Canada is a top shipping destination for businesses and individuals in the United Kingdom. Sharing a common heritage and strong economic ties, the UK stands as one of Canada's largest trading partners. Whether you are an e-commerce brand expanding into North America or a business managing international supply chains, understanding the logistics between these two nations is crucial for your bottom line.
Choosing the right carrier depends heavily on your timeline, budget, and the size of your consignment. Here is a breakdown of the most reliable options.
Royal Mail is the most economical choice for individuals and small businesses shipping light parcels. Shipments via Royal Mail are imported and delivered by Canada Post (or GLS, a subsidiary of Royal Mail).
Note: Canada Post charges an import processing fee of approximately CA$10 on behalf of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), in addition to applicable duties and taxes.
As North America’s largest carriers, FedEx and UPS operate massive transatlantic networks. They are ideal for urgent or high-value shipments. Contact our team for our lowest spot quote for commercial shipments and for shipments over 10 kilograms.
Jet Worldwide provides a flexible, independent approach to global logistics. For over 40 years, we have helped businesses send parcels, pallets, and online orders across the Atlantic.
Become a non-resident importer and act as your own distributor across Canada. Send your goods in bulk to Canada as a non-resident importer. Clear the goods with a single entry and store them locally. Ship on demand to Canada, from Canada. Contact our team for details.
When shipping larger volumes, balancing transit time with cost becomes the primary challenge. Here is a quick comparison to help you decide.
| Shipping Mode | Best Used For | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Air Freight | Consignments under 200 kilograms or urgent deliveries. | Cheaper for smaller shipments due to fewer minimum surcharges. Faster transit times. |
| LCL Ocean Freight | One to several pallets (Less than Container Load). | Cost-effective as you share container space. Requires extra days for consolidation and de-consolidation. |
| FCL Ocean Freight | Large volume cargo (Full Container Load). | The fastest ocean method using dedicated 20-foot or 40-foot containers. |
Major UK departure ports for Canadian ocean freight include Felixstowe, Southampton, London, and Liverpool.
All goods entering Canada from the UK must clear the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Ensuring your paperwork is accurate is the best way to prevent costly delays.
The CUKTCA replaces the previous European agreement (CETA) and allows for duty-free access for qualifying goods. This presents a massive competitive advantage for British companies.
For shipments valued over CA$20, duty and taxes generally apply. A 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is standard, but additional provincial sales taxes may apply depending on the final destination within Canada. We highly recommend requesting "Delivery Duty Paid" (DDP) terms to provide a seamless experience for your Canadian buyers.
Canada has modernized its customs process. The CARM digital portal streamlines how importers declare goods, pay duties, and interact with the CBSA. It is a vital tool for frequent shippers.
If you are relocating, Jet Worldwide can manage the shipping of personal effects, though restrictions apply. Goods must be for personal use and generally over one year old. The importer must self-clear the items and provide passport copies and detailed inventories.
Pro Tip: For small amounts of personal items, paying excess baggage fees on your passenger flight is often cheaper and simpler than shipping them separately.
Returns are a natural part of e-commerce. Jet Worldwide provides UK retailers with a local Canadian address to process returns, scaling from a handful of packages to enterprise-level solutions. We also handle Canadian Amazon removal orders, consolidating them for cost-effective return to the UK.
Ready to streamline your cross-border strategy?
Contact our team for an initial consultation or download our accompanying PDF guide.