For Canadian mining companies, quarries, and construction firms, importing crusher wear parts and spare parts is a routine part of operations. But the process of getting crusher parts from an international supplier to your site in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, or Alberta involves more than just placing an order.
Understanding Canada‘s customs procedures—often regarded as stricter than those of the United States—is essential. With the full implementation of the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system, new steel tariffs targeting China, and stricter trade compliance enforcement in 2026, importers must be more proactive than ever.
This guide covers everything you need to know about importing crusher parts to Canada: HS code classification, import duties and surtaxes, step-by-step customs clearance, the mandatory CARM system, freight shipping options (FCL vs LCL), and common compliance pitfalls to avoid. Whether you are a first-time importer or an experienced buyer, this guide will help you get your crusher parts across the border smoothly and cost-effectively.
HS Code Classification for Crusher Parts – Getting It Right
The first—and most important—step in importing crusher parts to Canada is correctly classifying your products under the Harmonized System (HS) code. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) enforces tariffs based on HS codes, and misclassification carries financial consequences.
Suggested HS code categories for crusher parts
| Component type | Suggested HS chapter | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jaw plates, mantles, concaves (steel castings) | Chapter 84 – Machinery parts (often under 8474.90) | Parts for crushing/grinding machinery |
| Steel blow bars, high chrome wear parts | Chapter 84 – 8474.90 | Impact crusher components |
| Conveyor idlers and rollers | Chapter 84 – 8431.39 | Parts of conveying machinery |
| Screen media (polyurethane/rubber panels) | Chapter 84 – 8474.90 | Screening equipment parts |
| Bolts, nuts, fasteners (crusher hardware) | Chapter 73 – Iron/steel articles | Depends on material and function |
Why the correct HS code matters for crusher parts
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Duty rates vary by code – A difference of one digit can mean a 0% duty rate versus a 6–8% rate.
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Anti-dumping/SIMA orders apply to specific codes – Steel products from certain origins may carry additional duties exceeding 150%.
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CBSA penalties – The CBSA‘s Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) can impose immediate financial penalties for misclassification, with penalties escalating for repeat offenses.
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Random verifications – In 2026, the CBSA has prioritized steel and aluminum product classification for trade compliance verification.
⚠️ Best practice: Work with a licensed customs broker to determine the correct 10-digit Canadian HS code for each crusher part type before shipping. Do not guess—and never deliberately misclassify to reduce duties.
Import Duties, Surtaxes, and GST – What You‘ll Pay
Importing crusher parts to Canada involves several layers of duties and taxes. Understanding what you will pay helps you budget accurately.
Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) duty rates
For crusher parts (Chapter 84), MFN duty rates generally range from 0% to 8%, depending on the specific classification. Parts from countries with which Canada has free trade agreements (CUSMA with US/Mexico, CETA with EU) may enter duty-free if rules of origin are met.
Steel and aluminum surtax on China-origin content
This is arguably the most critical cost factor for importing crusher parts to Canada in 2026.
Effective July 31, 2025, Canada imposed a 25% surtax on certain goods imported for commercial use that contain steel melted and poured in China or aluminum smelted and cast in China. Notably, the order assumes any goods subject to this surtax contain Chinese steel or aluminum unless proven otherwise.
How this affects crusher parts importers:
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Most crusher wear parts (jaw plates, mantles, concaves, blow bars) contain steel—so this surtax applies.
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The surtax applies regardless of where the final product is manufactured (e.g., a crusher part cast in India or Vietnam but using Chinese-origin steel is subject to the 25% surtax).
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From September 22, 2025 onward, commercial invoices and supplier reports are no longer valid proof of origin—importers must provide formal certificates as detailed in CBSA Customs Notice.
Additionally, in July 2025, Canada announced a new 25% tariff on all steel products containing metal melted and poured in China, with tariff rate quotas (TRQs) reduced to 50% of 2024 import levels for non-FTA partners.
Verify the current status of these measures before shipping, as the China-Canada trade dispute is ongoing.
Anti-dumping and countervailing duties (SIMA)
Canada strictly enforces the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA). Certain steel and fabricated industrial components from China and other countries may be subject to anti-dumping duties that can exceed 100% of the commercial value. Check your HS codes against the current SIMA index (maintained by CBSA) before manufacturing or shipping.
Federal GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Most commercial goods imported into Canada are subject to 5% GST at the time of importation. GST is calculated on the value for duty (the price paid for the goods) plus any applicable customs duties and surtaxes. Note that CBSA only collects the 5% GST at the border; provincial HST/PST is applied later depending on the province where the goods are sold.
Summary table: Duty components for crusher parts
| Duty/tax type | Rate | Applicable to |
|---|---|---|
| MFN duty | 0–8% | Most crusher parts (Chapter 84) |
| China-origin steel surtax | 25% | Steel crusher parts with China-melted content |
| SIMA anti-dumping duties | 0–100%+ | Specific HS codes under active orders |
| GST | 5% | All commercial imports (on duty-paid value) |
Step-by-Step Customs Clearance Process for Crusher Parts
Once your crusher parts are on a vessel (or aircraft) headed to Canada, the customs clearance process begins. Here is how it works, step by step.
Step 1 – Set up your mandatory import credentials
Before any container leaves the factory, the importer of record must have:
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Business Number (BN15) – A 15-digit import/export account number issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). You cannot import commercial goods into Canada without one.
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CARM Client Portal registration – The CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system is now mandatory for all commercial imports. Importers must register their business on the CARM portal and digitally delegate authority to their customs broker. If the broker is not approved in the portal, they are legally locked out and cannot clear your goods.
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RPP bond (Release Prior to Payment) – Under CARM, every importer must post their own financial security (an RPP bond) directly in the portal. Without this bond, the CBSA will require payment of all duties and GST in full before releasing your container.
Step 2 – Pre-arrival declaration (PARS)
Your customs broker (or freight forwarder) submits the Pre-arrival Review System (PARS) declaration to CBSA while the vessel is still en route. The PARS includes:
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Commercial invoice
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Packing list
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HS codes and duty calculations
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Bill of lading number
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Country of origin documentation (especially critical for steel surtax)
Step 3 – CBSA review and risk assessment
When the goods arrive at the Canadian port (typically Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Montreal, or Halifax), CBSA algorithms assess risk based on the PARS data. Three outcomes are possible:
Standard timeline: 1–3 days if no inspections occur.
Step 4 – Release and final mile delivery
Once cleared (and assuming your CARM RPP bond is active), CBSA transmits a release notification to the terminal. The container is then picked up by truck or loaded onto the rail network (CN/CP) for inland delivery to destinations such as Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, or Edmonton.
For Eastern Canadian destinations, rail transit from West Coast ports typically adds 10–14 days. Total door-to-door transit from China to site can range from 30 days (Vancouver) to 45 days (Toronto/Montreal).
The CARM System – What Every Crusher Parts Importer Must Know
If you are importing crusher parts to Canada for the first time—or if you have not updated your customs compliance since prior to 2024—you need to understand the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system.
What changed under CARM
The days of letting a customs broker “handle everything” in the background are over. Under CARM:
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Importers are legally responsible for maintaining their own CARM portal account.
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Importers must post their own RPP bond (financial security) directly, not through the broker.
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Importers must digitally approve their broker‘s authority in the portal.
The most common CARM mistake
Many importers assume their customs broker will handle CARM registration for them. This is false. A broker can guide you, but you (the importer) must create the portal account and secure the RPP bond yourself. If your container arrives at the Port of Vancouver and your CARM account is not set up, your container will sit on hold—rack up hundreds of dollars per day in demurrage and storage fees.
RPP bond requirements
Under the RPP program, if the importer provides a bond, goods can be released before duties and taxes are paid. Without a bond, the importer must pay all duties and GST upfront (cash on delivery) before CBSA will release the container.
Freight and Logistics – Choosing the Right Shipping Method
Once compliance is sorted, the next question is: How do you ship crusher parts to Canada cost-effectively? The answer depends on volume, urgency, and destination.
Full Container Load (FCL) vs Less than Container Load (LCL)
| Criteria | FCL (Full Container Load) | LCL (Less than Container Load) |
|---|---|---|
| Volume threshold | >15–20 m³ | <15 m³ |
| Container types | 20GP, 40GP, 40HQ* | Shared container space |
| Cost efficiency | Best for large volumes | More cost-effective for small shipments |
| Transit time | Faster (direct routing) | Slower (consolidation/deconsolidation) |
| Risk | Lower (your goods only) | Higher (shared with other cargo) |
*Container specifications: 20GP (~26 m³, 17.5t), 40GP (~54 m³, 22t), 40HQ (~68 m³, 22t)
Major Canadian ports and transit times
| Route | Ocean transit | Clearance* | Inland rail | Total (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China → Vancouver | 20–25 days | 4–6 days | — | 30–32 days |
| China → Prince Rupert | 18–22 days | 3–5 days | — | 25–30 days |
| China → Vancouver → Toronto | 20–25 days | 4–6 days | 10–14 days | 35–45 days |
| China → Montreal (via Suez or rail) | 35–45 days | 3–5 days | — | 40–50 days |
*Clearance times assume no physical inspection. Inspections can add 3–10 days.
Choose your port strategically: Vancouver and Prince Rupert are fastest for Western Canada. For Ontario and Quebec, Vancouver rail-transferred shipments often have shorter total transit than all-water routes via Suez due to the significant time advantage of the Pacific rail corridor.
Packaging considerations for crusher parts
Heavy steel wear parts require proper packaging to prevent damage during ocean transit and rail handling:
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Sea-worthy crates for smaller parts and hardware
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Corrosion protection (VCI paper, oil coating, or shrink wrap) for long ocean voyages
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ISPM-15 compliant pallets (heat-treated wood with IPPC stamp) for any wood packaging material—failure to stamp wooden crates or pallets can result in the entire shipment being rejected or even seized by CBSA
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Proper weight distribution within containers to meet axle weight limits for Canadian highways
Common Customs Pitfalls When Importing Crusher Parts to Canada
Based on real-world experience, these are the most frequent mistakes that cause delays, penalties, and unexpected costs when importing crusher parts to Canada.
Pitfall 1: Ignoring the CARM transition
What happens: Your container arrives at port, but you haven‘t registered on the CARM portal or posted an RPP bond.
Consequence: CBSA holds your container. You must pay all duties and GST upfront (cash on delivery) before release, or face daily demurrage fees.
Solution: Register your Business Number on the CARM Client Portal and secure your RPP bond BEFORE your first shipment.
Pitfall 2: Vague product descriptions on invoices
What happens: Your commercial invoice says “crusher parts” or “wear parts” with no further detail.
Consequence: CBSA officers—who are not mining engineers—cannot determine the correct HS code. They automatically hold the shipment for document review or physical examination.
Solution: Describe each item with specific detail: “Steel jaw plate for Metso C106 jaw crusher, manganese steel Mn18 casting, 1,200mm length × 900mm width × 120mm thickness.”
Pitfall 3: HS code roulette
What happens: You guess an HS code to secure a lower duty rate (e.g., 0% instead of 6–8%), or you use the same HS code for different part types with different classifications.
Consequence: If CBSA audits your shipment and finds misclassification, they will not just correct the duty amount—they will issue AMPS penalties. Penalties escalate with each offense.
Example: In 2026, the penalty for a first-time misclassification is typically CAD25,000 or more.
Solution: Get a formal HS code determination from a licensed customs broker for each distinct part type before shipping.
Pitfall 4: Missing paperwork for Other Government Departments (OGDs)
What happens: You ship crusher parts on wooden pallets without IPPC ISPM-15 stamps, or your shipment includes electrical components lacking CSA certification.
Consequence: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) can reject wooden packaging missing ISPM-15 stamps, requiring re-export or destruction at the importer‘s cost. Similarly, Transport Canada may reject electrical components without proof of compliance.
Solution: Ensure all wood packaging has clear, legible IPPC stamps. If your crusher parts contain any electrical, hydraulic, or safety-critical components, verify OGD requirements before shipping.
Pitfall 5: The SIMA surprise (anti-dumping duties)
What happens: You import steel crusher parts from China (or from a third country using Chinese-origin steel) without checking SIMA orders.
Consequence: You may be hit with anti-dumping duties exceeding 150% of the commercial value of the goods. In some cases, importers have faced duties of 100%+ of declared value.
Solution: Before manufacturing or shipping any steel parts from China, check your HS codes against the current CBSA SIMA index and the China steel surtax orders (Effective July 31, 2025). Work with a customs professional who can advise on duty exposure at the planning stage.
Total Landed Cost – What You Actually Pay
When comparing quotes from different crusher parts suppliers, look beyond the base unit price. The total landed cost (the fully-delivered cost to your Canadian site) includes many elements.
Cost breakdown for imported crusher parts
| Cost component | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base unit price | Varies | Supplier‘s quoted FOB or EXW price |
| Packaging | $200–1,000+ per container | Sea-worthy crates, corrosion protection |
| Ocean freight (FCL) | $3,000–8,000 per 40HQ* | Depends on origin port and season |
| Rail inland transport | $2,000–5,000 per container | Vancouver to Toronto/Montreal |
| Customs brokerage fees | $150–500 per entry | HS classification, filing, disbursement |
| MFN duties | 0–8% of goods value | Based on HS code |
| China steel surtax (if applicable) | 25% of goods value** | On steel with China-melted content |
| SIMA anti-dumping (if applicable) | 0–100%+ of goods value | Check active orders |
| GST | 5% of (goods + duties + surtax) | Paid at border |
| Port/drayage fees | $500–2,000 | Terminal handling, chassis, trucking |
*February 2026 rate benchmark
**25% surtax only applies if goods contain Chinese steel—see CBSA Customs Notice CN25-28
✅ Smart move: Before signing a long-term supply agreement, ask your supplier to provide full landed cost estimates specific to your Canadian destination—not just FOB or EXW prices. And work with a customs broker who understands the mining wear parts industry.
BDI Wear Parts – Your Partner for Stress-Free Importing to Canada
Navigating importing crusher parts to Canada can be complex, but BDI Wear Parts makes it easier. We have been supplying Canadian mines, quarries, and contractors with high-quality crusher wear parts and spare parts for years—and we understand the logistics of getting parts to your site.
How BDI helps simplify importing:
| Service | BDI Advantage |
|---|---|
| HS code support | We provide HS code guidance for each product line (typically Chapter 84−8474.90) |
| Documentation | Full commercial invoices, packing lists, and country-of-origin certificates |
| SIMA tracking | We monitor SIMA orders and steel surtax regulations affecting crusher parts |
| Multiple freight options | FCL, LCL, and expedited air freight available |
| Canadian logistics | Parts shipped directly to Canadian ports with customs clearance handled |
What BDI crusher parts importers receive:
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Full material certifications (chemical composition, hardness test reports)
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Fitment verification before shipping—no wrong parts
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Lead times of 2–4 weeks standard to Canadian sites
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Emergency expediting options when you need parts faster
Contact BDI Wear Parts for a no-obligation landed cost estimate for your next order.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What‘s the most common reason crusher parts get held at Canadian customs?
A: Based on CBSA enforcement data and industry experience, the top three reasons crusher parts shipments are delayed or held are:
| Rank | Cause | % of delays (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vague/incomplete product descriptions on commercial invoices (e.g., “crusher parts” instead of “steel jaw plate for Metso C106”) | 40–50% |
| 2 | Missing or incomplete CARM registration – importers whose CARM portal account is not active or RPP bond not posted before shipment arrives | 20–30% |
| 3 | HS code disputes – CBSA determines a different classification than what was declared, triggering document review | 10–20% |
Prevention tips:
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Use detailed, specific descriptions: “Steel manganese Mn18 mantle cone crusher wear part for Symons 4¼ cone crusher.”
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Register your Business Number on the CARM Client Portal and secure your RPP bond before your first shipment.
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Have a licensed customs broker review your HS codes before manufacturing or shipping.
Q2: How does the 25% steel surtax apply to crusher wear parts from China?
A: Effective July 31, 2025, Canada imposed a 25% surtax on certain commercial goods containing steel melted and poured in China. Here is how it applies to crusher parts:
If your crusher parts are manufactured and cast entirely in China using Chinese-origin steel → The 25% surtax applies to the goods‘ value (unless a specific exclusion applies).
If your crusher parts are manufactured in a third country (e.g., Vietnam, India) but use steel melted and poured in China → The 25% surtax still applies. The surtax follows the steel, not the final assembly location.
If you can prove the steel in your crusher parts originated outside China (with formal certificates) → The surtax may not apply. However, from September 22, 2025 onward, commercial invoices and supplier letters are no longer accepted as proof of origin—importers must provide formal certificates as detailed in the CBSA Customs Notice.
Best practice: Work with a licensed customs broker before manufacturing to determine your duty exposure. Verify the current status of these measures before shipping, as the China-Canada trade dispute is ongoing and rules may change on short notice.
Q3: Do I need a customs broker to import crusher parts to Canada, or can I do it myself?
A: You are legally permitted to clear your own goods without a customs broker. However, most importers of crusher parts—especially those shipping regularly—strongly prefer to use a licensed customs broker for several reasons.
Advantages of using a licensed CBSA customs broker:
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HS code expertise – Brokers have access to binding rulings and databases to determine correct classification, reducing AMPS penalty risk.
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CARM compliance – Brokers can guide you through CARM portal registration and RPP bond requirements (though the importer must still post the bond).
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SIMA and surtax monitoring – Brokers track active anti-dumping orders (rates can exceed 150%) and steel surtaxes, advising you on duty exposure before you ship.
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Faster clearance – Broker-filed PARS declarations are processed more efficiently than importer-filed entries.
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Disbursement accounts – Brokers can pay duties on your behalf (if you have an RPP bond in place, they still need your authorization in the CARM portal).
Cost of a customs broker: Typically 20,000–50,000, this is a small price to pay for compliance assurance and avoiding demurrage fees that can reach $200–500 per day if your goods are held.
If you choose to self-clear: You will need to register for a CARM portal account, post an RPP bond, learn to classify your HS codes properly, and submit PARS declarations. Most crusher part importers find this complexity is best left to professionals—but if you import very infrequently (once or twice per year), self-clearing is possible with careful preparation.
Recommendation: For first-time importers and those shipping regularly (2+ containers per year), hire a licensed CBSA customs broker. For occasional, small-value shipments (under CAD$2,500), simplified courier clearance programs (CADEX/CLVS) may be available, though these are generally limited to courier carriers.
Conclusion: Import Crusher Parts to Canada with Confidence
Importing crusher parts to Canada requires attention to detail, but it is a manageable process when you understand the requirements. The keys to success are:
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Get the HS code right – Classification determines duty rates, surtax exposure, and SIMA risk. Work with a licensed customs broker.
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Understand steel-related surtaxes – The 25% China-origin steel surtax (effective July 31, 2025) affects many crusher wear parts. Verify origin documentation requirements with your supplier.
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Register for CARM before shipping – The CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management system is mandatory. Register your Business Number, create a CARM portal account, and post an RPP bond before your first shipment arrives.
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Describe products precisely on invoices – Generic descriptions trigger holds. Be specific: material type, OEM part number, crusher model, manganese grade.
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Confirm OGD requirements – Check for CFIA (wood packaging), Transport Canada (electrical components), or other agency permits before shipping.
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Budget for total landed cost – Include freight, duties, surtaxes, GST, broker fees, port charges, and inland rail in your cost-per-ton calculation.
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Partner with a reliable supplier – BDI Wear Parts provides full documentation, HS code support, and Canada-focused logistics to simplify the import process.
Whether you need jaw crusher wear parts, cone crusher mantles, or complete spare parts kits, BDI Wear Parts delivers quality, documentation, and transparency—with Canadian logistics you can count on.
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