We recently became aware of a situation where the names that Thompson Ahern International had in our files for a large number of importers did not match the names that are currently on file with the Canada Border Services Agency(CBSA) when we compared the names as they appear on the K84 Importer/Broker Account Statement.

This can be problematic concerning the customs release of your shipments as the name used on all release and accounting documents must correspond with the name under with a company is registered for its customs program account with the CBSA. Names that differ from the legal entity name under with the importer's Business Number (BN) was set up could cause shipments to incur unnecessary clearance delays at the border.

We have found that generally these errors have occurred because we have been provided with a company's trading or operating name, but not the complete legal entity name under which the account was set up.

Changes may also have occurred due to company mergers or new ownership. In some cases these changes are notified to the CBSA when a new BN is arranged, but Thompson Ahern isn't made aware of them at the same time.

Again, this information is critical to the clearance of your goods. We should be advised of all business names both common and legal as they appear on your BN. Thomson Ahern should also be advised of any changes of company ownership that could trigger a legal name change and the requirement for a new BN and Canada Revenue Agency program account.

To keep our lines of communication current, it is also important that all changes in address, telephone, or contacts for both customs and accounting matters are kept up to date so that we can provide you with the optimum of service.