Side by side
| Customs broker | BSF186 app | |
|---|---|---|
| What you pay | The broker's fee, quoted for your move. | First 20 photos and one vehicle free (exports carry a VOID watermark). A photo pack is one $25 in-app purchase. |
| Building the list of goods | Usually from a list you give them. | You photograph each room. An AI model drafts each item with a customs-style description and a used value in Canadian dollars; you review every line. |
| Advice on your case | Yes: what qualifies, duties, and unusual items. | No. The app is not legal or customs advice. |
| Dealing with CBSA | Can deal with CBSA for you. | You present the form yourself at the port of entry. |
| Vehicles | Can prepare the vehicle import and export paperwork. | Lists up to six vehicles on page 1 of the form, more on the attachment. The vehicle import and export forms are not part of the app. |
| Who answers at the border | You do: the goods are yours. | You do: you sign the form. |
What we did
On our own move back to Canada we used both. The app built the BSF186 with 282 items on List A and List B, and a customs broker prepared the vehicle import and export forms. Read the crossing.
Questions
Do I need a customs broker to import my household goods into Canada?
No. You can fill in form BSF186 yourself and present it at the border. A broker is optional; people often hire one when goods are shipped separately or when they import vehicles.
What does a customs broker do that the app does not?
A licensed customs broker can deal with CBSA for you and advise on your situation: what qualifies, what duties apply, and what to do when something is unusual. The app does not give advice. It builds your list and fills in the form; you review it and you sign it.
Can I use the app and a broker together?
Yes. On our own crossing we built the BSF186 with the app and a customs broker prepared the vehicle import and export forms. A broker can also start from the app's PDF and photo appendix instead of a blank list.
How much does a customs broker cost?
Brokers set their own fees, which depend on the service and on how much they handle for you. Ask for a quote before you hire one. The app is free for 20 photos and one vehicle, and a photo pack is one $25 in-app purchase. See Price.
Who answers to the border services officer?
You do. With or without a broker, the goods and the declaration are yours, and the officer decides. Review every item, add serial numbers and correct quantities before you sign.
Doing it yourself instead? See the app versus filling the form by hand or versus a spreadsheet inventory.
Get the app
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