The Top 5 Most Difficult Goods to Import to Canada and How a Customs Broker Can Help

Erangie Kulatilaka
Sep 16
4 min read

Updated: Sep 23

Importing into Canada in 2025 is more challenging than ever. Global trade is in a state of constant change, with shifting tariffs, evolving Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) programs like CARM, and increasing regulatory oversight. Recent trade tensions and new tariff announcements including U.S. duties on Canadian goods have only added to the complexity.

For Canadian importers, these changes mean more than just keeping up with paperwork. Certain products are inherently more difficult to bring into the country because of strict compliance requirements, inspections, or special permits. Choosing the right custom broker in Canada can make the difference between smooth clearance and costly delays.

Below, we look at the five most challenging types of goods to import into Canada and how working with an experienced customs broker can help you navigate the process.

1. Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices

Why it’s challenging: Pharmaceutical imports face multiple layers of oversight. Health Canada regulates all drugs and medical devices entering the country, requiring detailed documentation, product licensing, and compliance with the Food and Drugs Act. Controlled substances face even stricter import rules.

Common risks:

Delays from incomplete licensing paperwork
Rejection if labelling doesn’t meet Canadian requirements
Seizure of goods if they fail quality inspections

A licensed custom broker ensures all regulatory requirements are met before the shipment even leaves the exporting country. They coordinate with Health Canada, verify import permits, and prepare documentation to avoid last-minute holds at the border.

2. Agricultural and Food Products

Why it’s challenging: From fresh produce to seafood, agricultural imports are closely monitored by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Perishables have short shelf lives and require temperature control, accurate labelling, and sometimes pre-arrival inspection appointments. Seasonal restrictions and pest-control measures add extra complexity.

Common risks:

Spoilage due to inspection delays
Seasonal bans on certain products
Non-compliance with packaging and labelling rules

An experienced broker can arrange CFIA inspections in advance, ensure cold chain compliance, and help you navigate seasonal import regulations. By coordinating with carriers, they minimise clearance delays that could compromise product quality.

3. Vehicles and Automotive Parts

Why it’s challenging: Vehicles and auto parts must comply with Transport Canada’s safety standards and may need to be processed through the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) program. The classification process can be complicated, especially for used vehicles or parts with multiple country origins.

Common risks:

Misclassification leading to higher duties
Border delays from incomplete RIV forms
Seizure if the vehicle fails safety inspections

A broker verifies the correct HS codes, ensures all RIV requirements are met, and manages the necessary documentation to keep vehicles moving across the border without unnecessary downtime.

4. High-Value Electronics

Why it’s challenging: Electronics are subject to specific HS classifications and may face additional scrutiny to prevent counterfeit imports. Incorrect coding or vague descriptions can trigger inspections and even seizure of goods.

Common risks:

Overpayment of duties from misclassification
Extended clearance times due to verification processes
Risk of seizure for suspected counterfeit goods

A skilled broker ensures accurate HS coding, provides detailed product descriptions, and confirms eligibility for preferential duty rates under trade agreements. This not only reduces costs but also speeds up clearance for high-demand tech products.

5. Hazardous Materials and Chemicals

Why it’s challenging: Hazardous goods, including industrial chemicals, batteries, and certain cleaning agents, require strict compliance with Environment Canada, Transport Canada, and CBSA regulations. Special permits, safety data sheets, and packaging standards are mandatory.

Common risks:

Severe penalties for non-compliance
Border rejections due to incorrect packaging
Delays from missing safety documentation

A customs broke can coordinate with the appropriate agencies, ensures all safety documents are complete, and verifies packaging meets Canadian Dangerous Goods standards reducing risk and avoiding costly delays.

The Role of a Customs Broker in Canada

A customs broker is far more than just a paperwork processor. They are licensed professionals authorised by the CBSA to act on behalf of importers, handling everything from HS classification to trade agreement compliance. In today’s trade environment, they also:

Monitor policy changes and tariffs in real time
Coordinate with carriers and freight forwarders
Provide scenario planning for cost impact and compliance
Ensure CARM registration and Release Prior to Payment (RPP) bonding is in place

Whether you’re importing one container or managing a high-volume seasonal schedule, a skilled customs broker in Toronto or anywhere in Canada can save time, protect margins, and keep you compliant.

Why Choose Hemisphere for Customs Brokerage in Canada

At Hemisphere, we’ve been helping Canadian businesses navigate complex imports for over 40 years. Our team has deep experience in:

Pharmaceuticals, agriculture, automotive, electronics, and hazardous goods
Coordinating with CBSA, CFIA, Health Canada, and other regulatory agencies
Managing CARM readiness and keeping clients audit-proof
Integrating customs clearance with freight solutions for end-to-end support

We serve clients across all Canadian industries, combining compliance expertise, proactive communication, and 24/7 availability to keep your goods moving.

If you’re importing high-risk or highly regulated goods, partnering with the right custom broker in Canada can make all the difference.

Contact Hemisphere today to see how we can simplify your next shipment and help you avoid the costly pitfalls of complex imports.