Now more than ever, companies are on the lookout for simple, straightforward solutions for their international shipping between the USA and Canada. International shipping from Canada worldwide offers access to lucrative markets.
Canadian companies want to find better ways to connect with their suppliers. International companies seek access to the Canadian market to handle their online transactions. There's a lot to consider to send international.
Thankfully, whether you're a small, medium, or large business or an individual trying to navigate international deliveries, we are here to help.
International Shipping from Canada can take as little as one to two days. Economy shipping and outside areas can take as long as 10 business days for packages with couriers such as FedEx, DHL, and Canada Post.
Learn To ship International
This how-to shipping guide has been put together by our team of experts. We share our knowledge to help you learn the basics of international shipping from Canada. We cover customs expectations, price, necessary documents, duties and taxes, and more.
With every successful business depends on successful shipping strategy. Shipping companies like Jetship, FedEx, Canada Post, and UPS all ship from Canada so eCommerce merchants can reach their customers all over the world.
E-commerce orders have additional challenges. This post includes much of what what you need to grow your international orders beyond Canada and the USA. Selling outside of Canada is a priority growth area for your business. Even if you only ship some products internationally, it’s worth tackling the logistics head-on.
Specific customs and regulatory inquiries
Have questions about customs or regulatory requirements for your international customers? Speak with our logistics specialist for advice on all things customs & regulatory.
Canadian International Logistics Support
Get local Canadian support for international shipping from Canada and North American. Benefit from domestic storage and distribution, receiving and forwarding, Amazon removal orders and other logistics support functions. Open a Jetship account and get a discount. Get international shipping rates Canada logistics support
Ensuring Reliable International Shipping From Canada
The common information necessary for shipping within Canada or internationally from Canada includes:|
- the dimensions of the package (height, length, width),
- the weight of the package
- the address of both the shipper and receiver, and
- a description and value
Understanding Chargeable Weight for international shipments
When shipping internationally, the majority of packages ship via air (versus ground shipping for domestic and to the USA. Thus, international packages are often subject to a higher chargeable than for the same size package or pallets that ship domestically. Sea Freight from Canada is best for large commercial orders.
Paperwork to include for International Consignments from Canada
International packages also require you to declare your items for import at the destination country. This can take different forms, such as a CN22 for postal parcels or an Invoice for Customs.
Get Help with Customs Forms
The Commercial Invoice is the first customs document that you should be familiar with. An invoice for customs serves as the foundation for preparing your other documents.
Verify the contents and requirements of an invoice for customs.
In most cases, a specific description of the contents will do the trick. But, you'll want to get more specific to avoid complications and delays. For example, if it is an obscure item that may be specific to your industry, describe how its purpose.
Other common documents for goods that ship from Canada include a certificate or certification of origin and a Canadian export declaration (see below).
To prepare your Export Canada declaration, you'll need to know:
- the contact name and phone numbers of the shipper and receiver
- shipper and receiver addresses and contact details,
- a specific description and HS Code
- the value,
- and the country of Origin
Understanding HS Codes for Accurate International Shipping
The global system to describe your items is the Harmonize System (HS Code). This is a language that our friends at Customs know and understand.
The Harmonize System code is an international reference with facilitation by the World Customs Organization. It categorizes goods using a six-digit code.
HS codes determine:
- duty,
- admissibility,
- whether or not goods need physical examination,
- and the rate of duty.
Find the HS code online to best describe your item.
We recommend checking in with your international customer before shipping. They will be the actual importer of the goods. Then apply the most appropriate HS code. Read more: Understanding HS Codes
Verify the Correct value declaration
When shipping internationally from Canada, one of the first questions you might ask yourself is what value should I declare? The value, along with the HS code are the biggest factors in assessing duty and the import process. Useful information to ensure the correct value .
Over declaration of a value results in needless costs and under declarations will lead to significant delays and fines. Customs generally require a unit value for each item. When speaking of value, usually transaction value applies. If you're selling a product for $700, the transaction value is $700. Remember to include the currency code when declaring the value.
CIF Value explaination
With regards to assessing import fees, most customs authorities will use the CIF value. This is also known as the landing cost. It is the sum of the transactional value, plus the cost of insurance, plus the cost of shipping.
It's actually a lot simpler than it sounds. Let's take our example of an order sold for $700 Canadian.
- We know the transactional value is $700
- Let's say the cost of insurance is $14
- and the cost of shipping is $60
- Add those together and you get a landing cost of $774.
If the transaction value includes the cost of shipping and insurance, mention it on your commercial invoice. Similarly to the HS code, before you start your international shipping, we recommend you consult with your receiver about what the declared value. Read More: Verify the correct declared value.
Benefit from shipping goods via ocean freight.
Shipping Samples, Warranty Parts, and Non new items
When it comes to samples or gifts, you might think they have a zero-dollar transaction value because they're free or priceless. But customs demands a value for all goods.
To come up with an appropriate dollar amount, you can start by looking at the transactional value of identical or similar items. If that isn't possible, or if you're looking to ship specific high-value commodities, there are a few other methods you can consider. But for those, we recommend you get in touch with an experienced specialized carrier like Jet Worldwide.
Identify the Country of Origin
For many, the country of origin is the country from where it ships from. If, for example, you're shipping from Canada, you will most likely say that the country of origin is, well, Canada.
Read More: Understanding the difference between from where goods ship from versus their country of origin.
However, the country of origin refers to where the country of manufacture. Say you are selling products that is originally from a supplier in China. The country of origin would then be China. The country of origin (or country of manufacture) may qualify for duty-free import under one of Canada's many free trade agreements.
Import Clearance in the destination country
Import clearance to the destination country should be understood to assess admissibility, duties and taxes. By default, the receiver or importer of the product is responsible for the applicable duty and taxes.
This is known as Delivery Duty Unpaid or DDU. The exporter of the goods can choose to pay the import cost on behalf of the receiver. They select the delivery duty paid option, also known as DDP. Read more about delivery duty paid and shipping terms.
Duty calculation explanation
Duty is generally a percentage that applies o the CIF value or landed cost. It's on the HS classification. Duty will also take into consideration the item's country of origin. Review customs duty and calculation.
Here are a few other things you might want to consider.
- After duty, there is usually a value-add tax to pay as well. This tax can be as high as 20% as it is in many European countries. (Often, tax regiments allow businesses to claim back the value-add tax). Read about value add tax for shipments to Europe.
- In addition to the duty fee and VAT, there can be other import fees. This can include a brokerage fee.
- Customs entry preparation is usually included when goods ship. However, carriers such as FedEx, UPS or DHL often charge a disbursement fee. The fee is usually around 3% of the amount import fees paid on behalf of the receiver. The minimum disbursement or administrative fee is around $20.
Export Clearance from Canada
Export Clearance / Export Declaration, is necessary when exporting goods over $2,000 CAD (or otherwise with restrictions). CERS is a free self-service web portal provided by Canadian Customs for submitting electronic declarations. Waybills from Canada to the USA do not require a CERS export declaration. Read more about the CERS.
When you are exporting, the default method of shipping is EXW. EXW means the receiver/importer will be responsible for all import fees, duties, and taxes. Read more about INCO shipping terms.
Note: Terms like DDU, DDP, or EXW are trademarks of the International Chamber of Commerce.
Export Support for Small Business
Get personalized shipping advice from a Jet's small business and e-commerce advisors. Our team has over 40 years of experience helping companies of all sizes.
Ship international e-commerce from Canada
One popular option for international shipping from Canada is Canada Post international small packet. This service offers discounts for packages up to 2 kilograms can include tracking information. Another affordable way to ship overseas is through global express services like UPS DHL, FedEx and their partners.
Some e-commerce companies can benefit from a cross border solution and delivery via USPS. (Contact our team for rates and information).
After starting small with domestic and USA, look to major markets such as shipping to the UK, Europe and Japan. Check out your shop’s traffic analytics and see which markets or countries are already visiting your online store. You can also gauge interest by direct consumer requests to sell to their market. Repeat visits or high traffic could show interest in your products or offerings.
Benefit from duty free import for low value consignments. Understanding de minimis values.
To expand your business to new markets, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of import fees that may apply. By covering these costs ahead of time, you can ensure that your customers receive their orders without any surprise charges.
- Build direct shipping solutions with our team. While minimum volumes are necessary, sending direct is the best way to lower your last mile delivery cost. Plus, having proprietary import processes ensures no charges to your customer.
- Provide quality and safe shipping options via local carriers (DPD to Europe and the UK, for example). Doing so for your customers will help build trust and grow your business. Small businesses can thrive in the global marketplace to strategic markets..
Taking advantage of Canadian Free Trade Agreements
Canada has free trade agreements with most of the world's major economies/countries. Canada's newest free trade agreements make declaring a country of origin much easier. They allow the certification of origin as part of the shipping paperwork. The ability to ship Canadian-origin goods to over 30 major economies - duty-free - is a major competitive advantage for Canadian companies.
Getting familiar with Canada's free trade agreements can make it easier to reach foreign markets. Save import duty, and make your offer more cost-competitive.
Cheapest International Shipping Options from Canada
Small and medium size businesses often struggle with accessing cheap shipping rates. Without the volume of larger companies, they are not be able to negotiate significant discounts. Also, smaller companies often lack access to beneficial routing and distribution options.
That's where Jet Worldwide comes in - offering affordable, reliable shipping services that can help businesses grow and reach international customers. Jet Worldwide has a range of options to suit your needs.
- By taking advantage of these discounts and streamlined services, businesses growing their sales. Stay ahead of the competition, sign up for Jetship today. Start shipping smarter.
Trust Jetship Canada
Canadian Export and Import Has Never Been Easier
There you have everything you need to know to start shipping from Canada. International shipping from Canada has never been easier. Online -commerce Technologies and Canada's newest free trade agreements are connecting suppliers and customers across borders like never before.
Joining the international commerce community
Thank you. Jet Worldwide has been connecting people, parcels, and businesses around the world for over 40 years. Have a question about shipping from or to Canada? Get a rate or begin shipping now.
