Canada and European Trade
Trans-Atlantic trade remains a major economic contributor to Canada. With the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and Europe, shipping of Canada origin goods can clear duty free to France, Germany, Spain, Italy and the entire EU.
For cross border shipping of e-commerce orders to Europe, there are three main components: Airlift, clearance and last mile delivery. The intricacies involve how to classify and clear thousands of individual orders efficiently.Ocean freight can also be an option. Read more about sea freight Canada to Europe.
Jet Worldwide has the solutions to the European Union via partnerships with leading European carriers and innovative pre-labeling and direct solutions direct from Canada. Contact Jet's logistics team (see contact form below) to expand your offer to the European market.
Download accompanying PDF
The European market is alternatively a single market of 27 countries and 27 unique countries. Shippers from North America can benefit from "euro-domestic access.” Such access usually involves local warehousing or VAT registration for e-commerce.
There are several shipping options available to ship from Canada to Europe. The best option depends on your specific preferences. Factors include the type and size of the goods, the speed of delivery, and target unit cost. Here are some common shipping options that you might consider:
Contact Jet Worldwide for rates and logistics support with best in class access for your online orders. Fulfill your orders in Canada and ship direct to your European customers. Get low cost access to shipping options and logistics support.
Shipping to Europe from Canada:
All transportation companies will see increased volume.
Eastern seaports, ocean carriers, international airfreight carriers, international couriers anticipate growth will quickly follow implementation of CETA.
Jet Worldwide assists companies with low cost shipping for e-commerce, parcels and pallets from Canada to Europe.
In this post we review the key elements to understand regarding shipping to European Union countries.
- Coordinating shipping to both the UK and EU
- The role of parcel shipping to Europe from Canada
- Canadian Export Declaration for Shipments to the E.U.
- Clearance of goods to the EU from Canada
- Shipping quote to Europe
- Shipping terms when shipping duty paid or unpaid to EU countries
- IOSS and payment of VAT for e-commerce imports to the EU
- Carrier options for shipping to the EU: Canada Post and private carriers
- EU import, warehousing and distribution from Canada and USA
- CETA duty free clearance for Canada origin goods that import to the EU
- Shipping Canadian e-commerce to the EU
- International shipping rate request form
What does it cost to ship e-commerce orders to Europe?
The cost of sending e-commerce orders to Europe depends primarily on the size and weight of the package. Carrier discount, volume and tracking requirements are other factors. Some sample costs are outlined below.
What is the cheapest way to ship e-commerce orders to Europe?
The lowest cost for shipping packages to Europe is to consolidate orders and ship direct. But such consolidations require higher volumes. For occasional shippers, Canada Post surface options offer the lowest cost. Canada Post small packet services are a popular options for smaller volumes
Best way to lower delivery costs to Europe
Use a shipping cost calculator to compare rates from different carriers.
- Consider surface options via Canada Post
- Diversify volumes away form the post by shipping e-commerce orders direct
- Ship smaller packages to reduce the volume weight. Read about chargeable weight.
- If you are shipping a large volume of packages, you may be able to negotiate a discounted rate directly with the major carriers.
- Consider using a third-party shipping service that can provide both savings and - more important - logistics support.
- Check to see if your goods quality for duty free import. Read more about the Canadian European Free Trade Agreement.
- Consider using ocean transportation instead of air shipping for large commercial orders.
How can I zone jump for e-commerce orders to Europe?
Shipping consolidations of orders to Europe offers the most control and lowest cost. It involves building proprietary import processes and last mile delivery via a domestic courier. Contact our team for details.
Can I ship via DPD Europe from Canada?
Yes, Jet Worldwide Canada offers access to DPD's low cost European delivery from Canada.
Can Canadian e-commerce orders import duty free to Europe?
Most shipments under 150 euros can import duty free. Goods that qualify as being Canadian origin can import duty free under the Canadian European Free Trade Agreement (CETA).
Is VAT a charge on duty free imports to Europe?
Yes, value add tax applies to all imports to Europe.
Shipping to both the UK and EU distribution:
E-commerce sellers now have two parcel logistics flows: One to the UK the other to mainland Europe. UK orders benefit from the UK Canadian Free Trade Agreement (UKTCA) which essentially is a continuation of the European Canadian Free Trade (CETA) following Brexit.
The UK is often the single biggest market for Canadian exporters and e-commerce orders. Jet has solutions to both the EU and UK: Get updates fromJet's logistics team.
The Role of Parcel Shipping to Europe
International Parcel delivery is a way to connect Canadians to European suppliers and customers. Canadian e-commerce sellers benefit from preferential duty free access (for Canadian origin goods under CETA), are able to qualify for EU government contracts, and can send goods with no import fees to their European customers.
Canadian manufacturers and engineering companies will have greater access to the entire EU market. Canadian retailers can serve their European customers direct using existing warehousing and fulfillment infrastructure. Contact Jet's team for a consultation on how to set up best in class shipping options for e-commerce orders to Europe and the UK.
Jet Worldwide helps Canadian and American companies develop efficient parcel delivery processes across the EU via direct import processes.
Grow your business in Europe directly from your Canadian facilities. Get cost-effective shipping options from a Canadian global expert.
Read about Jet's best in class solutions for shipping online orders direct to the EU (PDF)
Cost of shipping packages to Europe
What is the cost of shipping packages to Europe?
The cost to ship a package to Europe for occasional shippers is from around $30 for up to 4 pounds/ 2 kilograms for Canada Post parcel surface options to around $150 for up to 10 pounds/ 4.5 kilograms via a commercial carrier.
The prices below are estimates only for a general guide. Canada Post's website is a great place to start when sending to Europe from Canada. Some Eastern European destinations may cost more.
How Can I Reduce parcel delivery to costs to Europe
The first step is to make sure you are getting the maximum discount for your shipping volume and to contact competing carriers. Often, the biggest discount can be via a reseller who partners with other carriers. The best way to reduce your package delivery cost is to consolidate your packages and ship via direct air freight from YUL, YYZ or YVR.
Can I connect directly with DPD from Canada for lowest cost European Delivery
Yes, Jet Worldwide can help you set up best in class shipping processes to send direct to European countries and the UK with tracking and guaranteed no import fees to your customer. Contact our team for a consultation.
Canadian Export Declaration for Shipments to Europe
For shipments from Canada to Europe CAD 2,000 and above (or otherwise with restrictions) require a Canadian export declaration.
Read more about Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS).
Clearance of goods from Canada to Europe
CETA provides some standardization in the clearance process. This process improvements are often the most overlooked benefits of trade agreements.
Simpler processes allowing Canadian companies greater access to the EU.
An example of the improved processes is an attempt by the EU to standardize the customs sanctions across all members. Currently, there is a wide discrepancy which causes great confusion and compliance cost by Canadian exporters.
Common Items Purchased from European Consumers
According to Eurostat, the most common online purchases of goods include:
- clothes, shoes or accessories (ordered by 42% of internet users)
- cosmetics, beauty or wellness products (17%)
- furniture, home accessories or gardening products (16%)
- printed books, magazines or newspapers and sports goods (excluding sports clothing) (both 14%)
Deliveries from restaurants, fast-food chains and catering services make up around 20% but, of course, not part of cross border transactions.
These consumer goods categories that commonly import to Europe.
Shipping via Ocean freight to Europe from Canada
Transit times for containerized cargo can range but average between 1 to 2 months. This can be a challenge when building parcel flows. Yet, for unwieldy items and larger orders the much lower costs can support this business model. Major container Europe depends on the hub location. Major European ports have direct services from the East Coast (e.g., Montreal and Halifax).
Useful information: Things to know about Ocean Shipping From Canada.
LCL Sea Freight to Europe
Less than container load (LCL) is best when you start building consolidations of online orders. Allow extra transit time for the loading and de-consolidation of the container.
FCL Sea Freight from Canada to EU
Full container load (FCL) is the fastest way to ship via ocean. This can be via either 40 foot or 20 foot container.
Shipping Air versus Ocean
With the many minimum surcharges for ocean shipments, shipping smaller consignments via air is cheaper. This is especially true for door to door shipping.
Duty Free - But With VAT - online orders Canada to Europe
Consignments to Europe Union countries under €150 (around CA$220) can import duty free. VAT applies to all imports. This includes items sold on eBay, Shopify, bigcommerce, and other e-commerce platforms. Read our blog on payment of VAT for online orders that ship to Europe.
Among the main changes are provisions for online marketplaces to be deemed the "supplier." As a supplier, the online marketplace is responsible for collection of VAT for online orders of up to €150. This new process, the Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) simplifies the importation of online goods. Contact Jet's logistics team for updates on new shipping options to European Union countries.
Shipping Terms to Consider When Shipping to EU Countries
The default option for shipping internationally from Canada is delivery duty unpaid. Common carriers use the term EXW which essentially assigns all import related costs (duty, taxes, and other fees) to the receiver/ importer. Shippers from Canada can choose to pay the import fees on behalf of the receiver via a Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) options that many carriers offer. Read more: IncoTerms and shipping terms for packages and online orders.
The disadvantage of paying import fees on behalf of the receiver is that the bulk of the import fees are often from a value add tax . The importing business in the EU may otherwise be able to claim back VAT.
VAT Rules for Imports to the European Union
All goods to the EU are subject to VAT. E-commerce shipments under EUR 150 can import via One-Stop Shop (IOSS) processes. This facilitates marketplaces to charge VAT at the point of sale and remit it directly to the authorities.
IOSS Solutions
Jet Worldwide provides IOSS solutions to facilitate registration and integrate shipping direct to all the EU with low cost, tracking and no import charges to the consignee.
For details on IOSS and the otherEU’s VAT rules, Visit: Publications Office of the European Union.
"Non UK" EU Distribution
With Brexit, companies are seeking new distribution networks on the continent. Jet has warehouse and delivery solutions from our French partner to help Canadian and American companies get low cost e-commerce parcel delivery across Europe.
Canadian and US e-commerce shippers now rely on two parcel injection points: One for the UK and the other for the EU.
Jet has direct shipping solutions to both the UK and EU with prepaid VAT and Duty to ensure no charges forward to their European and British customers.
Parcel Delivery carrier options from Canada to Europe
Canadian companies shipping to France, Germany, the UK and throughout the EU often choose Canada Post for small parcels. Canada Post traditionally offers low cost delivery to Europe from Canada for small parcels under 2 kg ( "international packet").
Canada Post parcel post options to Europe: Canada Post lowest cost surface delivery is usually the lowest price available for individuals shipping to Europe from Canada. Other options include standard air and an "Xpresspost" option.
Jet Worldwide provides best in class shipping solutions with significant savings versus traditional postal options.
Best Shipping Options to Europe from Canada
Options for shipping freight between Canada and Europe include:
- Air freight: This is the fastest option with economy air options
- Ocean: Best for large commercial orders
- Canada post options are generally best for individuals shipping personal items to Europe
- FedEX , DHL, UPS air options are popular options with information readily available via their websites.
- Direct shipping of parcels to Europe to take advantage of pre-paid VAT, low value duty free threshold and CETA duty free import.
When choosing a shipping method, you will need to consider factors such as the size and weight of your freight, the time frame in which you need it to arrive, and your budget. It may be helpful to compare quotes from different carriers to find the best option for your needs.
Jet Worldwide is helps Canadian sellers ship direct to the EU. (and UK)
FedEx and UPS shipping options to Europe from Canada include:
- International air priority express shipping to Europe
- International economy air shipping to Europe from Canada
Get an international shipping rate to Europe
Canadian Shipping to European Union via Jet Worldwide
Jet Worldwide offers options for shipping between Canada and USA and the European Union and UK for parcels, pallets and online orders.
Jet's helps our Canadian and American customers register for IOSS VAT payments and connect with European parcel leader, DPD. Read our presentation (PDF) our best in class shipping to to Europe for online orders.
Consolidate your online orders and ship direct from YUL, YYZ and YVR!
Parcel Import warehousing distribution options to Europe via Jet
Jet Worldwide offers low cost shipping from Canada to Europe helping to connect Canadian businesses with Europe! Jet provides local importing and EU distribution from our Paris hub for low cost ground delivery to France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium and all the EU.
- Parcel shipping and delivery from Canada to Germany, France, Italy and the EU
- Jet offer includes: Pre-labeling, import, last mile delivery, tracking, and returns
- Parcel shipping to - and via - the UK post Brexit
- E-commerce shipping solutions
- Special handling and services to and from anywhere
Goods to EU must include an invoice for customs or other supporting documents.
Duty free import for Canada origin goods via under CETA:
The Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) does not require a formal certificate in order to obtain tariff benefits. A declaration on the invoice or any other commercial document accompanying the shipment meets the CETA requirements.
READ MORE: CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN AND ITS BENEFITS.
Of course, the country origin rules are associated with factors that determine if the product is eligible for preferential duty free treatment under CETA.
The CETA country of origin declaration has a specific wording, which is fairly straight forward (check with up to date regulations before shipping).
Understanding the difference between shipping from Canada versus Canadian Origin Goods
Best Canadian e-commerce shipping to Europe
Jet Worldwide has best in class European direct shipping solutions for Canada's leading e-commerce platforms and retailers.
Get a Quote Shipping between Canada and European Union
We are happy to help with your shipping to and from Europe. Please provide some more information about the type of goods, and whether they ship via air or sea freight? Additionally, it would be helpful to know the volume of shipments.
Jet Worldwide provides Canadian and global logistics. Our support refers to the various systems and services regarding European Canadian movement of goods. This can include things like transportation, storage facilities, and supply chain management. Our logistics support augments your team by not being beholden to a specific carrier or process.
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