Recently the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced the implementation of a new seizure policy for undervalued shipments of commercial goods imported through the Courier Low Value Shipment (CLVS) Program.
The policy effectively targets those foreign exporters who significantly undervalue goods imported through the CLVS Program. Through targeted and random examination, the CBSA will verify untrue statements and where physical evidence exists, seizure action may be taken under the exporter’s name.
When a seizure action is undertaken, the Canadian importers will be provided with the Notice of Seizure informing them of their right to make a third-party claim.
The policy is intended to provide CBSA with a means to deter exporters from undervaluing shipments destined to Canada.
More information is available in Customs Notice 15-002.