When shipping from Vietnam to Canada, you may occasionally face a frustrating situation: an inexpensive item is wrongly valued by Canadian customs (CBSA) and charged a sky-high import duty. This excess duty is called an overcharged duty. Instead of paying grudgingly or abandoning the parcel, you have every right to dispute it and ask customs for a refund.
This article explains how to handle an incorrect duty charge yourself and how to file a B2 form to request a refund of Canadian customs duties.
Why were your goods charged the wrong duty?
Canadian customs handles millions of parcels a day, so mistakes are unavoidable. The most common reasons for incorrect duty charges are:
- Wrong valuation: The officer suspects the value on the declaration is too low and applies a much higher market value.
- Wrong tariff classification (HS code): Your goods are ordinary clothing but are classified as luxury goods or in a category with a high duty rate.
- Exemption not applied: Gifts from one individual to another in Canada worth less than $60 CAD are usually exempt. However, the officer may miss this and charge duty as if the goods were commercial.
How to file a B2 Adjustment Request for a refund
To get back overcharged duty, you need to request an adjustment by filing Form B2 (B2 Adjustment Request) with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The process is as follows:
Step 1: Gather supporting documents
Canadian customs works only on paper and clear evidence. Collect all of the following:
- The original customs declaration (usually on the box or provided by the carrier).
- The purchase invoice or payment receipt: The strongest evidence of what you actually paid for the goods.
- Bank or credit card statement: Showing a transaction that matches the amount on the invoice.
- Photos of the goods: To show the material and use of the product so the correct HS code can be determined.
- Receipt for the duty paid: You must pay the incorrect duty first to receive the goods, and then apply for the refund.
Step 2: Complete CBSA Form B2
Download Form B2 from the official Government of Canada website. On the form, fill in:
- The importer’s details (name and address in Canada).
- The original transaction number shown on the customs declaration.
- The adjustment requested: specify which duty line was wrong, what the correct rate should be and the difference you want refunded.
- The reason for the adjustment (for example, incorrect HS classification or incorrect value applied).
Step 3: Send the file to the CBSA processing centre
Once the B2 form is complete and attached to the documents from Step 1, mail everything to the CBSA processing centre indicated in the B2 instructions for your province.
Refund requests usually take 30 to 90 business days to process. If approved, CBSA will mail you a refund cheque.
Key tips to avoid incorrect duty charges
Claiming money back from a government agency always takes time and effort. Prevention is better than cure, so keep these tips in mind when packing and declaring your goods:
- Declare honestly and in detail: Don’t write a vague “clothing” or “food”. Write “cotton T-shirt” or “ready-to-eat dried squid”.
- Attach the invoice to the outside of the box: Put the purchase invoice in a clear plastic pouch on the outside of the carton so customs officers can check it without guessing the value.
- Use a duties-included shipping service: The safest and easiest option for individuals and small shop owners is a service that includes import duties.
Soleil Transportation offers two-way Vietnam–Canada air shipping with an average transit time of just 7–12 business days. Our Vietnam to Canada service (from $16/kg) includes all import duties. Customers receive their goods at home in Canada without worrying about extra charges or complicated duty disputes with customs.
For small parcels and gifts under 2 kg for family, Soleil Transportation’s ePacket service from just $8.50 CAD per parcel is the best choice, helping your goods clear quickly with a minimal chance of inspection holds.
For more advice on declaring goods safely or help checking an order, visit the Soleil Transportation office at 2446 Cawthra Road, B1U8, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5A 3K6. Call our toll-free line +1 888-998-5199 or email info@soleiltransportation.com and our team will guide you through your case.
