CBSA Special Service Charges Explained
($54 First Two Hours and $27 for Additional Hours)
Sometimes importers, exporters, freight forwarders, or customs brokers may request special services from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). These services are not part of normal customs processing.
Examples include:
- Inspection of cargo outside normal hours
- Examination of goods at a warehouse
- Special attendance of CBSA officers for verification
- Urgent customs examination requested by an importer
In such situations, the Special Services (Customs) Regulations apply.
1. Basic Rule for Special Service Charges
The regulation provides:
Where an officer is called in on duty to perform a special service for a person, that person shall pay:
(a) $54 for the first two hours or portion thereof spent in the performance of that service; and
(b) $27 for each additional hour or portion thereof spent in the performance of that service.
What this means
When CBSA officers are specifically called to perform a special service:
- The minimum charge is $54
- This covers up to the first two hours of service
- If the service continues beyond two hours, the charge becomes $27 per additional hour
2. Example of Fee Calculation
Example 1 — Service lasts 1 hour
Charge:
$54
Because the regulation states two hours or portion thereof.
Example 2 — Service lasts 3 hours
Calculation:
First two hours = $54
Additional one hour = $27
Total = $81
Example 3 — Service lasts 5 hours
Calculation:
First two hours = $54
Additional three hours = $27 × 3 = $81
Total = $135
3. Meal and Rest Time Is Not Charged
The regulation further states:
No charge is payable for the time spent by an officer on meals and rest.
This means if an officer takes a meal break or rest period, that time cannot be billed to the person requesting the service.
4. When More Than One Officer Is Required
Sometimes CBSA may require multiple officers for a service.
The regulation explains:
Where more than one officer is required to perform a special service, the chargeable time shall be the aggregate of the time spent by all those officers.
Meaning
CBSA calculates the fee based on total combined officer hours.
Example
Two officers work for 2 hours each.
Officer 1 → 2 hours
Officer 2 → 2 hours
Aggregate time = 4 hours
Fee calculation:
First 2 hours = $54
Additional 2 hours = $27 × 2 = $54
Total charge = $108
5. Transportation, Accommodation and Meals
The regulation also states that the person requesting the special service must provide:
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Meals
to the CBSA officer if required.
The regulation provides:
The person requesting the service shall provide the officer with transportation, accommodation and meals necessary to perform the service.
These must be comparable in quality to the Treasury Board Travel Directive used by the Government of Canada.
6. If These Are Not Provided
If the requester does not provide transportation, meals or accommodation, then the requester must reimburse CBSA based on the official Treasury Board Travel Directive rates.
7. Use of Vehicles
If the officer must use a vehicle and transportation is not provided, the requester must pay:
- The Treasury Board travel allowance, or
- At least $5, whichever is greater.
8. Practical Advice for Importers and Exporters
Before requesting special CBSA services, businesses should consider:
- Whether the service is really necessary
- The number of officers required
- The duration of service
- Possible travel and accommodation costs
Special services can significantly increase the cost of customs operations.
Conclusion
Under the Special Services (Customs) Regulations, when CBSA officers are called in to perform special services:
- $54 covers the first two hours
- $27 applies to each additional hour
- Charges are calculated based on aggregate officer time
- Meal and rest periods are not chargeable
- Transportation, accommodation, and meals may also be required to be provided by the requester.
Understanding these rules helps importers and logistics companies avoid unexpected charges and manage customs compliance effectively.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general educational purposes only. Customs laws and procedures may change. Importers and exporters should consult the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) or a licensed customs broker, barrister, or solicitor for professional advice.