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Shipping from South Korea to Canada: The Complete Guide to Logistics, Duty, and CKFTA

Written by Timothy Byrnes | May 08, 2017

Importing from South Korea to Canada is a distinctly different process with capacity issues that are unfamiliar to most traditional logistics experts. In the current market, logistics professionals are actively searching for alternative carriers and access points to secure greater efficiencies.

 

Key Takeaways for Canadian Importers

  • Capacity Constraints: Major carriers often restrict economy air options from Asia.
  • Carrier Options: Choosing between Korea Post (EMS) and couriers (FedEx/UPS) depends on volume and speed.
  • Duty Benefits: The CKFTA allows for preferential duty-free entry for qualifying goods.

Jet Worldwide Advises Shippers on Cross-Border E-commerce Growth

The starting point for all companies seeking to import pallets via Air to Canada involves the mega carriers: FedEx, UPS, and DHL. However, shipping can be a significant challenge, especially for companies with lower volumes or irregular shipping schedules.

Here are a few critical points to consider when shipping between Korea and Canada:

  • Parcel Post Options: EMS (Express Mail Service) is the preferred method for individuals and should be considered by businesses during times of commercial airline capacity constraints.
  • Carrier Restrictions: Market-dominant carriers (UPS, FedEx, and DHL) occasionally restrict access to economy air shipping options from Asia to North America to manage load factors.
  • Cost Analysis: Jet's logistics professionals can help you find a lower cost or confirm if your current costs are competitive. Your "crazy rate" might actually be market standard. Ask Jet for a comparison.

Comparing Shipping Options: Korea Post vs. Commercial Couriers

Choosing the right mode of transport depends heavily on the size of your shipment and the urgency of delivery. Below is a breakdown of the primary methods.

1. Sending Parcels to Canada via Korea Post (EMS)

It may sound counter-intuitive to recommend the postal service for large boxes, but it is a viable option shippers should consider to access airlift capacity from Korea to Canada.

  • Advantage: The Express Mail System (EMS) has become much more competitive in recent years, offering improved tracking and faster transit times.
  • Disadvantage: This is generally not a valid option for larger commercial shipments or pallets.

2. Shipping Pallets via FedEx, UPS, or DHL

  • Advantage: The cargo networks of FedEx, UPS, and DHL are as efficient as they are extensive, providing high visibility.
  • Disadvantage: Cargo carriers are often capacity-restrained, leading to price surges or service caps.

3. Third-Party Logistics (3PL) from South Korea

  • Advantage: While all companies rely on the carriers mentioned above, 3PLs can often provide greater access to airlift. In an era of capacity abundance, spot rates usually beat contract rates. However, currently, contract rates are often lower than fluctuating market rates.
  • Disadvantage: Minimum volumes are often necessary when considering new suppliers, and many large entities prefer to deal directly with other large entities.

Quick Comparison Guide

Shipping Method Best For Key Benefit Potential Drawback
Korea Post / EMS Individuals and Small Parcels Simplified customs and lower cost for small items. Limited tracking detail and weight limits.
Commercial Carriers Urgent Parcels and Pallets Reliability, speed, and end-to-end tracking. Higher costs and strict volumetric weight rules.
Jet Worldwide / 3PL Mixed Volumes and Consultation Access to spot rates and personalized logistics support. May require account setup or minimums.

Getting a Quote for Shipping Between South Korea and Canada

Jet Worldwide provides access to companies seeking shipping quotes between South Korea and Canada for parcels, pallets, and online orders.

Contact our Team: For a quote on regular volumes and logistics support, please provide details including:

  • Shipping volume
  • Item(s) being shipped
  • Average value
  • Weight of each parcel

The more details you provide, the better we can optimize your routing.

Importing Goods to Canada Shipped from South Korea

Duty, Taxes, and De Minimis

Goods imported to Canada valued over CA$20 are subject to duty and taxes. Consignments valued under CA$3,300 can be imported via Canada's Low Value Shipment (LVS) system, which streamlines the customs process.

📄 Download PDF: Complete shipping guide to Canada from Korea

The Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA)

Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff rates are generally applicable for goods traded between South Korea and Canada. However, goods that meet the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA) rules of origin can benefit from preferential duty-free import.

The MFN tariff rates of Canada and South Korea apply to goods that do not meet the rules of origin (non-originating goods) under CKFTA. Read more about CKFTA requirements here.

Canadian Import Fees for Shipments from South Korea

Common import fees for consignments shipped via air to Canada can include duty, GST/HST, entry preparation fees, and disbursement fees.

jetworldwide.com

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