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Drawback Program - Canada

Drawback Program

Last Update: June 20, 2025
Canada
Refund of duties on imported goods exported or destroyed

Drawback Program at a glance

Eligible Funding
  • No Condition
Timeline
  • Continuous Intakes
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Grant Providers
  • Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Status
Open

Overview of the Drawback Program program

The Drawback Program offers Canadian businesses a refund of duties paid on imported goods that are subsequently exported or destroyed, with the possibility of a full or partial refund as determined by the Canada Border Services Agency. The program aims to enhance export competitiveness by reimbursing duties on goods re-exported in the same condition, used in manufacturing for export, or classified as obsolete or surplus; there is no maximum funding amount explicitly specified.

Financing terms and conditions

  • Full or partial refund of duties paid on imported goods that are subsequently exported or destroyed.
  • Interest paid on any balance owed if a full refund is not received within 90 days of submission.

Eligible projects & activities

  • Exporting imported commercial goods in their original condition.
  • Manufacturing products in Canada using imported goods and exporting the finished products.
  • Destroying imported goods that have become obsolete or surplus, with certified documentation.
  • Exporting imported motor vehicles after purchase.

Eligibility criteria of the Drawback Program program

  • The applicant must import commercial goods into Canada.
  • The imported goods must be exported in the same condition, or used in manufacturing goods that are eventually exported.
  • Imported goods that are obsolete, surplus, or destroyed may also qualify.
  • The applicant must have a valid importer BN15 program account number.
  • For claims on destroyed goods, destruction must be substantiated with certified documentation.

Who is eligible?

  • Canadian companies that import commercial goods for export
  • Canadian companies that import goods to manufacture products for export
  • Canadian companies dealing with obsolete or surplus imported goods that are destroyed or manufactured into other obsolete or surplus goods

Who is not eligible

  • Companies that do not have a valid importer BN15 program account number.
  • Companies unable to provide supporting documentation proving goods qualify for the drawback.
  • Entities exporting goods to the United States or Mexico may face restrictions under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

Eligible expenses

  • Duties paid on imported commercial goods that are eventually exported in the same condition.
  • Duties paid on imported goods that are used in manufacturing processes and the resulting products are exported.
  • Duties paid on imported goods that are destroyed because they are obsolete or surplus.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Businesses operating in Canada that import goods into the country.

How to apply to the Drawback Program program

  • Step 1: Ensure Eligibility and Obtain Importer Account
    • Verify that your goods and activities are eligible for the Drawback Program.
    • Ensure you possess a valid importer BN15 program account number.
  • Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documentation
    • Gather all necessary documentation to prove that the goods qualify for a drawback (e.g., import/export records, manufacturing records).
    • If claiming for destroyed goods, obtain a certified Form E15, Certificate of Destruction/Exportation, witnessed by a CBSA officer or a qualified third party.
    • Ensure any required waivers are collected if multiple claimants are involved.
  • Step 3: Submit Drawback Claim via CARM Client Portal
    • Access the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) Client Portal.
    • Complete the drawback application form and attach all supporting documents.
  • Step 4: Wait for CBSA Review and Refund
    • The CBSA will verify your claim and may issue a full or partial refund.
    • If a full refund is not received within 90 days, interest will be paid on any outstanding amount.
  • Step 5: Contact CBSA for Assistance
    • If you need further guidance or help preparing your claim, contact your local CBSA office.

Additional information

  • Claims must be submitted through the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) Client Portal, with all supporting documentation included.
  • If multiple parties are eligible for a claim, waivers are required from all parties before processing.
  • Destruction of goods requires certified Form E15, validated by a CBSA officer or an independent qualified third party.
  • If a full refund is not issued within 90 days, interest will be paid on the outstanding balance.

Apply to this program

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