Ernie Ubriaco

Ernie Ubriaco is the President of Customs Trade Services Inc. and is a licensed Canadian customs broker. He has worked in the customs and trade profession for 35+ years. In 2025, Customs Trade Services Inc. will be celebrating it’s 25th year in business. Ernie started his career working in both industry and customs brokerages, learning the trade from beginning to end of the customs import process.

Ernie managed the customs compliance department of a Canadian brokerage firm and implemented various compliance programs for importer. Ernie also worked in private industry and managed the customs operations for an international electronics retailer, where he was instrumental in restructuring and implementing protocols, reducing costs, and ensuring customs compliance. Ernie’s 35+ years of experience involved insights into the entire supply chain from procurement, transportation, receiving, warehousing, and finance/ payables.

Ernie’s practice focusses on assisting a diverse set of clients from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies that import various products from produce, apparel to electronics. Ernie assists his clients in managing their compliance from tariff classification, voluntary disclosures, customs appeals and rulings through to duty recovery and refunds. Ernie also provides clients assistance in selecting and managing their customs broker relationships, setting up Non-Resident importers and being their representative agent during customs audits. Ernie also collaborates with CPA firms, Customs Brokers, and Transportation companies to provide consultation services for their respective clients.

Ernie was part of the “9948 Coalition Group” representing his client to help overturn a decision by the Canada Border Service Agency. The coalition’s efforts were successful and duties in-excess of $25M were refunded to the importers. Ernie is also a member of the Association of Importer and Exporters and has collaborate with CBSA Officers providing lunch and learn training sessions to clients.