Moving inventory from Canada to a US 3PL: import basics

By the 3PLNorth team · Updated October 18, 2026

With de minimis suspended, many Canadian brands are testing a US-side 3PL: you send stock across in bulk, clear it once per shipment, and the 3PL ships orders domestically. These are the building blocks to line up before the first pallet moves.

1. Decide who is the importer of record

• CBP entry forms ask for an importer number: your IRS business registration number or, as an alternative, a CBP-assigned number requested with CBP Form 5106 (CBP tips for new importers).
• A corporation that is not incorporated in the US may enter goods for consumption only if it has a resident agent authorized to accept service of process (in the state of the port of entry, or of the remote filing location) and files a bond with a resident corporate surety (19 CFR 141.18).
• CBP does not require an import licence as such, but other agencies may require permits, licences or certifications depending on the product (CBP tips for new importers).

2. Entry type, bond and fees

• Formal or informal: formal entry generally applies to shipments valued above US$2,500, informal entry to US$2,500 or less; CBP may require formal entry when necessary (CBP interim final rule, Federal Register 2026-12670). A full pallet of inventory is often above US$2,500.
• Bond: goods on a formal entry are not released unless a single-entry or continuous bond on CBP Form 301 has been filed, subject to the exceptions in the regulation (19 CFR 142.4).
• Merchandise Processing Fee (fiscal year 2027, from October 1, 2026): formal entries 0.3464% of value, minimum US$34.58, maximum US$670.86; automated informal entries US$2.77 (CBP notice, Federal Register 2026-15530).
• Duty depends on classification and origin; broker and freight charges are commercial prices — get quotes. Compare against parcel shipping with the cost estimator.

3. Other agencies and origin

• Depending on the product, other US agencies may require a permit, licence or certification; ask your broker before the first shipment (CBP tips for new importers).
• If your goods may qualify as CUSMA/USMCA originating, prepare the certification of origin data with your broker. See CUSMA and de minimis basics.

4. Questions for the US 3PL

• Receiving: appointment rules, advance shipping notice format, pallet and carton labels, and fees per pallet, carton or hour.
• Will they accept a cross-border truckload or LTL shipment directly, and do they work with a customs broker or expect you to bring one?
• Can they hold the stock under your account if the shipment is delayed at the border, and who pays for the wait?
• How do they handle returns from US customers, and can stock move back to Canada if needed?
• Integration with your store and how inventory counts sync. More questions: How to choose a cross-border 3PL.

US-side 3PLs in our directory that mention customs brokerage (56)

These providers show a US location and mention customs brokerage or clearance on their website. That does not mean they act as your broker; ask how it works.

Checklist

1. Importer number (IRS number or CBP Form 5106) and, for a non-US corporation, a resident agent.
2. Customs broker engaged and bond in place.
3. Classification, origin and duty rate confirmed for your top SKUs.
4. Other-agency requirements checked for your products.
5. 3PL receiving instructions, fees and integration confirmed in writing.
6. Tax advice on holding inventory in the US (sales tax, income tax).

General information only, not customs, tax or legal advice. Rules change; always check the primary sources linked above and confirm with a licensed customs broker.