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FAQs when Shipping to Canada
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If you have additional questions after reading this page, please call (800) 995-3579.
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How do I make sure my shipment will clear customs?
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When shipping materials to Canada, we recommend enlisting the assistance of a
bonded Customs Broker. The complexities of export/import regulations make it highly
advantageous to use a Customs Broker.
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What is Power of Attorney?
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The Power of Attorney is completed and duly signed by the show manager/meeting
planner on behalf of all exhibitors who will be importing goods to the event. It
appoints the Official Customs Broker for the event as its lawful agent and gives
them the power to secure clearance and submit documents on your behalf.
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What is a Commercial (or Customs) Invoice?
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A Commercial (or Customs) Invoice is the basis for Customs’ identification,
classification, duty/tax assessment, and final approval of entry of the goods.
Accurate descriptions help expedite the clearance process.
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After clearing customs, how does my freight get to the show?
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You can arrange with your Customs Broker for your shipment to be delivered
to the Freeman Advance Bonded Warehouse or directly to Show Site.
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Can my freight be delivered directly to show site or to the Freeman Advance Bonded Warehouse without customs clearance?
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Yes, but prior arrangements must be made before your selected carrier picks
up the shipment for export into Canada. The following criteria must be met in
order for your shipment to come in “bond” to show site or to Freeman’s Bonded Warehouse:
- The show/event must be recognized as a bona-fide event by Canada Border Services
with special privileges accorded to such event
- The show/event must have an official Customs Broker assigned to transact and act
as an agent for the show manager/event producer and exhibitors/importers.
- Your selected carrier must be a Canada Customs Bonded Carrier
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How long before a show moves in should I arrange for freight to arrive in the show city?
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Because of heightened security measures by Canada Border Services, freight should arrive in the
destination city a minimum of 3 business days prior to move-in.
Ocean freight should arrive in the destination city a minimum of 10 business days prior to move-in.
This extended lead time will allow for the increased number of inspections. It is important to note
when planning that freight will not be cleared on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays.
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What if my goods are delayed due to customs’ random inspections at the border or at foreign points of entry and will not be delivered by my move-in date?
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It is highly suggested that you bring a provisional shipment (partial) with you to ensure that you
have something to exhibit at the show. In addition, due to the complexities and inexact nature of
“Random inspections”, we recommend you contact the official Customs Broker for assistance.
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Who/What is an Importer of Record?
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Freeman is not the Importer of Record. Instead, it is an individual or
company that takes responsibility for importations into Canada. This person or entity is
primarily liable for the payment of any duties and/or taxes on the imported merchandise.
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Must the Importer of Record be a Canadian Company?
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No. The Importer of Record does NOT have to be a Canadian company. The Customs Broker
can declare your company as a “non-resident” importer and submit all necessary customs
paperwork. Customs will assign a unique Foreign Business Number to your company. If your
company was already assigned a Business Number that is on file with Canada Customs then this
number MUST be provided to your Customs Broker.
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Will the arrangements I make with the Customs Broker and/or Freight Forwarder get my freight to my booth?
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No. Services provided by the Customs Broker and/or Freight Forwarder can ensure that your shipment
will be delivered either to the Freeman Advance Warehouse or to the Show Facility. The service to
deliver materials to your booth space is called Material Handling.
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What is Material Handling?
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Material Handling includes unloading of your exhibit material at the warehouse
or at show site, delivery of these properties to your designated exhibit location,
storage and return of your empty containers (includes crates and skids) and loading of
your exhibit material onto your designated outbound carrier(s) after the event.
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What are Freeman’s Payment Terms?
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Freeman requires 100% prepayment of advance orders, and any order or services placed
at show site must be paid at the show. Payments can be made in Canadian or US funds.
All Canadian checks must be drawn on a Canadian bank. All US checks must be drawn on
a US bank.
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Can I pay by wire transfer?
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Payment may be done via Bank Transfer as noted on the Method of Payment form. Please note
that customers are responsible for any bank processing fees.
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How do I get an invoice before the show?
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If a preliminary invoice is required before the show, please contact Customer Support at (888) 508-5054 or by e-mail at CustomerSupport@Freemanco.com. This invoice will only reflect charges incurred up to the time
of the request. Invoices will be available at show site after the show is open. Final
invoice notification will be e-mailed to you with-in 10 days of show closing.
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