Understanding the Meaning of PGA Fees in Canadian Import and Export Clearance

Many Korean exporters and Amazon sellers often ask, “Why did an extra line fee appear on my Canadian customs entry?”In particular, when they see a note like ECCC (Environment and Climate Change Canada) on their CBSA document, they wonder if a special government permit was required.This article explains the practical meaning of PGA (Participating Government Agencies) fees in Canadian customs clearance and what sellers should know to avoid unnecessary costs.

1. Case Summary: Why the Scarf Line Had an Extra Fee

Let’s look at an actual example from a recent shipment to Canada.

Item	Scarf	Tote Bag
HS Code	6117.10.90.00	4202.92.90.00
Value for Duty	1,148.98 CAD	2,297.96 CAD
Customs Duty	0.00 CAD	0.00 CAD
GST (5%)	57.45 CAD	114.90 CAD
Other Taxes	0	0
Total Taxes Paid	57.45 CAD	114.90 CAD

Both items were duty-free, and only 5% GST was applied.This indicates that the shipment benefited from CUKTCA (Canada–Korea Free Trade Agreement) or that both items fall under MFN 0% tariff categories.

However, only the scarf line showed an extra charge related to ECCC — this was the key difference.

2. Why ECCC Was Added to the Scarf Line

The ECCC (Environment and Climate Change Canada) is one of the Canadian government departments that may be involved in import declarations through CBSA’s Single Window Initiative (SWI) system.If a product’s HS code is mapped to a category that potentially falls under any government department’s oversight, the system automatically requires an electronic data entry for that department.

In this case, the scarf triggered ECCC data entry for one of the following reasons:

1. Possible Animal-Origin Material - If the scarf contains wool, silk, or other animal-derived fibers, the system flags it for CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) review.

2. Environmental Regulation Check - Certain textile and leather-related HS codes are automatically mapped to ECCC-related categories. Even if no permit is required, the importer must electronically declare that the product is “not subject” to ECCC regulation.

3. Mandatory SWI Data Field - For some product groups, a simple “Not Applicable” declaration must be transmitted to ECCC in order for the customs entry to be released.

In other words, the ECCC entry did not mean that an environmental permit was required.It simply meant that the broker had to input ECCC-related data into the CBSA system.The ECCC fee is, therefore, a service charge for data entry at the backend, not a government penalty or regulatory fine.

3. The 9 Canadian Participating Government Agencies (PGA)

CBSA’s Single Window Initiative integrates nine federal departments and agencies that may participate in customs clearance. Depending on the HS code and product description, one or more of these PGAs can be automatically triggered during import declaration.

Abbreviation	Full Name	Primary Responsibility
CFIA	Canadian Food Inspection Agency	Food, plant, animal, and packaging materials
CNSC	Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission	Nuclear and radioactive materials
ECCC	Environment and Climate Change Canada	Environmental control, CITES, ozone substances
DFO	Fisheries and Oceans Canada	Fish, seafood, marine species
GAC	Global Affairs Canada	Export/import permits, textile quotas
HC	Health Canada	Cosmetics, drugs, medical devices
NRCan	Natural Resources Canada	Energy, minerals, batteries
PHAC	Public Health Agency of Canada	Biological materials, public health items
TC	Transport Canada	Transportation safety, hazardous goods

In the scarf case, ECCC was automatically triggered as the related department due to the product’s HS code and material description.

4. Key Insights from Trufulfillment

1. PGA or ECCC indication does not mean a permit is required.- In most cases, it only means a “Not Applicable” declaration was submitted electronically.

2. Accurate HS code and material details are crucial.- Descriptions that include words like wool, silk, or animal origin can automatically trigger ECCC checks. Clear material descriptions can help prevent unnecessary entries.

3. PGA fees are data-entry charges, not government fees. - These are charged by customs brokers for preparing and submitting additional electronic datasets through SWI.

4. Maintain preferential duty exemption through CO (Certificate of Origin). - To keep CUKTCA benefits, ensure every shipment is accompanied by a valid CO from the supplier.

5. Practical Tips for Future Shipments

1. Verify HS Code and Product DescriptionMake sure the HS code and material description are consistent with the actual product to avoid triggering irrelevant agencies.

2. Prepare Certificates of Origin RoutinelyObtain and keep CO documents for every shipment to retain zero-duty eligibility under CUKTCA.

3. Confirm Broker Fee Policy in AdvanceAsk your customs broker whether PGA data-entry fees apply even when only “Not Applicable” data is submitted.

4. Keep Full Documentation RecordsCBSA can audit imports up to seven years later. Maintain full sets of invoices, COs, HS code justifications, and PGA submission records for compliance.

   
   

6. How Trufulfillment Supports Sellers

Trufulfillment provides comprehensive customs and compliance support for Korean brands and Amazon sellers entering the Canadian market.Our services include:

• Pre-import HS code and duty analysis

• Health Canada and ECCC “Non-controlled” declaration templates

• Communication with customs brokers to prevent unnecessary PGA fees

• Origin certification and FTA benefit support

Opportunity always comes to those who are prepared.Trufulfillment helps you reduce uncertainty in Canadian customs and operate with full compliance.