Importing goods

[PaulIII]

1. What is the difference between Form B4 and Form B4A?
2. Do we have have to fill both forms?
3. Which form is for goods in possession of the time of landing and which is for goods to follow?
4. Under “Importer's name”, can we put the names of both the principal and the spouse?

Thank you very much for the help!

[thaiguy]

1.  B4 is like the cover sheet, while B4A is for all continuing pages.
2.  Depends on the circumstances.
3.  Do it like this:
      B4-coversheet and a few goods in possession (indicate whether you also have a B4A, and whether you have goods to follow)
      B4A-the rest of your goods in possession
      B4A-your goods to follow (use a separate sheet for goods to follow vs. goods in possession)
4.  Just put the primary applicant.

[PaulIII]

Thanks thaiguy, very helpful as usual!
The reason I asked Q #4 is because I have already shipped the goods to follow in a container and I used only my name as the sender and the consignee of the goods, but at the same time I am not the principal on our immigration application – my wife is. That's why I was thinking of putting both names on form B4?

[thaiguy]

I see.  Well, go ahead and put both names, then.  If they ask about it, just explain like you did here.

Good luck.

[PaulIII]

Thanks indeed!

[PaulIII]

Sorry, three more questions about form B4:
1. Under “Importer's address”, do they refer about your new address in Canada? 
2. What is the difference between “country of origin” and “country of export”
3. Which is IMM 5292 No?

[thaiguy]

1.  Short answer - I dont know.  Long answer - I left it blank on my form, expecting someone to tell me which address to use.  The problem was, they never asked to see my B4/B4A forms.  At the Vancouver airport, they're too busy and they just waive you through.  Then when I brought my things in a minivan from Washington State to BC, they just asked me whether I was bringing 'everything' and nothing else would follow.  I responded, "yes," and they waived me through again.  They never once looked at my forms.  Of course, if I bring anything else, I'll owe taxes.

2.  I'd only be guessing on this.  I think the country of origin is where something was originally purchased.  For instance, your stereo might have been manufactured in Japan, but if it was first for sale in the U.S., then the country of origin is the U.S.  Country of export is the last country your goods resided in (i.e., where you're moving from).

3.  IMM 5292 is your confirmation of permanent residence (COPR).  When your visa is approved, you receive your passports back as well as a COPR for each person.

[PaulIII]

Tnx a mil!!!