Quick Summary: Shipping from the USA to Canada requires a strategic approach to customs. By leveraging the USMCA (CUSMA) agreement, becoming a Non-Resident Importer (NRI), and optimizing reverse logistics, US brands can sell to Canadians as easily as they sell to customers in California.
1. USMCA (CUSMA): The "De Minimis" Advantage
The USMCA (known as CUSMA in Canada) modernized cross-border trade. However, the benefits depend entirely on the shipping mode. The higher duty-free thresholds apply specifically to Courier / Express shipments, not standard mail. The duty free threshold for non-courier shipments to Canada is $20.
| Value (CAD) |
Customs Duty |
Sales Tax (GST/HST) |
Condition |
| Under $40 |
FREE |
FREE |
No tax or duty collected. |
| $40 to $150 |
FREE |
Applicable |
Duty-free, but GST/HST applies on value over $40. |
| Over $150 |
Applicable* |
Applicable |
*Duty is 0% if goods are "US Origin" (Certified). |
Certification of Origin Simplified
For shipments valued under CA$3,300, you do not need a formal certificate. A simple statement on your Commercial Invoice is sufficient:
"I hereby certify that the goods covered by this shipment qualify as originating for the purposes of preferential tariff treatment under USMCA/CUSMA."
Copy-Paste Certification Template
Below is a format to copy and paste directly onto your commercial invoice or separate sheet.
1. CUSMA / USMCA (North America)
There is no official "form." However, you must provide the following 9 Minimum Data Elements:
CUSMA/USMCA Certification Format
1. Certifier Type: (Importer, Exporter, or Producer)
2. Certifier Name & Details: (Name, Title, Address, Phone, Email)
3. Exporter Name & Details: (If different from certifier)
4. Producer Name & Details: (Can state "Available upon request")
5. Importer Name & Details
6. Description of Goods & HS Code: (6-digit level)
7. Origin Criteria: (e.g., A, B, C, or D)
8. Blanket Period: (If applicable, max 12 months)
9. Signature & Date:
"I certify that the goods described in this document qualify as originating and the information contained herein is true and accurate. I assume responsibility for proving such representations and agree to maintain and present upon request or to make available during a verification visit, documentation necessary to support this certification."
2. The "Local Feel": Non-Resident Importer (NRI)
Many US brands struggle with high cart abandonment rates because Canadian buyers fear surprise fees at delivery. The solution is the Non-Resident Importer (NRI) program.
What is an NRI?
An NRI is a US-based company that registers with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to act as the "Importer of Record."
Why become an NRI?
- Sell DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): You collect the GST/HST at checkout and pay it to the Canadian government yourself. The customer receives the package with zero payment due at the door.
- Control Pricing: You determine the final landed cost, removing uncertainty.
- Consolidation: You can ship bulk orders across the border under one entry and distribute locally, lowering shipping costs.
Note: Becoming an NRI requires registering for a Canadian Business Number, collecting GST/HST, and registering for CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management).


3. Reverse Logistics and Amazon Removals
Getting goods into Canada is half the battle. Getting them back is often harder. Canadian consumers expect easy returns, and US sellers need a cost-effective way to retrieve inventory.
The Challenge of "Reverse Flows"
Most US carriers charge full international rates for individual return labels. Furthermore, Amazon FBA Canada will not ship removal orders back to a US address.
The Solution: Cross-Border Consolidation
Jet Worldwide provides a Canadian return address (in Montreal or Toronto) for your customers or Amazon FBA removals.
- Receive: We receive individual returns or bulk removal orders locally.
- Consolidate: We hold the items until a pallet or bulk box is full.
- Return: We ship the consolidated load back to your US warehouse as a single shipment, drastically reducing per-unit cost.
Read more about Reverse Logistics from Canada
Amazon Seller Tip: If you are liquidating Canadian FBA stock, do not abandon it! Use a third-party logistics partner to receive the removal order in Canada and forward it back to the USA via cross-border trucking.
4. Carrier Options: Choosing the Right Lane
Balancing speed against the "Entry Preparation Fee" (brokerage fee) is critical for US exporters.
| Carrier |
Best For |
Pros |
Cons |
| USPS (Mail) |
Personal / Light parcels |
Low cost, often avoids random customs checks. |
Poor tracking, slower transit, no DDP option. |
| FedEx / UPS Ground |
Regional Shipping |
Reliable tracking. |
Brokerage Entry Preparation Fees charged to receiver unless you ship via "Brokerage Inclusive" service. |
| Jet Worldwide |
parcels to pallets |
DDP Services, NRI support, and Reverse Logistics. |
Best for commercial volumes rather than personal shipments |
See FedEx and UPS ground entry preparation fees
FAQ: Shipping Parcels to Canada
Do I need to register for CARM?
Yes. If you are importing commercial goods into Canada (acting as the NRI), you must register in the CARM Client Portal to pay duties and taxes.
Can I ship returns back to the USA duty-free?
Yes. If the goods are "US Goods Returned," they can re-enter the USA duty-free. However, you must provide proof that the goods were originally exported from the US (using form 3311 or similar evidence).
What is the difference between duties and taxes?
Duties are tariffs based on the commodity (HS Code) and origin. Taxes (GST/HST) are consumption taxes based on the destination province. Even if an item is duty-free under USMCA, it is rarely tax-free.
Optimize Your North American Supply Chain
From NRI registration to managing Amazon Canada returns, Jet Worldwide acts as your trusted partner north of the border.
Get a Canadian Logistics Quote