List of Licensed Customs Brokers – cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

By GovPrepare News Desk – November 9, 2025

Standfirst: The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has released its updated list of licensed customs brokers operating nationwide. This publication is a key resource for businesses engaged in international trade, promoting transparency, compliance, and economic efficiency.

Key Highlights

• The CBSA has published the most recent list of licensed customs brokers in Canada.
• This update supports importers in identifying certified professionals authorized to act on their behalf.
• Customs brokers must comply with the Customs Act and CBSA regulations to maintain their license.
• The list includes firms from multiple provinces, supporting trade facilitation across the country.
• CBSA’s transparency aligns with international customs best practices and digital modernization goals.
• Licensed brokers serve as intermediaries to help importers navigate customs clearance processes efficiently.

Background and Context

Customs brokers play a pivotal role in Canada’s international trade system. Regulated under the Customs Act, they represent importers by preparing and submitting documentation, paying duties and taxes, and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation. The licensing process is overseen by the CBSA, which is responsible for border enforcement, immigration and customs services in Canada.

According to Statistics Canada, Canada imported over CAD 700 billion worth of goods in 2024, underlining the importance of a professionally managed customs process. Brokers not only help businesses maintain regulatory compliance but also streamline cross-border trade and reduce administrative errors. Their services are particularly crucial in sectors with complex supply chains, such as manufacturing, agriculture, and retail.

Before receiving their license, brokers must meet specific qualifications, post a surety bond, and demonstrate operational capabilities. This ensures only competent firms play a role in customs transactions on behalf of importers.

The New Development

On November 8, 2025, the CBSA published the updated official List of Licensed Customs Brokers on its website. The list confirms which companies currently hold valid customs brokerage licenses under Canadian law and are authorized to transact business with the CBSA on behalf of importers. The publication includes the business names, city/province location, and license status of approved customs brokers.

The CBSA made the announcement as part of its ongoing commitment to transparency and support for commercial trade stakeholders. The updated listing helps companies select certified, compliant service providers to assist with border procedures and obligations under the Customs Act. It further ensures importers are aware of who is legally permitted to file entries and remain compliant with CBSA regulations.

This initiative aligns with Canada’s broader digital governance goals and fosters an open information ecosystem. It also supports the modernization framework of the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system – a key digital infrastructure program streamlining how importers interact with the agency.

Expert and Industry Reaction

Trade associations and logistics professionals welcomed the update. The Canadian Society of Customs Brokers (CSCB) recognized the list as “an essential verification tool for importers seeking compliance assurance and professional representation at the border.”

Maria Chen, a customs compliance consultant based in Toronto, noted, “This list provides importers with an authoritative reference to avoid relying on unlicensed or inexperienced intermediaries. In high-stakes global logistics, proper representation is integral to avoiding penalties or shipment delays.”

Industry stakeholders emphasized that while the list aids in transparency, importers still bear responsibility for verifying the ongoing license status of their brokers and should perform regular diligence checks through the CBSA website.

Alignment with Global or National Standards

Canada’s regulation of customs brokers aligns with international customs standards, such as those outlined by the World Customs Organization (WCO). Under the WCO’s Revised Kyoto Convention, competent authorities are advised to regulate intermediaries to ensure global best practices in border compliance and trade facilitation.

Domestically, the update supports Canada’s commitments to transparency, fair trade, and the modernization of border services under the CBSA’s Multi-Year Transformation Plan. Provinces such as British Columbia and Ontario also maintain commercial licensing frameworks that harmonize with federal customs protocols.

CBSA’s declaration adheres to digital service delivery trends seen across other jurisdictions – including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the European Union’s Customs Decision System – which also maintain public registries of certified customs intermediaries.

Impact on Stakeholders

The updated list is directly beneficial to Canadian importers of all sizes. It enables them to make informed decisions when selecting customs brokerage services, ensuring that their shipments are managed by certified professionals with knowledge of current regulations.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), often lacking in-house trade expertise, are particularly dependent on brokers for regulatory guidance. The list also assists foreign businesses exporting to Canada by identifying reliable local partners to manage the import process.

For customs brokers themselves, being listed confers credibility and trustworthiness, which may improve client acquisition and retention. Government agencies such as the Canada Revenue Agency and Global Affairs Canada also benefit, as the list supports inter-agency coordination and fraud prevention.

In the long term, enhanced visibility around broker licensure contributes to a more compliant, efficient, and trusted border ecosystem, reducing disruption and reinforcing fair trade practices.

Official Guidance

• CBSA – Customs Brokers Licensing Program
• Government of Canada Newsroom
• CBSA Official Homepage
• CBSA Commercial Imports Portal
• World Customs Organization – Kyoto Convention

Conclusion

The CBSA’s publication of the latest list of licensed customs brokers is a timely resource for Canada’s trade ecosystem. It upholds regulatory integrity, empowers businesses to engage with qualified professionals, and supports transparency across Canada’s border operations.

As the global trade landscape evolves, continual updates and digital accessibility of such regulatory tools become vital assets for importers, customs professionals, and enforcement authorities. For ongoing updates, readers are encouraged to consult the CBSA and GovPrepare’s compliance and logistics coverage.

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Tags: customs brokers, CBSA, Canada Border Services Agency, import compliance, international trade, licensed brokers list, government transparency, border security, customs regulations, customs clearance, trade facilitation, Canada imports