CBSA Special Service Fee – Understanding the $25 Charge
In Canadian customs operations, most services provided by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) are part of normal border processing and do not involve any special fee. However, when a person requests a special service, CBSA may charge a fee.
One such fee is $25, which appears in Section 4 of the Special Services (Customs) Regulations.
These regulations are referenced in:
CBSA Memorandum D1-2-1
The Legal Provision
Section 4 of the regulation provides:
“Every person for whom a special service is performed by an officer other than an officer referred to in section 5 shall pay $25 for the performance of that service.”
What Does This Section Mean?
This provision applies when:
- A CBSA officer is already on duty, and
- That officer performs a special service requested by a person, and
- The officer does not need to be specially called in to perform the service.
In such cases, the person requesting the service must pay $25.
What Is a “Special Service”?
A special service is a service requested by a person that is not part of routine customs processing.
Routine customs services include:
- normal examination of cargo
- routine clearance of shipments
- standard customs inspections
A special service occurs when a person asks CBSA to perform something extra or outside normal procedures.
Examples include:
- requesting immediate inspection of cargo
- asking for a special verification of goods
- requesting examination at a specific location
- requesting urgent handling of documentation
These services require additional officer attention, even though the officer is already working.
Why Is the Fee $25?
The $25 fee is intended to recover administrative costs associated with the special request.
Although the officer is already on duty, the service:
- interrupts regular work
- requires additional administrative effort
- uses government resources for a specific requester
Therefore, the regulation imposes a small service fee of $25.
Difference Between Section 4 and Section 5
Situation
Fee
Officer already on duty performing a special service
$25
Officer called in specifically to perform service
$54 for first two hours + $27 for additional hours
This means the $25 fee applies only when no officer needs to be specially called in.
Practical Example
An importer requests a CBSA officer at the port during normal working hours:
“Please inspect my shipment urgently.”
The officer is already working at the port and performs the inspection.
In this case, the importer may be charged:
$25 for the special service.
Why Businesses Should Understand This Rule
Understanding special service charges helps importers and logistics companies:
- avoid unexpected costs
- plan customs operations properly
- understand when special requests may trigger fees
Conclusion
Section 4 of the Special Services (Customs) Regulations establishes a $25 service fee when a CBSA officer already on duty performs a special service requested by a person.
The purpose of this fee is to recover administrative costs when government officers provide services beyond routine customs processing.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general educational purposes. Customs laws and procedures may change. Readers should consult the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) or a licensed customs broker, barrister, or solicitor for professional advice.