When you make an inquiry, you'll find them polite, helpful and prepared to lead you through the process with the minimum of fuss. An easier way, though, is to deal through a customs broker who will smooth the way for your goods to enter Canada with the minimum of fuss. This information is used by Customs to determine in advance whether your goods will be released immediately or referred for examination, so you are alerted to possible delays in your shipment. There is no paperwork with this system, but it isn't in high gear yet, although it has great potential. But that's not to say there are no impediments.
Truckers line up all along the highway doing last-minute paperwork.
Duty-free shoppers have to cross truck lanes and must mix with trucks and maneuver for position. There are buses too. It results in a few fender-benders, and Canadian Customs have to engage staff to direct traffic. It is neither safe nor efficient. But there is a little hope on the horizon, he says from his Vancouver office.