Edmonton, Canada
Customs clearance in Edmonton
Import and export clearance for shipments to and from Edmonton. Customs clearance in Canada is handled by a partner team in the Ziem network, under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures.
Industries in Edmonton and how we support them
Edmonton is the supply base for Alberta's oil sands and the Canadian north, with oil and gas equipment manufacturers, service companies and the petrochemical complex of Alberta's Industrial Heartland north-east of the city. Mining, construction and northern resupply also generate freight. We support these supply chains with air freight under our own air waybills via YEG, Next Flight Out and On-Board Courier for urgent equipment parts, sea freight via Vancouver or Prince Rupert with rail delivery to Edmonton, and dangerous goods handling for chemicals. In winter, we agree freeze protection for sensitive goods.
Operational logistics facts for Edmonton
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Edmonton International Airport (YEG) | Freighter, express and belly cargo | Air freight gateway for northern Alberta |
| Alberta's Industrial Heartland | Petrochemicals and dangerous goods | Supply chains for the chemical industry |
| CN rail yard and intermodal service | Rail containers from Vancouver and Prince Rupert | Inland delivery of sea freight to Edmonton |
| Highway 63 to Fort McMurray | Equipment and supplies for the oil sands | Road access to the oil sands region |
Airports, seaports and connections in Edmonton
- AirportEdmonton International
YEG - SeaportPort of Vancouver and Prince Rupertby rail
Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is the main airport of northern Alberta, with freighter operations, express services and passenger flights that carry belly cargo. It serves as the air freight gateway for the oil sands region and the Canadian north, and connects with smaller airports that supply remote communities and work camps. Edmonton has no seaport; ocean freight arrives by rail from the Port of Vancouver or the Port of Prince Rupert, which offers a short sea route to Asia.
Highway 2 links Edmonton with Calgary, Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway) runs west towards Prince Rupert and east to Saskatoon, and Highway 63 leads north to Fort McMurray and the oil sands. The Anthony Henday Drive ring road connects the industrial areas. CN operates a major rail yard in Edmonton, connecting the city with Vancouver, Prince Rupert and Central Canada.
Clearance through the Ziem network in Canada
In Canada, customs entries are filed by a partner team in the Ziem network. They work under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures; our operations desk prepares the shipment data and remains your contact for the whole shipment.
Customs clearance in Canada
Ziem network
Customs clearance in Canada is handled by a partner team in the Ziem network, under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures.
For air freight to and from Canada we issue our own air waybills.
Importers in Canada need a business number with an import-export account and registration in CARM.
Avoiding delays at customs
Most customs delays come from inconsistent documents: different values on invoice and packing list, missing HS codes or unclear goods descriptions. We review the documents against each other before departure, so the declaration in Canada can be filed without queries.
Frequently asked questions
Who handles customs clearance for shipments into Edmonton?
Clearance is handled by a partner team in the Ziem network, working under the Ziem Logistics brand, to our procedures and with the data we prepare. Declarations are filed with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and you deal only with Ziem Logistics.
Can sea freight via Prince Rupert be cleared in Edmonton?
Yes. Containers can move in bond by rail from Prince Rupert or Vancouver to Edmonton and be cleared there. We agree the clearance location with you before the vessel arrives.
Can equipment be imported temporarily into Canada for a project?
Yes, under certain conditions, equipment can be imported temporarily with full or partial relief of duties, for example under an ATA carnet or a temporary importation procedure. The conditions depend on the equipment and its use, so we check them with you in advance.