First Import Starter Checklist — Canada

You do not need the whole business figured out today. Work through one section at a time. An unchecked box is not a failure—it is simply a question to research before committing money.

Tick items as you work through them. This page does not save your progress to your account. Keep your own copy if you need a lasting record.

Before Choosing a Product

Start with the customer, the demand and the risk—not only the supplier price.

• Write down the exact product you are considering.
• Identify who might buy it in Canada.
• Research demand and competing products.
• Check whether Canadian product, safety, labelling or other requirements may apply.
• Decide whether you can test the idea with a small first order.

Before Trusting a Supplier

Turn verbal promises into specific, reviewable information.

• Supplier business identity checked.
• Product specifications confirmed in writing.
• Minimum order quantity (MOQ) confirmed.
• Sample options, cost and timing discussed.
• Production timeline confirmed.
• Payment terms and milestones understood.
• Incoterm and named place identified.
• Quotation reviewed carefully for inclusions, exclusions and assumptions.

Before Believing Your Profit Margin

The supplier price is only one part of the cost of sellable inventory in Canada.

• Product cost
• Freight
• Insurance, where applicable
• Customs duty
• Taxes
• Brokerage
• Destination and local delivery
• Packaging
• Storage
• Other landed costs

Do not assume a tariff or duty rate from a general example. Classification, origin, tariff treatment and product details can change the answer.

Documents You May Encounter

Learn to recognize the basic document names before you need to review them.

• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Transport document, such as an air waybill or bill of lading
• Origin or supporting documents, where applicable
• Product-specific permits, certificates, test reports or other documents, where applicable

The exact documents depend on the product, shipment, origin, transport method and Canadian requirements.

Freight and Customs

Make sure the shipment plan is real—not a rough guess attached to a supplier quote.

• Air freight versus sea freight considered.
• Product, carton and shipment weights and dimensions available.
• Freight quote obtained and reviewed.
• Need for a licensed customs broker considered.
• Canadian commercial-import and CARM setup considered, where applicable.
• Destination delivery, unloading, inspection and receiving plan considered.

Before Paying for Inventory

Use this final pause before sending a deposit or approving production.

• Demand has been researched.
• Supplier questions have been answered.
• A landed-cost estimate has been prepared.
• Relevant Canadian requirements have been researched.
• The shipping method, timing and responsibilities are understood.
• Required and supporting documents have been discussed.
• The first order is financially survivable if sales are slower, costs are higher or something goes wrong.

This checklist is for education and planning. It does not determine whether a product may legally be imported into Canada. Requirements vary by product and shipment. Check current Canadian requirements and use qualified professional advice where needed.

Need more than the checklist?

Organize the Whole First-Shipment Workflow.

The First Import Starter Pack goes deeper into supplier questions, landed costs, documents, freight and first-order planning, with 20+ practical worksheets and checklists.

Building your import business?

Keep Learning with LBIC.

The LBIC Trade Brief shares practical business ideas and trade resources. We are also developing a Trade Blueprint, a supplier Directory and additional beginner tools—introduced as they become available.

This guide is general information for importing into Canada. It is not legal, customs or tax advice.