Seaker Law - International Trade Law
Canadian International Trade Tribunal representation
Speak with us about whether your matter may find its way to the CITT (Canadian International Trade Tribunal)
Seaker Law has two primary services at the CITT available if appropriate to your circumstances:
- Procurement inquiries, filing complaints and notices of inquiries. Procurement dispute mechanisms.
- Custom and excise appeals, filing appeals.
Regulatory Navigation
In public policy circles there is a general concept that is well known: a dollar spent in prevention often saves ten dollars in response. As such, speak to us about complying with the regulatory landscape in Ontario, and Canada.
With years of experience working inside both the Provincial and Federal government, Seaker Law is able to navigate the regulatory regime with excellence for your business; so you and your team can spend your time growing your business.
Permits, Licenses and Regulatory Requirements
Importing or exporting goods across jurisdictions can be a complex matter for your business. Seaker Law can assist you in ensuring you understand the correct permits, licenses and regulatory regimes for your business.
Transaction assistance
Large volume purchasing or selling is a complex matter and often, your company would need assistance with contract negotiation and composition, regulatory considerations, and an understanding of what credit facilities may be available, including navigating with the EDC (Export Development Canada).
Laws and Regulations we can navigate for you
- Excise Tax Act
- Excise Act
- Customs Act
- Customs Tariff
- Safe Food for Canadians Regulations
- Trademarks Act
- Export and Import Permits Act
- Special Import Measures Act
& any relevant statute or regulatory body
Learn more about Canadian Customs Law
Bills of Lading
A bill of lading is a contract regarding transportation, between the shipper and the carrier. It contains the name of the shipper, the consignee, name of the party to be notified when the goods arrive, and the mode of transportation. It also includes a description of the & terms of payment for shipping.
Bills of lading may be either straight or negotiable. A straight bill of lading is non-negotiable and is used for goods that a specific person or company; a negotiable bill of lading is for goods that have not yet been sold. Goods listed on a negotiable lading may be bought, sold, or traded while in transit.
A term often used to describe a bill of lading is "clean." This means that the goods were in good order and condition when shipped. Unless there are notes to the contrary, a bill of lading is assumed to be clean.
There are bills of lading for every mode of transportation. Depending on the mode, various information is listed on the bill of lading. For example:
• carrier name;
• date that the goods are loaded onto the conveyance;
• cost of shipping;
• where the goods are destined and where they will be discharged; and
• details about the goods, including their value, markings, size, and origin.
Canada Customs Invoice & Commercial invoice
*either a commercial invoice, or a CCI must be provided before the goods may be released.
CANADA CUSTOMS INVOICE
The CBSA requires information for all commercial goods entering Canada. The form generally used to provide this information is the Canada Customs Invoice (CCI). The description of each field is pre-printed in each field of the CCI, making it easy to complete. A standard CCI is n produced at the end of this chapter (Figure 2.3); however, many importers and customs brokers develop their own CCI.
The CCI may be completed by the supplier or importer, or by the customs broker on behalf of a client. Below is a description of each field on the CCI.
1. If the total on the invoice in either Field 15 or Field 17 is shown as no charge, this may indicate that Canadian goods are being returned or that a warranty repair has taken place.
2. If the country of origin, Field 7, is shown as Canada, there is a possibility that Canadian goods are being returned.
3. If the number of packages, Field 11, shows something other than what is on the Cargo Control Document (discussed below), there is a possibility of a shortage or an overage and that these goods are part of another shipment.
4. If the description of the goods shown in Field 12 contains more information than just a description of the goods- for example:
"goods are entering Canada temporarily," or "goods are returning after having been repaired in the US"- it is possible that a sale has not taken place. In this case, the value may not be the true value of the goods and more information will have to be provided by the importer.
5. Specification of commodities, Field 12, and quantity, Field 13, must agree with the actual contents of the shipment. The goods declared should match the goods shipped. If there are more goods declared than shipped, the importer may pay too much duty and tax.
6. The unit price, Field 14, must be the same as the price actually paid or payable, excluding discounts.
If a commercial or sales invoice is available as well as a CCI, the CCI should be compared to ensure that the information is identi-cal. Remember, foreign suppliers are more familiar with their own sales or commercial invoice and are less likely to make mistakes on a commercial invoice.
COMMERCIAL INVOICE
A commercial invoice may be used instead of a CCI if all information required on the CCI is on the commercial invoice.
A commercial invoice can be prepared by any means--typed, written by hand, faxed, or prepared electronically -and must show the buyer and the seller of the goods, the price paid or payable, and a good description of the goods, including quantity.