How to Self-Clear a UPS Package in Canada and Avoid Brokerage Fees

If you receive a UPS shipment in Canada, you may be asked to pay brokerage fees before the package is delivered.

These fees are charged by the courier for handling customs clearance. However, Canadian residents have the legal right to self-clear their packages through the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and avoid courier brokerage charges.

This guide explains what UPS brokerage fees are and how to self-clear your package step-by-step.

What Are UPS Brokerage Fees?

When a package enters Canada, it must go through customs.

Couriers like UPS offer to handle the customs paperwork and pay duties and taxes on your behalf. In exchange, they charge a brokerage fee.

Important distinction:

Fee Type Paid To
Duties Canadian government
GST / HST Canadian government
Brokerage fee UPS

Self-clearing allows you to pay only the duties and taxes owed to the government, without paying the courier’s brokerage charge.

When You Can Self-Clear a UPS Shipment

You can self-clear a shipment if:

  • The package is addressed to you personally
  • The shipment has not yet been delivered
  • You can obtain shipment documents from UPS

Self-clearance must happen before UPS completes customs clearance on your behalf.

Step-by-Step: How to Self-Clear a UPS Package in Canada

Step 1: Wait Until the Package Arrives in Canada

Track the shipment using your UPS tracking number.

Look for tracking updates such as:

  • “Clearance in progress”
  • “Held for customs”
  • “On hold for payment”

At this stage, do not pay the brokerage fee if you plan to self-clear.

Step 2: Request Self-Clearance Documents from UPS

Contact UPS customer service and request the documents required for self-clearance.

Ask for:

  • Commercial invoice
  • Cargo Control Number (CCN)
  • Waybill or shipment manifest
  • Tracking number

You may need to say:

“I would like to self-clear this shipment with CBSA.”

UPS typically sends the documents by email.

Step 3: Visit a CBSA Inland Office

Go to a CBSA office that processes casual imports.

Bring the following:

  • Government-issued ID
  • Commercial invoice
  • Cargo Control Number (CCN)
  • Tracking number
  • Proof of purchase (recommended)

Tell the CBSA officer you are there to self-account a courier shipment.

Step 4: Pay Duties and Taxes

CBSA will assess whether any import charges apply.

You may need to pay:

  • Import duties
  • GST or HST

After payment, CBSA will issue a B15 Casual Goods Accounting Document, which confirms the shipment has cleared customs.

Step 5: Send Proof of Clearance to UPS

Send the B15 receipt to UPS with your tracking number.

Once UPS confirms customs clearance, the shipment will be released for delivery.

How Much Can You Save by Self-Clearing?

Brokerage fees vary depending on shipment value and service level.

Typical UPS brokerage charges range from $20 to over $100.

Self-clearing removes this courier fee, leaving only government duties and taxes.

When Self-Clearing May Not Be Worth It

Self-clearing may not be practical if:

  • Brokerage fees are very small
  • The nearest CBSA office is far away
  • The shipment value is low

Consider the potential savings compared to the time required to visit a CBSA office.

Tips to Avoid Brokerage Fees in the Future

1. Choose postal shipping when possible
Shipments sent via USPS typically transfer to Canada Post, which has lower handling fees.

2. Look for duties-paid shipping (DDP)
Some retailers offer shipping where duties and taxes are prepaid.

3. Self-clear courier shipments
If brokerage fees are high, self-clearing is often the cheapest option.

FAQ: UPS Brokerage Fees in Canada

Is self-clearing legal in Canada?

Yes. Canadian residents have the right to clear their own shipments through CBSA instead of using the courier’s brokerage service.

Do I still have to pay taxes?

Yes. Duties and taxes still apply when required.

Self-clearing only removes the courier brokerage fee.

Can UPS refuse self-clearance?

No. Couriers must provide shipment documentation if requested.

What is a B15 form?

The B15 Casual Goods Accounting Document is proof that duties and taxes have been paid and the shipment has cleared customs.

 

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