At a Glance: 2026 Shipping Benchmarks
Note for individuals shipping small personal packages and produce returns to China, we recommend Canada Post. For commercial shipments and heavy weights, contact our team.
| Service Mode | Best For | Transit Time | Est. Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada Post Surface | Personal returns / Small items | 2–4 Months | $35 - $60 |
| Jet Priority Air | Machinery parts & Time-sensitive | 4–7 Days | $180 - $250+ |
| Direct eCommerce (9610) | Vitamins, Apparel, B2C | 7–12 Days | Volume Based |
*Costs reflect 1kg-5kg samples. Jet Worldwide does not ship personal effects to China.
2026 eCommerce Direct-to-Consumer Models
China remains the world's largest consumer market. To succeed, Canadian brands like Arc’teryx or vitamin suppliers must choose between two primary import models:
9610 Model (B2C Express)
Ideal for high-frequency parcel shipping. Requires transaction data, payment info, and shipping logs to be pushed to China’s single trade window. Tax Rate: ~9.1% for most items.
Personal Items (Simplified)
Limit of 1,000 RMB per package. Duty-free if assessed tax is under 50 RMB. Ideal for low-volume gifts or samples, but subject to 13%, 20%, or 50% postal tax rates.
Prohibited and Restricted: The "Positive List"
In 2026, China's Ministry of Finance continues to enforce a Positive List for eCommerce. If your product (e.g., specific health supplements or specialized electronics) is not on the list, it cannot clear under the 9.1% tax rate.
Dry Ice and Biomedical Solutions
Shipping frozen food samples or life-science materials? We provide Dry Ice (UN1845) shipping with specialized thermal packaging to maintain integrity throughout the China customs process.
Request a Cold Chain QuoteTop Carrier Options: Canada to China
- Canada Post: Best for single-item returns and individuals. Connects to China Post for final delivery.
- FedEx / UPS: Reliable for business-to-business (B2B) samples. Note: Formal entry required for goods over 5,000 RMB.
- Jet Worldwide: 40+ years of logistics. We offer cross-border eCommerce consolidation and support for the CBSA CARM portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to ship to China?
Canada Post Surface is the lowest cost but takes 2–4 months. For commercial orders, economy air freight via Jetship is the most cost-effective tracked option.
What is a CR Code?
A CR Code (Customs Registration) is required for all Chinese importers. Shippers must ensure their receiver is registered with Chinese customs before sending.
