bn import

1. What is a Business Number?
Assigned for tax purposes in Canada
Method of identification
Simplifies dealings with the Government and other public
and private businesses
Stored by the Canadian Revenue Agency
Retained for the duration of the business’ life
Can register for additional accounts (import/export)

2. How does a BN Work?
15 digits
First 9 digits are the account number of your
business
Followed by 2 letters that represent type of
government program (import/export)
Final 4 digits identify the specific account
(import/export)

3. Example of a BN
The Program Identifier is two letters that
identify the type of account
(import/export)
The Reference Number is the remaining
4 digits for the specific government
program account

5. Who can use my BN?
Business owners
Authorized representatives can be added
online
Representatives authorized to act on behalf
of the exporter as a Third Party
CRA provides you with an ID and password
for the Online Portal’s My Business Account

6. Why do you need to Register
for an Import/Export Account?
Required in order to process your
customs documents