International Parcel Delivery | Blog

Shipping from Mexico to Canada: Customs, CUSMA, and Carrier Guide

Written by Timothy Byrnes | September 19, 2016

Mexico is a manufacturing powerhouse and a vital partner for Canadian businesses. With trade between the two nations exceeding $40 billion annually, understanding the logistics of the Canada-Mexico corridor is essential.

While the CUSMA (T-MEC) and CPTPP agreements have reduced tariffs, shipping north involves navigating complex regulations, including the new Carta Porte requirements.

Key Takeaways: Shipping Mexico to Canada

  • Trade Agreements: You can choose between CUSMA or CPTPP for duty-free benefits.
  • Thresholds: Duty-free limit is now CAD $150 for courier shipments.
  • Compliance: The Carta Porte supplement is mandatory for movement within Mexico.
  • Transit: LTL Trucking is cost-effective; Air Express is best for speed.

Strategies to Reduce Shipping Costs

What determines the cost?

The price to send goods to Canada depends on:

  • Weight and Dimensions: Use chargeable weight calculations to avoid surprises.
  • Service Level: Air Express vs. Economy Air vs. Ground (LTL).
  • Fuel Surcharges: These fluctuate weekly.
  • Final Destination: Delivery to rural Canada costs more than Toronto or Vancouver.

Cheapest Ways to Ship

  1. Postal Service: For individuals sending small gifts, Correos de México is the lowest cost option (delivered by Canada Post).
  2. Consolidate: Ship fewer, larger boxes to reduce volume weight.
  3. Ground Freight: For commercial pallets, trucking is significantly cheaper than air.
  4. Use a 3PL: Third-party logistics providers (like Jet) often have better negotiated rates than standard carrier accounts.

Get a Shipping Quote from Mexico to Canada

Import Fees and Duty-Free Thresholds

Even with free trade agreements, "Free Trade" does not mean "Free Shipping." You must account for sales tax (GST/HST) and carrier processing fees.

New De Minimis Thresholds (CUSMA/T-MEC)

For courier shipments entering Canada from Mexico:

  • Under CAD $40: Duty-Free and Tax-Free.
  • CAD $40 to CAD $150: Duty-Free, but taxes (GST/HST) apply.
  • Over CAD $150: Duties and Taxes apply (unless eligible for CUSMA/CPTPP).

Choosing Between CUSMA (T-MEC) and CPTPP

Mexico and Canada are partners in two major trade agreements. You can claim preference under either, but not both at the same time.

Feature CUSMA (T-MEC/USMCA) CPTPP
Origin Rules Strictly North American content. (e.g., Autos require 75% regional value content). Broader Pacific rim content. Often considered more flexible rules of origin.
Certification Statement on Invoice (No formal certificate required). Origin Declaration on invoice or separate document.
Best For Goods made 100% in Mexico/USA/Canada. Goods with components from Asia/Pacific nations.

Note on "Origin": Simply shipping from Mexico does not make goods "Mexican Origin." They must be manufactured or substantially transformed in Mexico to qualify.

Common Canadian Import Fees

Beyond duty, ensure you budget for:

  • Sales Tax (GST/HST): Applies to almost all imports over CAD $40.
  • Carrier Disbursement Fee: Carriers (FedEx, UPS, DHL) charge 2.5% or a minimum (approx $15-$20) to pay customs on your behalf.
  • Brokerage Fee: Standard for ground shipments if you do not self-clear.

For a deeper dive, read about Common Canadian Import Fees.

Critical Compliance: The Carta Porte Supplement

Mandatory Requirement

The Complemento Carta Porte is required by the Mexican Tax Authority (SAT). It proves the legal possession of merchandise during transport within Mexican territory.

Whether you are shipping via truck, air, or rail, your shipment must be accompanied by the Carta Porte supplement (part of the CFDI 4.0 electronic invoice). Failure to provide this can result in heavy fines and seizure of goods.

Required Data includes: Shipper/Receiver tax IDs, specific route details, merchandise descriptions, and driver information.

Other Regulatory Considerations

  • CARM Registration: Canadian importers must register with the CBSA CARM Client Portal to pay duties and taxes directly.
  • Personal Effects: If shipping personal items (moving to Canada), you must self-clear customs. Jet Worldwide generally does not handle personal effects unless they are unaccompanied baggage sent via specific economy air services.

Related Resources

Ready to ship?

Jet Worldwide connects Canadian and Mexican markets with transparency and logistics expertise. From economy air to LTL ground freight, we help you find the right solution.

Disclaimer: The information in Jet Worldwide online content is for general information only. Always confirm compliance with customs authorities prior to shipping.
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