Jetship Worldwide: Flexible Distribution for Small-Volume Sellers
Jetship Worldwide is a practical option for merchants who sell higher-value items in lower volumes and want a simple, Canada-wide delivery setup without warehousing complexity.
- No storage fees and low minimums: Ideal for small volume sellers who want to access the Canadian market.
- How it works: Send a bulk shipment (from few boxes to a couple pallet to Jetship Canada. Have your Canadian orders picked, packed, and shipped from within Canada without cross-border surprises.
- Best for higher-value, low-volume SKUs: This model prioritizes simplicity and responsiveness over mega volumes / deep fulfillment discounts.
- Transparent total cost: Per-unit delivery costs are typically higher than large marketplaces (e.g., Amazon), but you avoid a myriad of confusing fees, mandatory data sharing, and restrictive seller policies.
Several key factors determine how much you’ll pay when importing to Canada:
- Shipping origin: Where the goods are sent from.
- Value of the goods: Determines duty eligibility and tax assessment.
- Country of origin: Where the goods were manufactured or produced.
- HS Code (Harmonized System Code): Defines the applicable tariff rate.
- Destination province: Affects applicable sales tax rates (GST/HST/PST).
- Carrier and shipping method: Impacts brokerage and clearance fees.
Related Resources
Importing from the USA vs. Rest of the World
The biggest difference between importing to Canada from the USA or Mexico and other countries lies in the USMCA/CUSMA free trade provisions.
Duty-Free and Tax-Free Thresholds Under USMCA/CUSMA
- CA $40 or less – Duty-free and tax-free eligibility
- CA $150 or less – Duty-free eligibility
- Qualifying goods of US or Mexican origin – Duty-free regardless of value
But, for bulk import, there is little difference.
Duty-Free Thresholds for E-Commerce Imports to Canada
The default duty-free threshold for imports to Canada is CA $20. However, under the USMCA/CUSMA agreement, shipments from the USA or Mexico benefit from higher thresholds.
| Origin | Duty-Free Threshold | Tax-Free Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| USA and Mexico (courier) | CA $150 | CA $40 |
| USA and Mexico (postal) | CA $20 | CA $20 |
| Other countries | CA $20 | CA $20 |
Valuation of E-Commerce Orders
Valuation determines the amount of duty and tax applied to imported goods. Many e-commerce orders from Asia are undervalued to stay below the CA $20 threshold, but stricter CBSA enforcement is expected.
It is important for sellers to properly declare the value of goods to avoid potential penalties or shipment delays. Learn more about declaring value for customs.
Free Trade Agreements and Duty-Free Import to Canada
Canada maintains free trade agreements (FTAs) with most major economies, allowing preferential duty-free import for qualifying goods. Some of Canada’s key trade agreements include:
- USMCA/CUSMA – USA and Mexico
- CETA – European Union
- UKTCA – United Kingdom
- CPTPP – Asia-Pacific region
- CKFTA – South Korea
Goods valued under CA $3,300 may qualify for simplified origin certification under these agreements.
Note: Shipping from a country does not automatically qualify goods for duty-free import. Products must meet specific rules of origin defined in each agreement.
Common Import Fees individual E-Commerce Imports
Even when goods qualify for duty-free entry, other import fees may still apply. Below is an overview of the most common charges when importing goods to Canada:
| Fee Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Duty | Charged on goods that are not eligible for duty-free import. |
| Tax | Federal and provincial sales taxes (GST/HST/PST) applied to all imports. |
| Entry Preparation Fee | Charged for customs clearance; typically included for express courier shipments. |
| Carrier Disbursement Fee | A fee for prepayment of duties/taxes (usually 2–3% of the amount paid, CA $10–CA $20 minimum). |
View sample FedEx UPS import fees (2025 PDF)
Saving on Import Fees for bulk Imports
When sending in bulk shipments, sellers can save the entry preparation and disbursement fee.
CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM)
The CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) portal is the Canadian Customs online system designed to simplify import processes, improve transparency, and provide importers with better control of their accounts and payments.
Through CARM, importers can:
- Register and manage their business number with CBSA
- View and pay import duties and taxes online
- Submit corrections and dispute assessments
- Track compliance and import history
Learn more about CARM advanced import processing.
Shipping to Canada with Jet Worldwide
Jet Worldwide helps businesses and individuals ship parcels, e-commerce orders, and documents to and from Canada with expert customs and logistics support.
Whether you're an online retailer, manufacturer, or logistics partner, Jet provides:
- Fast and reliable international shipping to and from Canada
- Customs clearance assistance and documentation support
- Consultation for duty-free eligibility and trade compliance
- Solutions for cross-border e-commerce fulfillment
Key Takeaways
- Canada’s default duty-free threshold is CA $20, with higher limits under USMCA/CUSMA.
- Goods from countries with free trade agreements may qualify for preferential duty-free import if origin rules are met.
- Import fees include duty, taxes, entry preparation, and carrier disbursement charges.
- Importing in bulk can reduce the per shipment import fees.
Disclaimer: The information provided by Jet Worldwide is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or regulatory advice. For official regulations, please consult the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
Contact Jet Worldwide
For expert guidance and support with your Canadian imports and exports, reach out to the Jet Worldwide team today.
