Unlock duty-free shipping with Canada’s expanding network of free trade agreements (FTAs) — including USMCA/CUSMA, CETA, CPTPP, KCFTA, and more. This guide explains who qualifies, how rules of origin work, what proof is needed, and the logistics steps to keep your cross-border parcels, pallets, and containers moving smoothly.
Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) tariff rates apply to many imports where FTAs don’t. When goods do meet the rules of origin under an FTA, they can often clear at 0% duty — a major pricing advantage for exporters and online sellers.
Low-value duty-relief thresholds to the EU, UK, Australia, and Mexico particularly benefit direct-to-consumer (DTC) e-commerce. Many shippers are still unaware their products can qualify for preferential entry — often without a stand-alone certificate of origin.
Canada has FTAs with the USA and Mexico (USMCA/CUSMA/T-MEC), 27 EU countries (CETA), 10 Asia-Pacific economies (CPTPP), and South Korea (KCFTA) — plus EFTA and others. These agreements increase competitiveness, expand procurement access, and make market rules clearer for SMEs and e-commerce sellers.
Disclaimer: Jet Worldwide content is for general information only. Verify with official regulations and your customs broker/importer of record.
Canada maintains preference programs supporting developing economies:
To access CETA’s 0% duty, goods must be originating in the EU or Canada — not merely shipped from there. Qualification routes:
Sector-specific rules (e.g., textiles, automotive, chemicals) may apply. Learn how duty is calculated.
For Canadian imports not exceeding CA$3,300, proof may not be required at the time of import — but importers must keep records. Above that value (and in many other situations), provide an origin declaration on a commercial document or (where still required) a certificate of origin.
Read more: Understanding a certificate of origin
Simply shipping from an FTA country does not confer origin. Origin relates to where the product was made or sufficiently transformed.
Reference: CBSA – Origin of Goods
Dry ice provides a critical solution for transporting temperature-sensitive goods internationally from Canada. This method is commonly required for biomedical samples, life-science research, and frozen food samples.
For Jet Worldwide clients, ensuring cold chain integrity means more than just ice; it means navigating the specific customs compliance for perishables and biologicals. Contact our team for details on dry ice logistics.
Canada has overlapping FTAs with some partners — notably Mexico (CUSMA and CPTPP), Chile, and Peru. Importers can choose one agreement at the time of import (they cannot claim both). Some products qualify more easily under CPTPP than CUSMA — compare rules before filing.
While importers can choose which FTA to apply, they are bound by the entire agreement. In other words, you cannot cherry-pick different aspects of each agreement.
The default for many international B2C shipments is DAP/DDU (receiver pays import charges). Shippers can also use DDP to prepay duties/taxes — but note that VAT/GST may be recoverable by the importer, so prepaying could reduce their recoverability.
Understand CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight) basis for customs valuation. Learn more: Declared value & CIF and Incoterms explained.
Sample statement: “I hereby certify that the goods in this shipment qualify as originating for the purposes of preferential tariff treatment under USMCA/T-MEC/CUSMA.”
Postal vs. courier thresholds differ (e.g., postal de minimis: CA$20). See Canadian import fees.
EFTA includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The EFTA–Canada FTA enables preferential duty treatment for qualifying goods.
Canada–Indonesia CEPA is among the newest frameworks, targeting tariff reductions across food, electronics, chemicals, machinery, metals, and more — supporting one of Canada’s largest Southeast Asian trade lanes.
Compare quotes and transit times, and always align with origin eligibility and documentation.
All commercial importers should register in CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management), assign a customs broker, and set up a surety bond (or deposit). Even when shipping from FTA partners, you need a valid importer number and CARM profile.
Learn more: CARM guide for importers.