Shipping Documents & Customs Forms
Canadian & U.S. Shipping Documents and Customs Forms
On this page you will find the following free online customs and shipping forms and documents: Bill of Lading; Canada Customs Invoice; Commercial Invoice; Certificate of Origin. We also have a free downloadable Bill of Lading software program that makes filling out your bills of lading a snap. To assist you in completing the required shipping forms, we have included information below for each document (for additional information please consult your customs broker).
Customs forms and documents may be viewed by clicking the document icons. Some documents (e.g. Commercial Invoice) may be completed by selecting the form, editing the form within Acrobat Reader or Microsoft Word, and then saving or printing your completed version.
SHIP TO USA FORMS | |||
Bill of Lading | ![]() |
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Commercial Invoice | ![]() |
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Certificate of Origin | ![]() |
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SHIP TO CANADA FORMS | |||
VICS Bill of Lading | ![]() |
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VICS Suppliment Page (Info) | ![]() |
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Canada Customs Invoice (Info) | ![]() |
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Certificate of Origin | ![]() |
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SNA DOCUMENTS & LABELS | |||
SNA Credit Application | ![]() |
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SNA Canada/USA Cover Sheet | ![]() |
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SNA Shipping Labels (Click Here) |
PDF document that may be edited
PDF document that may not be edited
RTF document that may be edited
PDF Files require Adobe Acrobat Reader. Download and install Acrobat Reader for free.
To display the form or document, click on the icon to the right of the form/document title.
To complete a form (i.e. fill in the blanks), select an editable PDF or RTF form. When it opens, you may modify the form by adding your own text, then print or save your edited version.
To print a form or document, press "Ctrl+P" or click on the "File" menu and then select the "Print..." option from the document window.
To save a form or document, right click the icon to the right of the form/document title and select "Save Target As..." or "Save Link As..."
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Canada Customs and Revenue Agency |
Agence des douanes et du revenu du Canada |
View a complete listing of other Canada Customs and Revenue Agency Forms. |
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Free Downloadable Bill of Lading Software Program
Star Bill of Lading Program Bringing Technology and Shipping Paperwork Together
Star BOL program is capable of printing all of your Bill of Lading short form requirements to a standard Laser Printer. It saves you Time and Money every time you use it. No more Expensive Forms to purchase. No more hand writing, or typing to a form is needed. Just fill in the product shipment info, select a trucking company, click on Print and you are done. There is a default number of copies that you define. It cannot be any easier. Keeps a log of all your BOL's, for research purposes, or to reprint, you can even Copy/New. (Creates a new BOL from a copy). There are so many features to help you in this process that it is just better to download and try them out for yourself. PLEASE NOTE: ShipNorthAmerica Transportation is the default carrier on this program. If you want to upgrade the software to add different carriers, there is a fee involved.
Customs & Shipping Forms Information
Unless special circumstances exist, shippers are required to prepare the following forms.
Shipping from Canada to USA
Shipping from USA to Canada
Bill of Lading
The information on the Bill of Lading must be consistent with the information listed on the Commercial Invoice, it must contain a complete and accurate description of the goods, and it must be legible. Please clearly indicate the following: the type of clearance preferred by the consignee, and the name of the Customs Broker (or their appointed agents) at the frontier port or inland sufferance warehouse.
Commercial Invoice
You will need two copies of the Commercial Invoice, one must accompany the freight from the point of pickup to the point of customs clearance, the other should be attached to the Bill of Lading. This document is simply an invoice with a complete description of the goods being shipped, along with the proper valuations and currency information.
Canada Customs Invoice
This document should accompany the freight from the point of pickup to the point of customs clearance. An additional copy should be attached to the Bill of Lading. If border clearance is indicated on the Bill of Lading, please write "PARS Clearance" on the Canada Customs Invoice.
Certificate of Origin
The Certificate of Origin is used by the broker to determine the correct rate of duty under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). If this document is missing, the highest rates may be applied to each consignment, and U.S. Customs may not allow the goods into the country.
* Importing To Canada
There are two ways to clear freight moving into Canada; either at the border (PARS) or at an inland sufferance warehouse. Unless your customer requests otherwise, you should request a border clearance via PARS
(Pre-arrival review system) in order to minimize cost and expedite your shipment. *Note: If any forms are incomplete, your shipment may fail PARS which may result in your shipment being re-directed to an inland sufferance warehouse for clearance.
Pre-arrival Review System (PARS)
The Pre-arrival Review System (PARS) is one option of the line release process which is available to importers. The PARS release information contains the shipment's estimated time and date of arrival, the invoice data and the original copy of any required permits.You can submit PARS documentation/data up to 30 days before the goods arrive in Canada, so Canada Customs can process the documentation and enter the cargo control number and either a recommendation for release or examination into our computer system. The release recommendation will be ready when your goods arrive if you submit your PARS request at least:
- EDI 1 hour in advance
- Paper 2 hours in advance
When your shipment arrives, Canada Customs will release it in minutes unless an examination is required. For further information on PARS please contact your customs broker.