Expanding into Canada without setting up a physical presence? NRI status makes it possible. This checklist has a brief overview of everything you need to get started.
For more details on all aspects of the NRI process, click here to read the full article.
✅ What is NRI Status?
A Non-Resident Importer (NRI) is a business located outside Canada that takes on the legal responsibility for importing goods into the country—handling duties, taxes, and customs clearance.
Why it matters:
You can ship directly into Canada, offer Amazon Prime through FBA, and create a smoother buying experience for Canadian customers—all without having a local business entity.
✅ Benefits of Becoming an NRI
✔️ Offer landed cost pricing (no surprise customs charges for buyers)
✔️ Sell via Amazon.ca with FBA & Prime
✔️ Claim back 5% GST on Canadian sales
✔️ Protect supplier info in B2B transactions
✔️ Compete on equal footing with local Canadian sellers
✅ Responsibilities as an NRI
You are legally responsible for:
Customs clearance & compliance
Proper classification & valuation
GST/HST payments & filings
Recordkeeping (keep all import docs for 6 years)
Some products require special permits or approvals from Canadian agencies (like CFIA or Health Canada).
✅ Your NRI Setup Checklist
Here’s what you need to get started:
🔹 Registration & Accounts
Apply for a Business Number (BN) with CRA
Register for Import/Export program
Register for GST/HST (if revenues > CAD $30K, or voluntarily if below)
Enroll in CARM Client Portal (CBSA’s new online customs system)
🔹 Appoint Your Partners
Sign an Agency Agreement with your Canadian customs broker
Hire an accountant if you plan to reclaim GST regularly
🔹 Prepare for Shipments
Determine correct HS Tariff Codes for your products
Set your Valuation Method (usually cost + freight)
Classify goods correctly if subject to OGD regulations
Create a Canada Customs Invoice (for shipments over CAD $1,600)
Submit ACI (Advance Commercial Info) before shipment (by truck, air, etc.)
✅ Ongoing Compliance
Keep all records (in Canada or abroad, with CBSA agreement)
File GST/HST returns monthly or quarterly
Monitor duties & tax thresholds (e.g., special deposit if you exceed CAD $100K in Canadian sales and CAD $3K in net tax)
✅ Amazon Seller Tip
Before going full NRI:
Test Canadian demand with the Amazon marketplace toggle.
Once sales pick up, move to NRI and switch to FBA for Prime eligibility.
Enroll in GST early—you can’t retroactively claim back the 5%.
✅ Partner With Simple Forwarding
Setting up NRI status doesn’t have to be complicated. At Simple Forwarding, we handle everything from BN and GST registration to product classification, brokerage, and documentation—so you can focus on growing your business.
Ready to start importing into Canada with confidence?
→ Schedule a consultation and let’s make it simple.
