Import Moving Services to Canada – Certified Specialists for Toronto & the GTA
Expert customs clearance guidance, secure delivery, and professional handling of personal household goods entering Canada
Moving your household goods into Canada requires more than shipping — it demands compliance with CBSA rules, correct documentation, and a destination partner who understands Toronto and GTA customs procedures. Home To Home Relocations manages every detail of your inbound move so you can arrive, clear customs, and settle into your new home without delays or unexpected costs..
A Comprehensive Guide for International Executives & Families Moving to Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
Moving to Canada is more than a relocation — it is the beginning of a profound new chapter. And for professionals and families entering Toronto or the GTA from overseas, the importing process becomes a defining part of a smooth transition.
This guide was created to remove uncertainty, clarify the CBSA process, and walk you through every step with authority, clarity, and confidence. Whether you’re moving to Toronto for a new corporate role, reuniting with family, or returning as a Canadian resident, you’ll find everything you need to know right here.
Importing household goods into Canada is a regulated, multi-step process involving documentation, inspection, and personal responsibility for customs clearance. Unlike many countries, CBSA requires the importer themselves — not the moving company or freight forwarder — to complete customs clearance.
💼 Understanding the Canadian Import Process for Personal Household Goods
This page explains:
What you need
When you need it
What CBSA expects
How to avoid delays
What to pack — and what never to pack
Meticulously coordinated Moving Service
🌍 International Moving To Toronto — Expert Import Relocation Services To Canada
Our comprehensive import services handle every aspect of your move to Canada—from assistance in customs clearance and storage to complex downtown and rural delivery. We provide a seamless international moving solution, all under one roof.
📍 Why Toronto and the GTA Require
Specialized Import Expertise
We combine Canadian expertise, international experience, and Toronto destination knowledge.
A mover who specializes in Toronto + GTA import coordination ensures:
Your shipment is released faster
Costs stay controlled
CBSA appointments and requirements are handled with precision
You receive guidance tailored to the region’s unique import conditions
Toronto is Canada’s busiest hub for international relocations. Because of this:
Ports and airports (Toronto Pearson, Port of Montreal) are high-volume
CBSA inspection timelines vary
Storage and demurrage fees can accumulate quickly if documentation is incomplete
Toronto and the GTA are competitive relocation destinations — you need a process that is efficient, compliant, and stress-free.
📄 Required Documentation for Importing Household Goods Into Canada
Necessary for confirming identity and residency status. All pages with stamps/visas should be included.
Depending on your status:
Work Permit (valid)
Permanent Resident (PR) card / COPR
Student Permit
Returning Canadian resident identification
This is your most essential document. It lists all items you are importing.
Must include:
Box numbers
Item descriptions
Values for all goods
Serial numbers where applicable
Provided by your mover or freight company.
This only authorizes your mover to pick up the shipment after YOU clear customs.
Your move to Canada is supported by certified inbound relocation specialists
- Industry-Trained Import Specialists Who Understand Canadian Regulations
- Secure Short- & Long-Term Storage in Toronto
- Unpacking, Placement & Setup
- Clear, Transparent Pricing With No Hidden Costs
A Complete Door-to-Door Import Solution
We manage every stage of your relocation into Canada:
Pre-Arrival Coordination
Requirement review based on your immigration or visa status
Guidance on BSF186 & Goods to Follow documentation
Planning of delivery based on your arrival schedule
Customs Clearance Support
Coordination to complete import documentation
Coordination with Shipping lines and terminals
Compliance checks to avoid delays
Destination Handling
Receiving container or LCL shipment
De-vanning, sorting, and staging
Scheduled delivery window
Final Home Delivery
Trained crews with specialized equipment
Elevator booking and parking coordination
Placement of boxes and furniture
Unpacking & Setup
Box opening
Furniture reassembly
Removal of debris and materials
🛃 How CBSA Customs Clearance Works for Personal Effects
- Step 1 — Your shipment arrives at the port or bonded warehouse
- Items remain in CBSA custody until cleared.
- Step 2 — Your mover notifies you
- You receive arrival notice, warehouse info, and required documents.
- Step 3 — YOU (the importer) must visit a CBSA office
- This cannot be done by the mover.
- Step 4 — CBSA reviews your documents
- They may ask questions, verify your residency status, and inspect your inventory.
- Step 5 — If approved, CBSA issues a Release Notification
- This is the document your mover needs to pick up the goods.
- Step 6 — Delivery arrangements are finalized
- Your mover schedules delivery to your Toronto/GTA residence.
🚚 How We Support Your International Import Move
Since CBSA requires the importer to complete customs clearance themselves, our role is to provide full logistical support, including:
✓ Arrival coordination
✓ Port and warehouse liaison
✓ Bonded warehouse management
✓ Inventory and documentation preparation
✓ B4 form guidance
✓ Scheduling delivery after customs release
✓ Support for Toronto/GTA-specific clearance conditions
✓ Specialist coordination for complex shipments
✓ Corporate relocation support for executives and families
We guide you with expert clarity — and you retain total CBSA compliance.
🚫 Restricted, Prohibited, and High-Risk Items
You Should Never Ship
Some items require special permits; others are prohibited entirely.
Including them can lead to:
CBSA delays | Fines | Forced removal | Shipment re-export | Potential seizure
Prohibited Items (never pack):
Explosives | Fireworks | Flammable materials | Weapons (including pepper spray) | Counterfeit goods | Hazardous chemicals
Restricted Items (require permits or approvals):
Alcohol (declared + taxable) | Tobacco (declared + taxable) | High-value art | Firearms (strict regulations) | Food products (especially meats, seeds, and plants) | Prescription medications | Certain electronics (radio frequency controlled)
Not Recommended for Shipping:
Batteries or power banks | Liquids of any kind | Perishable goods | Opened cleaning products | Jewelry or irreplaceable valuables
Your dedicated CBSA Guide page will offer a full reference section
canada customs guide
🏙️ Toronto & GTA Customs Clearance — What to Expect
Most international shipments bound for Toronto/GTA are routed through:
Port of Montreal (sea freight)
Toronto Pearson International Airport (air freight)
Bonded warehouses across Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Scarborough
The GTA requires:
Tight scheduling
Awareness of warehouse hours
Coordination during peak periods
Avoiding storage/demurrage fees
Fast documentation turnaround
Our Toronto-based specialists ensure everything remains efficient.
🧭 Your Step-by-Step Import Moving Timeline
Before Departure
Prepare detailed inventory
Identify restricted or prohibited items
Submit your BSF186 form draft for review
Finalize packing
Receive shipping timeline
On Arrival in Canada
Receive arrival notice
Book your CBSA appointment
Attend in person with passport + paperwork
Obtain Release Notification
After Clearance
Your mover collects the goods
Delivery to your home
Optional unpacking services
Removal of packing debris
Speak With a Relocation Specialist Today
Let us simplify your move with transparent guidance and a truly personalized service experience.
📞 1-647-361-3100 | 📧 info@h-hrelo.com
Proudly Serving Toronto &
The Entire GTA
- Toronto •
- Mississauga •
- Oakville •
- Burlington •
- Vaughan •
- Richmond Hill •
- Markham •
- Oshawa •
- Newmarket •
- Etobicoke •
- Scarborough •
- North York •
- Brampton •
- Pickering •
- Whitby •
- Barrie •
📞 Call: 1-647-361-3100
📧 Email: info@h-hrelo.com
📍 Toronto • GTA • Ontario
Your next chapter is waiting — and we would be honored to help you begin it – door-to-door Moving Service
FAQ - International Moving
No. Only the importer may complete customs clearance with CBSA.
Most returning residents, work permit holders, and new immigrants may import personal effects duty-free, provided they meet CBSA requirements. We guide you based on your category.
Most clearances occur at CBSA offices near Pearson Airport or in specific GTA districts depending on warehouse location.
Your dedicated consultant helps you prepare and verify these forms so they meet CBSA compliance standards.
Alcohol requires provincial import permits (LCBO in Ontario). We guide you through the process and estimate duties/taxes.
Yes — we offer climate-controlled storage in Toronto with full inventory control.
Imported vehicles must meet Transport Canada rules. Generally, cars under 15 years old cannot be imported from overseas unless they meet specific exemptions.
No — pet importation is a separate regulated process.
Quick Links
7030 Woodbine Avenue Suite 500
Markham ON L3R 6G2
+ 1 647 361 3100
+ 1 647 361 3337 (After hrs)
+ 1 647 560 4405
info@h-hrelo.com
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