Export Documentation & US Border Clearance

Expanding your market footprint south of the border brings incredible growth opportunities, but it also comes with a rigorous regulatory transition. Exporting commercial goods from Canada to the United States requires precise alignment between the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Even a minor discrepancy on a commercial invoice or a missed electronic declaration can leave your shipment stranded at the border, disrupting your supply chain and resulting in carrier delays.

At S.M. Hewitt (Sarnia) Limited, we make exporting simple. Strategically located at the gateway of the Bluewater Bridge in Sarnia, Ontario, we prepare, verify, and submit the complete suite of export documentation required to clear your southbound shipments quickly, compliantly, and securely.

Essential Southbound Export Documentation

To ensure your cargo moves through the U.S. port of entry without friction, our team coordinates and reviews all necessary paperwork, including:

• Commercial Invoices: Ensuring precise product descriptions, exact transaction values, currency designations, and accurate country-of-origin listings.
• CUSMA Certificates of Origin: Confirming that your North American manufactured goods are properly certified to qualify for duty-free status under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.
• Automated Export System (AES) Filings: Submitting electronic export declarations to the Canadian government for goods exceeding statistical reporting thresholds.
• Specialized Permits & Agency Clearances: Coordinating clearances with U.S. Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) such as the FDA (for food and cosmetics), EPA (for chemicals and vehicles), or USDA (for agricultural products).

The Non-Resident Importer (NRI) Advantage

Are you looking to make purchasing from your Canadian business as seamless as possible for your American clients? Many Canadian exporters choose to act as a Non-Resident Importer (NRI) in the United States.

Under this setup, your business takes on the responsibility for clearing U.S. customs, paying any applicable duties, and coordinating the logistics. By removing the customs burden from your U.S. buyers, you can price your goods in US dollars with all shipping and brokerage fees included. This allows you to compete on a level playing field with domestic U.S. suppliers. Our team can help structure and manage your NRI documentation to ensure a seamless, hassle-free buying experience for your customers.

Our Streamlined Export Process

We bridge the gap between your shipping dock, your carrier, and U.S. customs:

1. Documentation Audit & Compliance ReviewWe review your shipping files before the truck leaves your dock. By auditing your tariff classifications (HS codes) and country-of-origin markings early, we eliminate potential delays before they occur.

2. Electronic Manifest & Customs SubmissionUsing direct electronic data interchange (EDI) systems, we transmit your cargo manifests and customs entry data to both CBSA and U.S. CBP. This pre-arrival setup ensures that authorities have processed your shipment data while your driver is still en route.

3. Carrier & Port CoordinationWe coordinate directly with your transport carriers to ensure their trip manifests are properly linked to our customs filings, keeping your transit through the Bluewater Bridge completely seamless.

Ready to simplify your southbound exports?

Let our family-owned team manage your export compliance so you can focus on scaling your business in the North American market.

Contact us today to Request a Quote or call (519) 332-4411 to speak directly with an export compliance specialist at our Sarnia office.