USA → Canada parcel shipping follows specific customs and taxation rules. The USMCA/CUSMA trade agreement can make cross-border orders easier—if you understand de minimis thresholds, carrier options, and clearance steps.
Jump to: USMCA/CUSMA duty & taxes • Best carrier options • Customs clearance & taxes • Common import fees • CARM registration • Non-Resident Importer (NRI) • Returns & last-mile • FAQ
▶️ Watch on YouTube: How to Ship USA → Canada
USMCA/CUSMA: Duty-Free & Tax Thresholds That Impact Parcels
For express/courier shipments to Canada under USMCA/CUSMA:
- Tax relief up to CA$40 (no GST/HST/PST) on eligible shipments
- Duty-free up to CA$150 (duties waived; taxes may still apply above CA$40)
- Simplified certification of origin for shipments valued under CA$3,300
Sample certification of origin (for qualifying goods):
I hereby certify that the goods covered by this shipment qualify as originating for the purposes of preferential tariff treatment under USMCA/T-MEC/CUSMA.
Include the statement on the invoice or shipping document and keep records (invoice, airway bill, and if applicable B3). More: Certificate of Origin explained
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Best Carrier Options: USPS vs. UPS vs. FedEx vs. Purolator
- USPS — Lowest cost for small/light personal parcels & occasional e-commerce.
- Air freight — Fastest transit; consider economy air when timing matters.
- Trucking (LTL/FTL) — Cost-effective for pallets and bulk; great for consolidation between the USA and Canada.
- UPS/FedEx — Wide express & ground coverage; note entry preparation fees on ground.
See how to cut costs with consolidation and single-entry clearance: LTL to Canada
Customs Clearance for Parcels Imported to Canada
Parcels must comply with CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) and CRA (tax). Highlights:
- Most goods are subject to GST 5%, plus provincial HST/PST based on destination.
- Shipments valued ≤ CA$40: can be duty- and tax-free (express).
- Shipments valued ≤ CA$150: duty-free (express), but taxes may apply above CA$40.
- To claim USMCA duty-free status on qualifying goods, maintain proper origin documentation.
Common Canadian Import Fees (What to Expect)
- Duties — Based on HS classification (Canada uses 10 digits: 6-digit HS + 4-digit national).
- Taxes — GST + HST/PST depending on province.
- Carrier fees — Disbursement/advancement & entry preparation fees (often included for express; common for ground).
CARM: Register Before You Import Commercial Parcels
CARM is CBSA’s portal for importer accounts, duties/taxes, and bonds. Commercial importers must register, assign a broker, and provide a surety bond or deposit. Learn more: How to register for CARM
Ground to Canada: Cost-Saver with Caveats
Ground is often cheapest—yet entry prep fees and longer transit can offset savings. Contact Jet for an economy express quote if speed and total landed cost matter.
US Companies as Importer of Record (NRI)
The Non-Resident Importer (NRI) program lets US exporters act as the Importer of Record—reducing friction for Canadian customers and enabling single-entry bulk clearance with domestic distribution.
▶️ Watch on YouTube: Non-Resident Importer to Canada
Reverse Logistics & Canadian Last-Mile Options
Jet Worldwide provides Canadian return addresses, consolidation, and on-demand distribution from Montreal to simplify returns.
- Canada Post — Largest residential coverage for e-commerce.
- Purolator — Strong B2B/B2C (affiliate of Canada Post).
- GLS, TFI (Canpar/Loomis/ICS), Nationex, Intelcom — Regional and alternative last-mile options.
- FedEx & UPS — Nationwide express and ground.
Reduce costs and speed up clearance with Jet Worldwide’s express, ground & NRI solutions.
FAQ: Shipping Parcels to Canada
What is the cheapest way to ship from the USA to Canada?
For small/light parcels, USPS is typically the lowest cost. For business shipments, compare UPS/FedEx express (faster, often smoother clearance) vs. ground (lower transport but added entry fees).
Are parcels duty-free under USMCA/CUSMA?
For express shipments, duties are waived up to CA$150. Taxes may still apply above CA$40. Goods must meet origin rules to claim preferences.
Do ground shipments get the same de minimis benefits?
No. The de minimis thresholds above apply to express/courier. Ground shipments usually face carrier entry preparation fees and normal tax assessment.
Do I need to register for CARM?
Commercial importers must register in CARM, assign a customs broker, and post a bond/deposit. Learn more: CARM guide.
Can my US company be the Importer of Record in Canada?
Yes—via the Non-Resident Importer (NRI) program. This enables single-entry bulk clearance and better customer experience.
Last updated: September 20, 2025
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