How to Self-Clear a UPS Package in Canada (and Avoid Brokerage Fees)

At Sazerac Stitches, we ship a lot of orders to Canada from our studio in New Orleans. To keep international shipping costs reasonable, we typically use UPS Standard — the most affordable option for ground shipments. But while the shipping rate is decent, the brokerage fees that UPS charges at the border can catch customers off guard.

Here’s how it usually works: after your package crosses into Canada, UPS may contact you (by phone or email) asking if you'd like them to act as your customs broker. If you agree, they’ll handle the paperwork for you — and then charge you additional handling fees on top of any duties or taxes owed to the Canadian government.

The good news? You’re not required to use UPS’s brokerage service. Canadian residents have the legal right to self-clear their own packages through the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). It takes a bit of extra effort, but many customers choose this route to avoid unnecessary fees and stay in control of their imports.

Below, we’ve put together a clear, step-by-step guide on how to self-clear a UPS package in Canada — along with answers to common questions and troubleshooting tips if UPS gives you a hard time.

Here’s how to do it — plus how to troubleshoot common issues if UPS gives you a hard time.

✅ Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Wait for UPS to Contact You
Once your package arrives in Canada, UPS will either:

Attempt delivery with a bill for brokerage fees, or
Mark the tracking as “Clearance in Progress” or “On Hold for Clearance”

Don't pay yet — this is your chance to self-clear.

2. Call UPS at 1-800-742-5877 (1-800-PICK-UPS)
Tell them:

“I want to self-clear my package and need the documents to take to CBSA.”

Ask them to email you:

The commercial invoice
The Cargo Control Number (CCN)
A copy of the waybill or manifest, if available

3. Go to a CBSA Inland Office (Not an Airport)
Find a nearby office that handles walk-in customs clearance:
🔗 CBSA Casual Import Locations

Bring:

The documents UPS gave you
Your tracking number
Government-issued ID

Let the CBSA agent know you're there to self-clear a UPS shipment.

4. Pay Any Applicable Duties or Taxes
CBSA will process the package and charge you any GST/HST or duties owed. They’ll then issue a B15 form — this is your official proof of clearance.

5. Email the B15 Form to UPS
Send it to: casbrokerage@ups.com
Use a subject line like:

“Self-Clearance Complete – Tracking #1ZXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX”

Include a quick message like:

“Please find attached my B15 form. I’ve self-cleared this shipment through CBSA. Please release it for delivery.”

6. UPS Will Deliver Without Brokerage Charges
Once they process your B15, your shipment will be released and delivered to you without any extra brokerage fees.

🛠️ Troubleshooting Common Self-Clearance Issues

❌ UPS Says You Can’t Self-Clear

The fix: You can. It’s your legal right under CBSA rules. Be firm but polite. If the rep refuses, call again — some reps are misinformed.

❌ They Won’t Give You the Cargo Control Number (CCN)

The fix: Ask clearly for the Cargo Control Number (aka barcoded waybill number). If they don’t know what that is, ask for the manifest. If needed, escalate to a supervisor.

❌ You Went to the Wrong CBSA Office

The fix: Not all offices handle casual imports. Double-check here:
🔗 CBSA Casual Import Locations

❌ You Forgot to Email the B15 Form

The fix: UPS won’t release your shipment without the B15. Send it to casbrokerage@ups.com and include your tracking number.

❌ UPS Is Taking Too Long to Respond

The fix: Wait 1–2 business days. If your tracking doesn’t update, follow up by phone with UPS and confirm they’ve received your B15.

❌ Your Shipment Was Sent by Express/Expedited

The fix: Unfortunately, UPS Express, Expedited, and air services cannot be self-cleared — brokerage is included by default. For future orders, ask the sender to use UPS Standard (Ground) service.