Relief programs
Programs we check
Duty Drawback
Get refunded for duties paid on imports that are subsequently exported from Canada. If you import materials, process them, and export the finished product, you may qualify for a refund of up to 100% of duties paid.
Duties Relief Program
Import goods duty-free when they will be used to manufacture products for export. Unlike drawback, you never pay the duties in the first place — saving you cash flow.
Remission Orders
Discretionary duty relief for specific industries, capital equipment, and special circumstances. The government grants remission when duties would cause undue hardship or are not in the public interest.
Tariff Rate Quotas
Access lower within-quota duty rates on supply-managed products. If your imports fall within the quota limit, you pay significantly lower duties than the over-quota rate.
End-Use Provisions
Reduced or zero duties when goods are imported for specific qualifying purposes. Certain industrial inputs, machinery, and components qualify for lower rates based on their intended use.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How much money can I get back with duty drawback?
You can recover up to 100% of the customs duties paid on imported goods that are subsequently exported. The amount depends on the duties paid and the proportion of imported goods in your exported products. Some companies recover tens of thousands of dollars per year.
What is the difference between drawback and duties relief?
With duty drawback, you pay duties at import and apply for a refund after export. With the Duties Relief Program, you get pre-authorized to import duty-free — you never pay the duties at all. Duties relief is better for cash flow but requires pre-approval from the CBSA.
Do remission orders apply to my industry?
Remission orders are issued by the Governor in Council for specific products, industries, or circumstances. Common categories include machinery for manufacturing, goods for international events, and products where Canadian production is insufficient. The checker evaluates your situation against known remission order categories.
How do I apply for duty drawback in Canada?
You file a claim with the CBSA within 4 years of the import date using form K32. You need to provide proof that the imported goods (or substituted goods of the same class) were exported. A customs broker can help with the filing process.
Can I claim refunds on old imports?
Yes. Under the CBSA duty drawback program, you can file claims for imports going back up to 4 years. If you have been importing and exporting without claiming drawback, you may be sitting on a significant unclaimed refund.
Stop overpaying on duties
5 questions, 2 minutes. Find out if you qualify for refunds.