Printable Version Canadian Export Regulations (B13A)


The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) now requires you to declare all goods that require an Export Declaration (B13A) prior to leaving Canada. Effective immediately, all shipments that require an Export Declaration (B13A) must be declared to Canada Customs prior to leaving Canada. To avoid government penalties, exporters must complete and submit the most recent version of the Export Declaration (B13A). Additionally, the exporter must provide proof of reporting (e.g. transaction number and date/time stamp from the CBSA or the electronic transaction number). For more information, please visit the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Web site.

The following outlines the new government regulations for you and provides you with information about how your business can easily complete and submit the required documentation electronically.

Click here for frequently asked questions about the Canadian Export Regulations (B13A).




What goods require an Export Declaration (B13A)?

(1) Goods that are NOT controlled, prohibited, or regulated

All exporters are required to complete and submit an Export Declaration (B13A) prior to export, for goods that are valued at CAN $2,000 or more, destined to any country, other than the United States, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.  For more information on how to submit and/or declare your Export Declaration (B13A) form or goods to Canada Customs, please refer to the Export Declaration (B13A) section below.  

Please Note: An Export Declaration (B13A) is not required for any goods exported for consumption in the U.S.

(2) Goods that ARE controlled, prohibited, and regulated goods (regardless of the shipment value)

All controlled, prohibited, or regulated goods must be reported along with the required permits, certificates, or licenses to the CBSA prior to leaving Canada.

IMPORTANT - Failure to include a B13A or an Export Permit number when required will result in penalties and fines by the CBSA.


Export Declaration (B13A)

If a B13A is applicable to a shipment, the exporter must file the B13A with the CBSA prior to creating the shipping documentation.  Upon approval of the B13A, the CBSA will assign a transaction number, authorization code or a summary reporting number depending on the method used to submit the B13A.

Exceptions to Export Reporting - No Declaration Required (NDR)

The following goods and/or technologies do not have to be reported on an export declaration unless their exportation is controlled, regulated or prohibited by any act of Parliament.

However, if at the time of exportation an officer has reasonable grounds to suspect that the goods are being exported contrary to an act of Parliament, then the office may request that the goods be reported in writing by presenting a manual form B13A, Export Declaration.

These exceptions to reporting by an exporter are found in section 6 and 7 of the Regulations and are further explained in D-20-1-1:

1. Goods exported for consumption in the United States;

2. Commercial goods having a value of less than CAN$2,000;

3. Personal and household effects, other than those of an emigrant, that are not for resale or commercial use, excluding conveyances;

4. Goods exported from Canada on a temporary basis by using an ATA carnet; transaction numbers are required as part of the NDR; 

5. Goods that were temporarily imported and accounted for on a Form E29B, Temporary Admission Permit, and are subsequently exported; transaction numbers are required as part of the NDR;

6. Cargo containers, reusable skids, drums, pallets, straps and similar goods used in the international commercial transportation of goods;

7. Goods exported by a diplomatic embassy or mission personnel for their personal or official use, excluding conveyances;

8. Personal gifts and personal donations of goods, excluding conveyances;

9. NDR9 is no longer in use. In-transit cargo must be reported by the exporting carrier.

10. Goods exported for repair, warranty repair or additions regardless of value that will be returned to Canada;

11. Goods imported for repair or addition and are subsequently exported, where the value of the repair or addition is less than CAN $2,000;

12. Goods for use as ship's stores by a Canadian carrier;

13. Goods manufactured or produced outside Canada and removed for export from a bonded warehouse or sufferance warehouse;

14. Goods, other than goods exported for further processing, that will be returned to Canada within 12 months after the date of exportation, which includes goods reported on a Form E15, Certificate of Destruction/ Exportation;

15. Goods being exported on behalf of the Department of National Defence or due to an emergency and reported orally according to section 15 of the export regulations (but will be reported on an export declaration at a later date).

16. Other (this includes goods used for unique situations).
For this category, the reason for the NDR must be pre-authorized by the local CBSA office.

For more information, including frequent updates to the No Declaration Required list, please visit the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) website: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/export/ndr-adr-eng.html



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How to submit and/or declare an Export Declaration (B13A) form or goods to Canada Customs:

An Exporter can submit the Export Declaration (B13A) in the following ways:

1. Canadian Automated Export Declaration (CAED)
2. Summary Reporting
3. Manual or Paper B13A
4. No B13A Required (Exemptions)

1. Canadian Automated Export Declaration (CAED)

The CAED program is an electronic method that will allow exporters to complete and transmit Export Declaration (B13A) information directly to the Government of Canada. This is a fast and easy way to report goods, it is available at no extra charge, and it provides a complete and accurate audit trail. For more information, please visit the Statistics Canada Web site. FedEx strongly encourages all customers to complete and transmit B13A information via CAED.

2. Summary Report Program

The Summary Report-filing program is reserved for exporters who ship low-risk goods on a regular basis and have met specific requirements set by the CBSA. This enables exporters to summarize required export data, which can be submitted on a monthly basis in writing, after the goods have left Canada. To report in this manner, prior written authorization is required from Canada Customs. Please note that goods that are controlled, prohibited or regulated, are not eligible for this program. For more information, please visit the CBSA Web site.

3. Manual or Paper B13A

FedEx Ship Manager does not provide an option to create a paper or manual B13A along with your shipping label. Go to fedex.ca ‘Customs Tools’ tab for a blank copy of the B13A or complete it online. If you choose to submit a manual B13A, obtain the B13A transaction number at the nearest Canada Customs office before you ship. To avoid delays or penalties by Canada Customs, please arrange to have your B13A stamped with a B13A transaction number prior to tendering your shipment to FedEx or submit your B13A electronically via CAED.

4. No B13A Required (Exemptions)

The goods listed in the B13A Exception list above and goods destined to the U.S., Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands do not require a B13A.





Export Permit Information

All exporters are required to complete and submit an Export Permit for controlled, prohibited and regulated goods (regardless of the shipment value). If the goods are destined to any country, other than the U.S., Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, a B13A is also required (regardless of the shipment value). All controlled, prohibited, or regulated goods must be reported to the Canadian port mentioned on the export permit. In addition, the required permits, certificates, or licenses must be submitted to the CBSA prior to the goods leaving Canada. For more information, please visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Web site or for assistance in determining if an export permit is required call 613-996-2387.

Exporting Goods Subject to a General Export Permit (GEP)

Goods exported to a non-U.S. destination, which are subject to a GEP, must be reported by stating the GEP number in the Export Permit Number Field of the "Export Declaration - B13A".





Canadian Export Regulations

The CBSA's implementation of AMPS carries heavy penalties for exporters that do not comply with B13A and Export Permit requirements. The charges for not filing these important documents prior to export could result in fines from $1,000 to $6,000 per shipment. As the exporter, you are fully responsible for filing the B13A and/or Export Permit and for the fines associated with non-compliance. FedEx is not responsible for any B13A and/or Export Permit documents that may be lost, stolen, or damaged during transportation to CBSA and other government agencies.

For more information on the CBSA and export regulations, please visit the CBSA Web site or call 1-800-461-9999.

We hope that this information will assist you through the B13A and Export Permit transition process. Should you have further questions, please call us at 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339.


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