ARL Bulletin: ARL-2017-32
Issued on May 19, 2017; received on May 24, 2017 10:06 AM

Issue: 

The Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) Administrative Business Numbers (Admin BN) should not be used by customs brokers or importers unless authorized by the CBSA.

Resolution / Action Required:

• CBSA policy states that all commercial importers must register for a BN with an RM extension (BN15). Please refer to D-Memo, D17-1-5 for specific details.
• All commercial importers who do not have a valid BN15 must contact the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to obtain one, or use the services of a customs broker to attain one. The CRA’s Business Registration Online is available 21 hours per day or the importer can call the CRA’s Business Enquiries line at 1-800-959-5525 (E) or 1-800-959-7775 (F).
• CBSA offices will be alerted any time a CBSA Admin BN is used on release documentation. The release documentation may be rejected and a valid BN15 requested.
• If a BN needs to be validated, please contact the CRA.

Contact information:

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