The most important document for international shipping is the most basic: the commercial invoice for customs. Getting it right supports seamless clearance and accurate duties/taxes. This guide explains exactly what to include.
France and Canada share a historic bond, particularly with the province of Quebec. This "special relationship" translates into billions of dollars in trade, with Montreal serving as a primary gateway for goods moving between North America and Europe.
Canada’s newest and biggest free-trade headlines (like CUSMA/USMCA) can overshadow other high-value agreements—most notably Canada’s FTA with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). This guide explains who EFTA is, how origin works, how to claim duty-free status, and what shipping costs to expect.
Canadian companies have been expanding and investing in Alabama in recent years. Key areas of investment include forest and automotive products. With the renewal of the North American free trade agreement USMCA/ CUSMA, more companies are seeking shipping solutions between Canada and Alabama. .
Provisions of the updated USMCA / CUSMA agreement make shipping to Canada more accessible than ever before. At Jet Worldwide, we enable Arizona companies to seamlessly connect with Canadian suppliers and customers. Build a comprehensive shipping solution that maximizes your cross-border opportunities.
In this guide, we review shipping via the postal service, ground, air courier, and trucking. We explore the benefits of the USMCA/CUSMA agreement to help you build effective strategies for growing your cross-border business.
Ready to Expand Your Cross-Border Shipping Opportunities?
Learn about duties and taxes that apply to shipments from Arizona to Canada. Explore duty-free thresholds and preferential duty-free imports under the CUSMA FREE TRADE agreement.
The cheapest way for individuals to send small packages and personal items to Canada is usually via the US Postal Service (USPS). FedEx and UPS ground are good options for heavier shipments but do not include customs entry preparation.
Shipments from Arizona to Canada are subject to import duty and taxes. However, goods may qualify for duty-free import if the value is less than $150 CAD (around $110 USD). If the items qualify as being US origin under CUSMA, they can qualify for preferential duty-free import.
Read more about Canadian import fees.
Merely shipping from the USA does not automatically grant duty-free import to Canada. They may benefit from duty-free status if they are low value or qualify as USA origin under USMCA. All shipments over $40 CAD are subject to sales tax even if they are otherwise duty-free.
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Before deciding on a carrier, first determine the best mode of shipping. Postal, Ground Courier, Air Courier, Truck, Rail
USPS is the best option for casual shippers, sending gifts and the occasional online order you may receive from Canada.
Ground courier shipments are cost effective for heavier packages and when a fast transit is not needed. Transit times from Arizona to Canada vary but average around 1 week. Ground shipping does not include customs entry preparation fee.
FedEx and UPS are well known options. Transit times average between 1-4 business days. Contact our team for our lowest spot quote for shipments over 10 kilograms and for commercial shipping rates
Both less than truck load and full truck load are the best option for palletized freight. Contact our team for rates.
All goods importing to Canada from the United States must clear customs. Canadian customs processes are very similar to the United States and adhere to World Trade Organization or WTO principles. This includes similar tariff classification (or HS codes), declared value, and country of origin. The country of origin is particularly important if you wish to take advantage of the CUSMA free trade agreement.
American companies can register to become a nonresident importer or NRI. Essentially, you can act as your own distributor to Canada without involving a middleman. By becoming a nonresident importer, you can ship to your Canadian customers without having to involve them in clearance formalities. Read more about becoming a Canadian nonresident importer.
Jet Worldwide can provide your company a Canadian address to where your returns can ship to. This includes Amazon removal orders. Your returns can then be consolidated and shipped via ground carrier or trucking back to Arizona contact our team for details.
The challenge with Canadian returns is often the low volume. We address this issue by offering low cost warehousing and processes. In short, we don't overthink it.
Read more about solutions for your Canadian removal orders, including a Canadian address, consolidation, and shipping back to the USA via low-cost ground.
Companies can consolidate their orders via a single customs entry by becoming a non-resident importer. The process involves shipping via LTL or full truckload, a single clearance in Canada, followed by domestic distribution.
Read more about valuation for non-resident imports to Canada.
Electronic Export Information (EEI) forms are generally not required for most shipments destined to Canada via exception code 30.36. The exemption does not apply for shipments otherwise requiring an export permit or ultimately destined for a third country.
The CBSA CARM portal requires importers to assign a customs broker and submit a surety bond or deposit. Learn more about CARM.
Note: The one North American Free Trade Agreement between the United States. Canada, and Mexico is alternatively referred to as USMCA, CUSMA, T-Mec -respectively. One agreement three names. The CUSMA facilitates the movement, release, and clearance of goods via a simplified framework and standardized customs procedures. Trade facilitation includes fewer clearance formalities for express shipments valued under CA$3,300 to Canada.
READ MORE: Understanding a Certificate of Origin and When it is Needed
For low-value shipments (under CAD $3,300 to Canada), a certifying statement can be added to the commercial invoice or any shipping document.
The key provisions of CUSMA USMCA parcel shipping include:
Dutiable and taxable items mailed to Canada are subject to a handling fee of around CA$10 per parcel. Canada Post collects the fees on behalf of the CBSA and accepts payment online.
Gifts between individuals can be considered duty and tax-exempt if they are not otherwise restricted and are valued under CA$60. To qualify as tax-exempt, the gift must be sent to the recipient personally and include a card or notice indicating that it is a gift. Advertising material and alcohol cannot be cleared as tax-exempt gifts.
Canada is the largest international market for most US-based e-commerce merchants. Jet Worldwide provides zone jumping services so you can serve your Canadian customers better with direct access.
HS Codes (Harmonized System Codes) are the global classification language for international trade. Managed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), they form the foundation of customs tariffs and duty calculation worldwide. This guide explains how HS codes work in Canada, what changed in the latest update (HS 2022 update), and how correct classification helps minimize duty and avoid shipping delays.
Canada’s major FTAs and benefitsUnlock 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.
Canadian exports to Austria are surging, powered by the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). In 2026, the key to scaling your European footprint isn't just low-cost shipping—it's the integration of AI-driven compliance and seamless VAT management.
In this Canada to Austria shipping guide, we cover:
For individuals shipping personal packages, the best options are available via Canada Post website
For heavier shipments, regular volume and commercial shipments
For shipping personal effects: Best to contact a moving specialist.
Shipping a heavy box to Austria?
Get our lowest spot market rate for shipments over 10 kilograms
Every shipment from Canada to Austria must be accompanied by a digital commercial invoice. Austrian customs assess duty and taxes on the CIF Value (Cost + Insurance + Freight). In 2026, the precision of your HS Codes is non-negotiable.
Austria’s standard VAT (MwSt) is 20%. For Shopify and e-commerce sellers, registering for IOSS (Import One-Stop Shop) allows you to collect VAT at checkout, facilitating "Green Channel" clearance into Austria.
Under CETA, you don't need a formal certificate. You simply include a Declaration of Origin on your invoice. This is the ultimate "low-cost" hack for Canadian manufacturers.
Modern shippers are moving away from manual spreadsheets. Here is how to use AI right now:
Need a quote for your next Austria shipment? Contact Jet’s Logistics Professionals.
A €3 duty for parcel imports will be multiplied by each distinct item category (based on tariff sub-headings) contained within the parcel.
Example Calculation: One shipment to an Austrian consumer containing 1 silk blouse, 2 wool blouses, and a cotton scarf. The items were purchased online for €135.
Assessment: Silk and wool have different tariff sub-headings and a scarf if a different tariff, meaning there are two distinct categories in the box.
VAT Calculation
€135 value + €11 =
€144 *20% =€28.80
| Carrier | Best For | Typical Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Post | Individuals / Small Parcels | 10-15 Days (Packet) |
| FedEx / UPS/DHL | Urgent Express Business Shipments | 2-4 Days (Priority) |
| Jet Worldwide | Parcels, Pallets, & DDP Solutions | 3-6 Days (Economy) |
Contact our team for our lowest market spot quote for shipments over 10 kilograms and for commercial volumes.
Disclaimer: Information is provided "as is" for general guidance only. Consult with a Jet Worldwide logistics professional for specific legal or tax advice regarding CETA and Austrian import laws.
Quick answer: Canadians ship parcels to Switzerland every day by Canada Post, FedEx, UPS, DHL, and Jet Worldwide. Most low-value consignments clear Swiss customs with a minimum CHF 5 duty threshold, and qualifying Canadian-origin goods enter duty-free under the Canada-EFTA Free Trade Agreement. A Canadian receiving address lets Swiss shoppers buy from Amazon.ca and Canadian retailers without a US middleman.
The "new NAFTA" is now a reality for shippers in Mexico, Canada and the United States. One of the focuses of the new North American Free Trade Agreement is e-commerce parcel imports to Canada. E-commerce online orders can be more shipped to Canada and benefit from preferential duty free clearance.
