Reduced Costs

Non-Resident Importers do not need a physical establishment in Canada to sell to Canadian consumers.  As a result, operating and overhead expenses associated with infrastructure, employees, warehousing, and distribution are reduced.

Being an NRI also contributes to savings within your supply chain. As both the exporter in your own country and the importer in Canada you are better able to estimate and control shipping and import-related costs. You are also able to consolidate shipments, further reducing these costs. 

Supply Chain Control

As both the exporter and the importer, you control the shipping process. This allows you to manage the movement of your goods and potential bottlenecks in the supply chain. Becoming an NRI also allows you to create consistency in your import processes, reducing delays at the border and delivery times to customers.

Accessibility for Customers

NRIs can offer direct delivery to Canadian customers, removing the administrative costs and “hidden fees” often associated with buying products internationally.

Becoming the Importer of Record in Canada allows you to sell your products to customers on a Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) basis (Incoterms 2020), meaning you pay all the costs of delivering the goods door-to-door to your customer. As a result, you control the shipment tracking and your customer only pays the final online or invoice price.

Competitive in the Canadian Marketplace

Reduced costs and easier access for Canadian consumers allows you to compete more effectively and increase your sales and market share in Canada. As a Non-Resident Importer, your sales resemble domestic transactions to Canadian customers – similar to purchasing the products from a Canadian company.

What are the Responsibilities of an NRI?

The biggest risk of becoming a Non-Resident Importer is the responsibility for compliance with the many customs laws and regulations. As the Importer of Record, you are liable for submitting accurate and complete information to the CBSA, paying the applicable duty and taxes, and maintaining records.

Failure to submit the required information and payments may result in fines and penalties under the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS), confiscation of goods, or being prohibited from future importations.

1. Submitting Correct Information

Goods imported into Canada require specific information for clearance by CBSA at the border, including the following:

• Correct tariff classification for the imported product
• A Canada Customs Invoice (CCI) or commercial invoice detailing the same information as a CCI
• A Certificate of Origin to apply preferential tariff treatment (e.g. CUSMA, CETA, etc.)
• Additional information/documents for the imported product (e.g. import permits)

2. Paying Duties & Taxes as a Non-Resident Importer

3. Maintaining Records as an NRI

Companies or individuals importing or exporting to/from Canada must maintain accurate records for 6 years plus the current year.

Under authorization from the CBSA, a Non-Resident Importer may designate a Customs Broker to prepare, submit, and maintain all shipment-related documentation and records. However, they must submit a request in writing to the CBSA for approval. In addition, NRIs may request authorization to maintain records outside of Canada by submitting a letter of undertaking to the CBSA.

How to Become a Non-Resident Importer in Canada

1. Apply for a Canadian Business Number (BN)

To become a Non-Resident Importer you must first obtain a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) prior to importing into Canada. The Business Number is a unique 15-digit number companies in Canada use to transact with government agencies.

You will also need an import/export account. Import/export account numbers include your Business Number, plus the two-letter identifier ‘RM’ (e.g. 123456789RM0001).  Your import/export account number is submitted to CBSA on customs clearance documents and are only used when importing or exporting.

To register for a Business Number, or add an import/export account to an existing Business Number, contact the CRA’s Business Window at 1-800-959-5525, or register online using the Business Registration Online (BRO) service.

2. Register as an NRI with the CBSA

Non-Resident Importers must register with the CBSA. When doing so, they must advise of the location in which records will be kept. To maintain records outside of Canada, NRIs must submit a letter of undertaking to the CBSA for approval.

2. Register to CARM

To import goods into Canada, NRIs are also required to register to and make duty/tax payments through the CARM Client Portal. As of May 2022, all importers must complete the following:

1. Register to the CARM Client Portal
2. Post financial security in the form of a surety (or import) bond to participate in the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) program

Information & Resources

To further clarify and assist with registration and use of the CERS portal, CBSA has provided several resources:

• General Agency Agreement (To appoint PF Collins as your Customs Broker)
• CARM Information

The post The Non-Resident Importer (NRI) Program first appeared on PF Collins International Trade Solutions.

What are Canada’s Free Trade Agreements

Canada currently has 15 trade agreements in force with 51 different countries around the world, and more in varying stages of negotiation. Together, these agreements cover 1.5 billion consumers worldwide. A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is a treaty between two or more countries that encourages international trade by reducing or removing tariffs and other barriers to trade.

The Group of Seven (G7) is an informal grouping of seven of the world’s advanced economies, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as the European Union. Canada is the only G7 economy with comprehensive free trade access to the entire G7 and European Union. According to the Government of Canada, Canada’s 15 FTAs cover 61% of the world’s GDP and open markets to 1.5 billion consumers worldwide. In addition to lowering and eliminating duty rates on certain products and services, FTAs also address modern trade challenges in areas such as labour, environment, certification, and intellectual property.

We provide more information below on Canada’s major trade agreements as well as a list of the FTAs currently in force. In addition, we have combined all of Canada’s trade and investment agreements and sanctions into an easy reference guide for download

Download

Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)

The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) is trade agreement between Canada, the United States, and Mexico that replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on July 1, 2020. The largest free trade region in the world, in 2019, total trilateral merchandise trade (the total of each country’s imports from one another) reached just over CAD $1.3 trillion.

CUSMA maintains the key aspects of the trade relationship between Canada, United States, and Mexico. It also incorporates new provisions to address current trade challenges and continuing to promote opportunities for North Americans.

Note: In the United States, the agreement is referred to as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

We provide more information on CUSMA and what its entry into force means for Canadian importers and exporters in the following article

Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)

The European Union (EU) is Canada’s second largest trading partner. The Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is a bilateral trade agreement between Canada and the EU that entered into force on September 21, 2017. In its first three years in force, CETA increased annual trade of goods and services between Canada and the EU by over 21%.

CETA takes a phased approach to removing tariffs. Duties were removed on 98% of products and services upon entry into force. Over a seven year period, a further 1% of tariff lines will be phased out. By 2024, 99% of all Canadian goods entering the EU market duty-free.

The EU is the second-largest export destination and trading partner for the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island. Therefore, these provinces benefit greatly from preferential access to the EU market.

Canada-UK Trade Continuity Agreement (CUKTCA)

On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom (UK) formally left the EU and entered a transition period ending December 31. Subsequently, the countries reached a post-Brexit agreement on December 30, 2020, ensuring continued trade in goods without tariffs or quotas.

To minimize trade disruptions, Canada and the UK signed a transitional agreement. The Canada-UK Trade Continuity Agreement (CUKTCA) came into force on April 1, 2021.

Largely replicating CETA, the Canada-UK TCA ensures continued preferential access to the UK market for Canadian businesses. Similarly, 98% of Canadian products will continue to be exported to the UK tariff-free.

On March 24, 2022, Canada and the UK announced they will begin negotiations toward a comprehensive bilateral free trade agreement. The first round of negotiations will begin on March 28, 2022. The CUKTCA will remain in place during negotiations.

Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)

Canada-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement

On November 16, 2021, Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreed to proceed with free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations. Canada’s sixth-largest trading partner, ASEAN is a regional intergovernmental organization that includes the following countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

In 2020, merchandise trade between Canada and ASEAN reached $26.7 billion. An FTA would boost GDP and exports to ASEAN countries, create new market opportunities for Canadian goods and services, and support a more predictable environment for trade and investment.

Canada and ASEAN are currently discussing next steps, including a first round of negotiations.

Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Negotiations

In June 2022, Canada and India will begin a second round of negotiations toward a free trade agreement that aims to strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

Negotiations between Canada and India toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) began in 2010. The most recent full negotiating round was held in August 2017. Discussions included cross-border trade in goods and services, e-commerce, telecommunications, and technical barriers to trade. Since then, Canadian and Indian officials have held several meetings, with the most recent in June 2021.

In May 2023, Canada and India released a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to strengthen trade and commercial ties through enhanced partnerships and cooperation.

Two-way merchandise trade between Canada and India was $12 billion in 2022. India’s economy offers extensive opportunities for Canadian companies in natural resources, defence, mining, oil and gas, clean energy technology, and renewable energy. Specifically, Canada is expected to seek greater market access for agricultural products, such as pulses.

Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA)

As noted by the Government of Canada in April 2023, Canada and Ukraine concluded substantive negotiations of CUFTA to modernize the CUFTA. The modernized CUFTA creates new opportunities to maximize the agreement’s benefits for Canadian workers entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized businesses. Furthermore, it will work towards fair, inclusive, and transparent trade and support long-term security, stability, and economic development in Ukraine. The modernized CUFTA will also maintain the terms of market access for goods from the 2017 Agreement, and has been updated to include new and upgraded chapters, including on: investment, cross-border trade in services, temporary entry for business persons, financial services, digital trade, rules of origin cumulation with common FTA partners, trade and gender and, for the first time, a chapter on trade and Indigenous Peoples.

Free Trade Agreements Currently in Force

Sanctions

Canada imposes sanctions against several countries for violations against international laws and standards. These include violations of human rights, acts of corruption, and association with terrorism. For more information on Canadian sanctions and the countries upon which they are imposed, please visit Global Affairs Canada.

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