U.S. and Canadian importers, carriers and cross-border service providers should note both U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) and the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) have recently announced reduced hours of operation at some ‘secondary’ or lower volume ports of entry between the two countries. A list of ports with reduced hours of service can be found using the links provided below.

These reduced hours of service are a result of resource constraints related to the ongoing COVID-19 health emergency. The change in service hours are expected to primarily impact non-commercial operations at the designated ports of entry. Travelers and those needing to manage non-commercial import transactions should contact the port of entry in advance to confirm hours of operation and available services.

Both customs agencies have reiterated their intent to support normal commercial operations at these ports. “Economic supply chains and trade will remain open, and we will work to ensure that access to goods and services is not interrupted. As such, these changes should not affect commercial traffic,” the CBSA statement said.

However, it is suggested commercial importers and carriers use primary ports of entry as much as possible to mitigate the risk of delays related to resource constraints at ports with reduced service hours.

Delmar continues to closely monitor all trade developments including those related to COVID-19. For additional information and assistance, please contact your local Delmar representative or our Canadian Customs Advisory Services team at advisoryservices@delmar.ca.

Additional Information:

COVID-19 – Temporary reduction of service at Canadian land border crossings

CBP temporarily reducing hours at six Montana ports of entry

CBP temporarily reducing hours at several North Dakota ports of entry

CBP in New England Temporarily Reduces Hours at Some Ports

CBP Announces Temporary Closures and New Hours for Border Crossing Locations