Congratulations on your successful application to move to Canada! As you prepare for this significant transition, you may be considering bringing your furniture and cars from Nigeria to your new home in Canada. While this process can be challenging and overwhelming, with careful planning and preparation, you can ensure a smooth relocation. This guide will walk you through the steps necessary to relocate your furniture and cars from Nigeria to Canada, along with other important considerations.
When planning your move, it’s important to note that many airlines include one checked bag at no additional cost on long-haul flights. However, for larger and heavier items like furniture and cars, you will need to consider shipping them to Canada.
1. Plan and Prepare
Proper planning and preparation are essential before relocating your furniture and cars from Nigeria to Canada. Start by researching shipping companies, understanding immigration rules regarding shipping, and preparing your budget, as international shipping can be expensive. Consider all potential costs, including taxes and other fees. To make an informed decision, compare prices and reviews of different shipping companies. Additionally, take note of key dates for packing, shipping, and the arrival of your belongings in Canada.
To assist the shipping company, measure your furniture accurately and disassemble large pieces to facilitate easier transport. Be sure to label all items for easier identification upon arrival.
2. Complete Relevant Forms
Although these forms can be completed later, it is advisable to fill out the necessary BSF186 forms for your items before arriving in Canada. You will need two copies of the Personal Effects Accounting Document (Form BSF186 or Form B4) and the list of imported goods (Form BSF186A or Form B4A), one for yourself and one for the border services officer. The BSF186 form is required for items you intend to bring with you when entering Canada, while the BSF186A form is for items arriving separately. Present these forms to the officer at your initial point of entry into Canada, which may be at a connecting or layover airport, so keep them easily accessible.
Both forms should detail the value, make, model, and serial number (if applicable) of all items being brought in. If additional space is needed, you can create a separate list and attach it to the main form. However, only the items listed on the original form will qualify for duty- and tax-free import if they arrive later.
How to Fill Out the BSF186 and BSF186A Forms
BSF186 Form
This form lists items you owned in Nigeria and plan to use for personal and household needs in Canada. Follow these steps to fill it out:
- Personal Information: Fill in your first and last name, your Canadian address, your country of origin (Nigeria), and the country of export (Canada). Leave fields marked grey, such as Accounting Document Number, CBSA Stamp, Cargo Control Number, Port of Entry, Date of Landing, and Unique Client Identifier (UCI), blank as these are for officials.
- Itemize Your Goods: Provide a detailed list of the items you are bringing with you. Similar items can be grouped, with their total value provided in a single row. Attach additional pages with a comprehensive breakdown of each category if necessary.
- Indicate Vehicles to Be Imported: Include details of any vehicles you plan to import into Canada.
- Additional Goods: If you are shipping extra items that will arrive separately, mark the “Goods to Follow” box and indicate “Yes” for “Form BSF186A.” If not, select “No” and leave the remaining cells empty.
- Classification Type: Most permanent residents will match the “Settler” classification. Review the descriptions for each category and select the one that best suits your circumstances. Fill in your landing date in the blank space provided.
- Signature: Sign and date the form, and write the name of your city and country next to “Signed at.”
BSF186A Form
This form is crucial if your items will arrive in Canada after you. Completing and having this form stamped by CBSA allows your items to be imported duty- and tax-free.
- Personal Information: Leave the “Document no.” and “CBSA Stamp” sections blank for officials to fill out. Write your full name in the “Name of Importer” space, include the page number if using multiple pages, and check the “List of Goods to Follow” box.
- Itemize Your Goods: List each item with its value in Canadian dollars. Unlike Form BSF186, you do not need to attach extra documents.
- Signature: Sign and date the form, ensuring that each page is signed if using multiple pages.
You will need to present the stamped copy of Form BSF186A (or B4A) to the customs officer when claiming your shipped items in Canada. The officer will verify your list and release your goods without taxes or duties if there are no discrepancies.
3. Self Declaration
Completing the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Declaration Card is mandatory for all travelers entering Canada through a Canadian port of entry. This card requires you to declare all items you are bringing with you. If you have any questions, ask the border services officer upon arrival. Failure to declare your goods or providing false information may result in the CBSA seizing your items, potentially leading to their permanent loss or requiring you to pay a penalty. Penalties can range from 25% to 80% of the seized goods’ value.
Upon arrival at the airport, submit your completed forms (BSF186 and BSF186A) to the officer. The officer will review and complete the remaining fields, stamp the form, and assign a file number. You will receive a receipt in the form of a completed copy of the form.
4. Paying Duties
While personal and household items generally do not incur duties, new items or those for business use might. Vehicles for personal use are exempt from duty, but commercial vehicles are not. Currently, the import duty for vehicles is 6.1%, with a 5% GST. If you have an invoice or bill of sale, the vehicle’s value is based on the purchase price. Otherwise, the Canadian Black Book determines the value.
Vehicles must be over 15 years old to be imported unless they are US-manufactured, in which case modifications may be needed. Verify requirements with Transport Canada if unsure.
5. Shipping Costs
Shipping options for furniture include sea freight and container sizes. A full container from Nigeria to Canada takes 4-6 weeks and costs between ₦2,516,500 and ₦4,138,200. For precise estimates, consult an international moving company.
6. Claiming Your Goods
You will be notified by your logistics carrier when your goods arrive in Canada. Visit a customs depot with your stamped BSF186A form to claim them. The customs office will verify your documents and release your goods if everything is in order. If discrepancies are found, you may need to pay additional duties or taxes. After clearance, you can arrange for delivery or pick up your items from the warehouse. Note that you cannot sell, give away, or dispose of the goods for at least one year.
7. If Your Goods Arrive Before You
If your items arrive before you, they will be stored in a bonded facility for up to 40 days. If you cannot claim them within this time, request an extension from the CBSA office. Without an extension, the CBSA will issue a Customs Notice – Unclaimed Goods (Form E44). Claim your goods within 30 days to avoid forfeiture. Once goods are forfeited, they cannot be reclaimed.
Conclusion
Relocating your furniture and cars from Nigeria to Canada involves several steps, but with careful planning, the process can be smooth. Stay updated with the latest information from the Canadian Border Services Agency and ensure all paperwork and regulations are followed to facilitate a successful move.