Import / Export License

i was just going through the process of registering for a business at the one stop website and one of the questions was "Will you import or export goods for commercial purposes into or out of Canada?" this to determin whether i need to apply for a import / export number.

so my question is: this is going to be mostly an internet based business so there is the potential of people from outside of canada ordering my goods, so shall i say yes to this question and get an i/e number?

is there any advantage or disavantage of getting and not getting one?

thanks.

Get it. It's free - they add the following suffix to your business number to create the import/export#: RM 0001.

Disadvantage of not getting one is that you MIGHT need it and it will then take time to get it. Do it now and be prepared.

Get a vendor permit as well.


FYI,

Payroll# is RP 0001
GST# is RT 0001
Tax# is RC 0001

Yup, I got this...

now whenever I come into Canada from the US, i only pay 7% on things...rather than 14%

Originally Posted by ancientdude

now whenever I come into Canada from the US, i only pay 7% on things...rather than 14%

I assume these are items you're either reselling or self-assess the PST for?

It will be more complicated when you cross the border with commercial goods.

Originally Posted by ebizimage

It will be more complicated when you cross the border with commercial goods.

You must declare commercial goods. You will get crap at the border if they find commercial goods and you didn't tell them. Also, where I live there is rarely a line in the commercial area, I just park and go in.

Originally Posted by ancientdude

Yup, I got this...

now whenever I come into Canada from the US, i only pay 7% on things...rather than 14%

so what do you need to show them at the border to get the pst exempt? i have a gst #, pst #, i/e license, etc.

i am thinking of ordering some stuff (for business) and have them shipped to a postal service place in point roberts and driving there to pick up.

thanks,

Originally Posted by yatyat

so what do you need to show them at the border to get the pst exempt? i have a gst #, pst #, i/e license, etc.

i am thinking of ordering some stuff (for business) and have them shipped to a postal service place in point roberts and driving there to pick up.

thanks,

Pay your few dollars to UPS and have them clear it. Why you'd import merchandise for resale and have it float aroudn the postal system is beyond me.

If you import frequently, you can get a brokerage account which will make your brokerage charges UBER CHEAP.

And if you have a the RM001, you don't pay PST, no VP required.

Originally Posted by Drew_W

Pay your few dollars to UPS and have them clear it. Why you'd import merchandise for resale and have it float aroudn the postal system is beyond me.

If you import frequently, you can get a brokerage account which will make your brokerage charges UBER CHEAP.

And if you have a the RM001, you don't pay PST, no VP required.

If I am shipping using DHL for example, do I need to provide them my Import/Export # or VP # along with the package prior the shipment export from the country of origin, or I provide them when they arrive the border???

I am sorry to dig out some old threads, but any information will be helpful. Thanks

Originally Posted by wong8egg

If I am shipping using DHL for example, do I need to provide them my Import/Export # or VP # along with the package prior the shipment export from the country of origin, or I provide them when they arrive the border???

I am sorry to dig out some old threads, but any information will be helpful. Thanks

Is DHL your broker?

Originally Posted by Drew_W

Is DHL your broker?

it will be my shipper, but as well i might use their custom brokerage service.