CBSA issues vehicle repair reporting revisions

OTTAWA — Canada Border Services Agency has removed all references to Administrative Monetary Penalties System contraventions C019 and C020, as they are currently being reviewed.

In a memorandum, CBSA outlines the requirements that highway carriers must follow when reporting and accounting for repairs to their vehicles done outside of Canada. The Customs Act requires that all repairs to vehicles performed outside of Canada must be reported by the drivers to the nearest Canada Border Services Agency office when these vehicles are returned to Canada.

Furthermore, the Act requires highway carriers to account for repairs to their vehicles performed outside of Canada when these vehicles are returned to Canada. Highway carriers can obtain authorization to account for such repairs on a quarterly basis.

Highway carriers who wish to obtain an authorization to account on a quarterly basis should apply in writing to the closest CBSA regional contact.

Where it is determined that repairs made abroad have not been accounted for, the carrier will be required to pay full duties and taxes on the value of repairs and any interest or penalties applicable. The vehicle in question may also be seized.

Without summary reporting privilege, drivers must present the repair invoice on arrival back into Canada for stamping by the CBSA officer at the primary inspection lane (PIL) and returned for record keeping practices. Owner-operators should verify the procedure with their contract carrier.

For more information, call 1-800-461-9999. The entire CBSA memo can be downloaded below.

cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/E/pub/cm/d8-4-2/d8-4-2-e.pdf