Small Package Shipments FAQ's
Q: Can I have a parcel shipped to a US address and forwarded to my Canadian destination? Click for Answer

A: Yes, Beaver Brokerage Inc. has a US address for parcel shipments.

Q: What is the address I can use for letter mail? Click for Answer

A:  You can ship to our US address:

Letter Mail: Please advise our office where to forward once received, then have your mail sent to:

Your Company/ Personal Name
C/O Beaver Brokerage Inc.
143 Military Street
Houlton, ME 04730

Q: What is the address I can use for a parcel shipments? Click for Answer

A:  Parcel Address:   Please have the documents that include your phone number taped to outside of the parcel.  Some US shippers do not put your complete name on the shipping label and our staff does not open packages.

Your Company/ Personal Name (Your Phone Number)
Attn: Beaver Brokerage Inc.
143 Military Street
Houlton, ME 04730

Q: What size package can I have shipped into your Houlton, ME facility? Click for Answer
A:  We can handle any size parcel.  We regularly handle parcels from couriers up to their 70 lb limit.  However we can handle oversize parcels as well, for an extra charge.  We ask that you advise our office if you are expecting an oversize package, allowing us time to make prior arrangements to move the oversize package.  
Q: Can Beaver Brokerage forward my package directly to an address other than my address? Click for Answer

A: Yes, Beaver Brokerage Inc. is able to reship or forward parcels to any address that you request.

Q: Can I have a COD sent into your USA address? Click for Answer

A: Yes, Beaver Brokerage Inc. will accept COD orders if notified, and your payment to Beaver Brokerage Inc. has been arranged in advance.

Q: What information do you need to clear my COMMERCIAL (Business) parcel? Click for Answer

A: To Clear Commercial Parcels, Beaver Brokerage requires:

–          Signed Agency Agreement and  Account Application (One time set up)

–          Fully completed Canada Customs Invoice (CCI); or Commercial Invoice, or Auction listing, or similar form with full item description and shipment details.

–          Signed CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement) Certification of Origin for shipments $3300 Cdn and over if goods qualify for CUSMA,

–          CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement) Certification of Origin not required for shipments less than $3300 Cdn,

–          Shipment Tracking Number: If shipment is RUSH or Next Day, please advise our office.  The Next Day trucks arrive on Houlton, ME after lunch.  These parcels require a special trip to retrieve and forward.

–          Canadian ship to destination with phone number.

–          Payment arrangement, may use Credit Card Authorization Form

Q: What information do you need to clear my PERSONAL parcel? Click for Answer

A: To clear personal parcels, Beaver Brokerage Inc. requires

–          Signed Agency Agreement and Account Application (one time set up).

–          Completed Personal Shipment Form

–          Commercial Invoice, Auction listing, or similar, supporting the item description on the Personal Shipment Form,

–          Canadian Ship to address and contact phone number,

–          Payment arrangement, may use Credit Card Authorization Form

Q: Where do I forward my documents for Beaver Brokerage Inc. to clear my parcel? Click for Answer

A: Forward information and documents to:

Fax 506-328-4664 or,


Q: How do I pay Beaver Brokerage Inc. for your services and any duties and/or taxes ? Click for Answer

A: Beaver Brokerage Inc. accepts debit, cash, cheque, EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer), or credit card.  At time of setting up your account, advise Beaver Brokerage Inc. which method of payment you wish to use.

Importing Vehicles FAQ's
Q: Do I, myself, have to drive my Canadian registered vehicle back to Canada? Click for Answer

A. No, many Canadians (Snowbirds) fly home from their southern vacation homes and ship their vehicles separately.  If your vehicle was registered in Canada prior to leaving Canada, and the vehicle did not undergo substantial modifications or alterations while abroad then these returning  vehicles will be entered back into Canada as returning goods and do not require registration through the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV).

Q: If someone other than myself returns my vehicle am I able to put my personal items in it? Click for Answer

Yes, however should the returning vehicle be newly purchased or contain other items at the time of importation such as golf clubs, fishing gear, tools, clothing, linens, etc. then the vehicle and other goods will need to  be entered on a formal import entry.  It is recommended that you contact Beaver Brokerage Inc. to prepare and present this entry on your behalf.  Beaver Brokerage Inc. can arrange the clearance of such vehicles at any Customs office in Canada.

Q. What do I need to do to import a vehicle purchased from the USA? Click for Answer

A. To import a newly purchased vehicle, there are a number of steps. This is a list for the common types of vehicles imported such as passenger cars and trucks, motor cycles, snow mobiles, campers, trailers, and motor homes.
Other types of equipment or vehicles and, large volume importers may have special conditions or regulations.  Should you fall into one of these categories I suggest you contact our office for more details.

1. Confirm the vehicle is admissible into Canada.

2. Run a complete title history search before purchasing the vehicle.

3. Obtain a Recall Clearance Letter on the vehicle.

4. Must obtain an International Transaction Number (ITN) 72 hours prior to exporting from the United States. Beaver Brokerage can assist in obtaining the ITN.

5. Before leaving the United States, report to U.S. Customs with the vehicle, documents, the International Transaction Number (ITN).

6. Report to Canada Customs upon entry into Canada.

7. Complete Canada Border Security Agency CBSA forms and Registrar for Imported Vehicles RIV forms and pay applicable duties, taxes, and fees.

8. Obtain Inspection Form2 from the RIV.

9. Have vehicle inspected to ensure up to Canadian Safety standards.

10. Obtain proof of insurance for  your vehicle

11. Register your vehicle with your Provincial/Territorial authority.

12. Pay the Provincial/Territorial taxes and charges

Q: Where do I find a list of vehicles admissible into Canada? Click for Answer

A: You can check vehicle admissibility on the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) web site http://www.riv.ca/vehicleadmissibility.aspx

Q. What vehicles are covered under the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) program? Click for Answer

A. All vehicles that will be licensed or for use on public roads. This includes passenger cars, trucks, motor cycles, snow mobiles, All Terrain Vehicles, trailers, campers, buses, ambulances, etc.  A list of vehicles exempt for the program is available on the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) website at http://www.riv.ca/RIVExemptions.aspx

Q. Should I run a title search before buying a vehicle in the USA? Click for Answer

A. Beaver Brokerage Inc. recommends that all importers conduct a complete title history search on a vehicle before purchase, in order to see all incidents and brands assigned to that vehicle by U.S. licensing jurisdictions. The following companies provide title histories for a fee:

CARFAX© at  click here

AutoCheck© at click here

CarProof™ at click here

Q. Where do I obtain a Recall Clearance Letter for confirmation of no outstanding recalls on the vehicle going to be purchased? Click for Answer

A. You then can contact the manufacturer’s American or Canadian head office with the vehicle serial number to obtain a confirmation of no outstanding recalls for a specific vehicle. If you are buying direct from a dealer, an American or Canadian dealership’s may be able to print a report from the vehicle service database. Some manufacturers post their recall information on their web sites specific to the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).  Note: Some manufacturers require the Recall Clearance Letter come from their Canadian Head Office.  Some manufacturers may require you request permission to import any of their vehicles into Canada. More information can be obtain on the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) website at  http://www.riv.ca/RecallClearance.aspx 

Q. How do I notify United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 72 hours prior to exporting a vehicle? Click for Answer

A: When applying for your International Transaction Number (ITN) you will be required to advise the time and place you intend to exit the United States. Once your ITN has been received this will be proof that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been notified. Remember to record the ITN clearly on your documents (ie. invoice & title). Find the US Port of Exit that the vehicle will leave the United States through on the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) web site at http://www.cbp.gov/contact/ports/. Confirm with the port their hours of operation and procedure for exporting vehicles.

Q. Where can I find more information about the U.S. Customs and Border Protection International Transaction Number (ITN)? Click for Answer

A: See the attached link to U.S. Customs and Border Protection International Transaction Number (ITN) for Exporting Used Self-Propelled Vehicles:
https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1736/~/exporting-self-propelled-vehicles/

Q: Who completes the US and Canada Customs forms, the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) forms and pays applicable duties, taxes, and fees? Click for Answer

A: If you drive your own recently purchased vehicle back into Canada you may complete all CBSA documents yourself however you will still be required to obtain an International Transaction Number (ITN). Beaver Brokerage can assist you in obtaining the ITN.

Beaver Brokerage Inc. can complete the import forms on your behalf. We will complete the CBSA form B3, the RIV Form 1 and obtain the ITN. In advance we will require a Agency Agreement, Account Application, all required documents (Bill of Sale, Title, Recall Clearance letter), Name of Carrier,  ETA- Expected Time of Arrival and Canadian Port of Entry, Proof that United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had export notice 72 hours prior to exporting a vehicle, and payment. If you hire another person or company to bring your newly purchased vehicle into Canada you must have a custom broker present your documents.  

Q: What charges can I expect to pay when importing a vehicle? Click for Answer

A. There are some standard charges you will be required to pay for all vehicles, and there are some charges that will only apply to certain vehicles.  I have tried to include all charges that may apply, however you may not incur all these charges.  I have briefly explained each charge in ().  Look for more detail in the other FAQ, or the related web site.  There may be other fees introduced by various authorities since this list was compiled, please confirm ahead of purchasing.

– Vehicle title search (paid to a third party prior to purchasing a vehicle)

– International Transaction Number (ITN) (purchased from a third party on your behalf)

– Import GST (pay the GST (Goods and Services Tax) portion of HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) at time of import)

– Import Duty (If CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement) requirements are met, vehicle may be Duty Free)

– Import Excise Tax (If vehicle has an air conditioner, Excise Tax applies), (If vehicle is considered a Gas Guzzler, Excise Tax applies)

– Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) Fee (Vehicles less than 15 years of age, RIV fee may apply)

– Recall Clearance Letter (a manufacturer or dealer may charge to produce)

– Courier/fax fee (USA Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offices require original or faxed copies of documents 72 hours prior to export)

– Storage fees (if your vehicle requires storage at the border, there may be a charge)

– Canadian Customs Brokers fees (if you use a customs broker, they will have a fee for services)

– Insurance (you will need to insure an imported vehicle in the same manner as a domestically purchased vehicle)

– Provincial Tax (The provincial tax portion of the HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) will be payable at the time of registration)

– Provincial License (provincial registration or license fees are paid at time of registration)

– Tire Levy (depending on the province/ territory of registration, there may be a provincial/ territorial tire levy)

Q. How do I obtain the Inspection Form 2? Click for Answer

A. The Form 2 is required at time of inspection. The Form 2 is obtained from the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV). You can track your vehicles’ registration progress and request a Form 2 on the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) website at https://www.riv.ca/TrackYourCase.aspx

Q. Does the age of a vehicle make any difference on importing? Click for Answer

A. Yes.  Vehicles over 15 years old must go through the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) however they do not require the payment of the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) Fee. Also buses manufactured prior to 1971 do not require payment of the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) Fee.

Q. What is a Gas Guzzler? Click for Answer

A. Based on the fuel efficiency rating of an imported vehicle, there may be an excise tax applicable for fuel-inefficient vehicles.  A complete list of affected vehicles may be found on the Canada Revenue Agency web site at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/et/etsl64/README.html

Q. Where do I get my vehicle inspected? Click for Answer

A. In most cities and towns, the inspections are done at the local Canadian Tire garage.  A complete list of inspection stations can be found on the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) website at http://www.riv.ca/RIVInspection.aspx

Q. How long do I have to get my vehicle inspected and registered? Click for Answer

A. You have 45 days to get your vehicle inspected.  There is no time limit for registering your vehicle.  However, you should keep all importation and inspection documents in a save place as they must be presented the proof of import and Inspection at time of registration.

Q: Once my vehicle is inspected, how do I insure and register it? Click for Answer

A:  Your vehicle is insured and registered in the same way any used car is insured and registered in your province/territory.  The difference is that for registration your provincial/ territorial registration authority may require along with the bill of sale, proof of import; B3 form, or NIVIS form, and proof of inspection; Form 2.  You will pay the provincial portion of the HST (Harmonized Sales Tax); as you would have paid the Federal GST (Goods and Services Tax) portion at time of importation. A list of the provincial licensing authorities is available on the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) web site at http://www.riv.ca/ProvincialLicensing.aspx

Q: Is the Tire Levy applicable in my province/ territory? Click for Answer

A: The Tire Levy is regulated by the individual provinces and territories. Contact the government authority responsible in the province/ territory where the vehicle will be registered.  A list of the contact numbers is available on the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) web site. http://www.riv.ca/ProvincialLicensing.aspx

Beaver Brokerage will be closed on March 29, 2024

Please ensure all paperwork is received by Thursday March 28 (during regular business hours)

for clearance on the holiday.

There will be an employee on call on the holiday if services are required; after hours charges apply.

 **  Please note if you can not reach us at 506-325-2020 during the closure the direct number to after hours / on call phone is 506-325-8157 **