The International Trade Blog arrow Export Forms

Creating a Canada Customs Invoice

On: December 7, 2003    |    By: Sue Senger Sue Senger    |    3 min. read

Exporting to Canada: Steps to Smooth the Customs Process | Shipping SolutionsThe Canada Customs Invoice (CCI) is the official document used by Canadian customs to enter imports into Canada. Canadian customs does not require that importers supply the CCI if the commercial invoice includes the required information.

When exporting to Canada, Canadian Customs requires specific information. This article details those requirements.

Data Requirements for the Canada Customs Invoice

The numbers listed below correspond to the numbers on the CCI form:

  1. The seller’s (vendor) full legal name, address and country.
  2. Date on which the goods began their continuous journey to Canada.
  3. Purchaser’s order number or vendor’s commercial invoice number. Although this information is not mandatory, it may be helpful.
  4. Full name and address of the consignee (the person or company in Canada to whom the goods are being shipped).
  5. If you have sold the goods to a party that is different from the consignee, you must also provide the complete name and address of that person or company in Canada.
  6. If the goods have been transshipped, provide the country through which the goods were shipped in transit to Canada.
  7. List the country of origin for all items shipped.
  8. Provide the complete shipment routing details including carrier, mode of transport, and place from which the goods began their continuous journey to Canada.
  9. Terms of sale (for example sale-net 30 days).
  10. Indicate the currency in which the vendor’s demand for payment is made.
  11. Number and type of packages (e.g. cartons or crates).
  12. Provide a detailed description of each item including the kind of package and any marks and numbers on the packaging.
  13. Provide the quantity of each item, with the appropriate unit of measure (numbers, weights, volume, etc.).
  14. Indicate the unit price of each item using the currency of settlement.
  15. Indicate the total price for each item in the currency of settlement for the number of items.
  16. Provide the total net and gross weight of the goods.
  17. Indicate the total value of the invoice.
  18. If using the CCI and attaching a commercial invoice, mark this box and include the commercial invoice number.
  19. If the exporter (vendor) is different than what was indicated in field 1, indicate the full legal name, address and country of the exporter.
  20. The originator of the invoice must indicate their name, address, and phone number. This should be the responsible individual in the vendor’s organization that has knowledge of the transaction.
  21. If a ruling with Revenue Canada was issued, indicate the number and date.
  22. Applicable to situation: Check this box if the total price listed on the invoice includes transportation, expenses and insurance.

    Complete fields 23 through 25 complete only if they apply to a particular shipment:
  23. If the total price includes transportation, expenses and insurance, indicate that amount.
  24. If the total price does not include transportation, expenses and insurance, indicate that amount.
  25. Check if applicable: Royalty payments.

Creating a CCI and Other Export Documents

The Canadian customs entry process can be expedited if the commercial invoice includes all of the required information listed above or the exporter prepares the Canada Customs Invoice along with a commercial invoice.

You can quickly and accurately create a CCI and other export documents by using the Shipping Solutions export documentation and compliance software. You can see for yourself. Sign up for a free online demo of Shipping Solutions.


This article was first published in December 2003 and has been updated to include current information, links and formatting.

Like what you read? Subscribe today to the International Trade Blog to get the latest news and tips for exporters and importers delivered to your inbox.

Sue Senger

About the Author: Sue Senger

Sue Senger is retired after a long career as an international trade consultant and faculty member at St. Paul College in St. Paul, Minnesota. She taught classes in Business Management, Supply Chain Logistics, Entrepreneurship/Marketing and Global Trade.

Are you sure you’re using the right documents for your exports?

When you know how to properly prepare your export paperwork, your goods will ship on time, you’ll get paid more quickly, and you’ll stay compliant with export and import regulations. Find out how by downloading this free guide.

Get Your Copy

ebooks
email

Subscribe to the Newsletter!

Join the 33,143 other exporters and importers who get the latest news, tips and insights from international trade professionals.