Shipping Airfreight and ocean to Canada from China

Although the vast majority of shipments from China are sent via ocean freight, we get many inquiries from Canadian customers who are looking for air freight cargo options from China. Shipping China to Canada options. Canadian companies depend on airfreight for higher value items, product samples and for urgent supplies.

Parcel shipping from China to Canada for samples and urgent orders can be shipped via air express.

For a reliable delivery and value delivery service, contact our team to get a shipping quote.

Experts estimated that less than 10% of cargo volume from China to Canada is sent via air cargo. Shipments sent via air freight from China to Canada are more time sensitive. Also, airfreight shipments from China tend be more valuable (as measured by value per kg).

Air freight is most often used for high value and high density cargo. Product categories most often sent include electronics, jewelry, aerospace parts (a big demand in Quebec), and other high value products.
Many Canadian companies request to have a small “sample portion” first sent by air freight from China. This enables testing of product specifications and quality and to meet initial demand before approving a larger order via ocean.

Note: Even the most competitive air freight quote will always be (much) more expensive than sea freight

At Jet, we most often recommend that companies continue with their ocean freight processes for the majority of their shipments. Our air freight services from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan are meant to supplement and support the sea freight supply chain.

Disclaimer: The information in Jet Worldwide online content, including this post, is for general information only.

Best options for shipping freight to Canada from China. Some options include:

Air freight: This is the fastest option, but it can be expensive.
Ocean freight: For large commercial orders.
Canada Post options are generally best for individuals shipping small packages and personal items to Canada
FedEX and UPS ground and air options are well known with information readily available via their websites.

Export Reporting Requirements from China

Be aware that your supplier from China will needs to meet export requirements. These include having a customs invoice, power of attorney POA, and packing list. The currency used in the transaction (usually either RMB, CAD or USD) must be defined in the declaration.

jet-secure-ship-vector Jet Worldwide gives access to all companies seeking shipping quotes between China and Canada for parcels pallets, and online orders.

For a quote for shipping online orders, regular volumes and logistics support; provide details including shipping volume, item(s) being shipped, average value and weight of each parcel.

See rate request form at the end of this post.

Rates from your Chinese supplier vs. airfreight quote from China to Canada with Jet

We get many requests from Canadian companies whose Chinese supplier manages the shipping but they want to confirm they have a competitive cost. Many Canadian companies prefer to have control of the costs and processes and purchase the items under EXW terms.

Incoterm: EXW?
Many transactions in China have the shipping term: EXW which essentially means that the Canadian buyer has to arrange for transport from China to Canada.
EXW (Ex Works) is an international trade term which means all other transportation costs and risks are assumed by the buyer

Rates for shipping via Ocean from China to Canada with Jet

Contact our team for an ocean freight shipment from China to Canada.

Overseas shipping options import export Canada graphic

“Chargeable weight”: Weight versus Volume

Air cargo price calculation when importing from China to Canada

An important item to consider is the impact of the size of a shipment versus its weight. Space on an aircraft is considered as much a cost as the actual weight of the shipment.

Large “low density” cargo is charged at “volume weight” rather than actual weight.

As is the case for all airfreight shipments, carriers have developed formulas for equating the size of a shipment (cubic units) with the weight of the shipment (Kilograms). In the case of a large “low density” shipment, the “volume weight” will be charged (rather than the actual weight).

CBM = Cubic Meters

The term CBM is used often in shipping documents and rate quotes.

Steps to determine volume weight:

Take the Length, Width and Height of the shipment in meters (or in centimetres and divide by 100).
Multiply the Length x Width x Height = size in cubic meters
Multiply the cubic meters (obtained in step 2) by the “volume factor” (provided by the carrier)

Book a shipment, get a quote.... or get some answers from Jet's experts! Contact our team for a confidential review on sending shipments from China to Canada.

Duty and taxes in Canada for shipments sent from China

Parcels imported from China to Canada are subject to Canadian duty and taxes. Most parcels valued under $20 CAD can be imported free of duty and taxes. Parcels valued under $3,300 CAD from China can be imported via Canadian customs low value shipment / LVS express clearance processes.

Other things to consider when shipping to Canada include:

Importer of record: The importer of record includes having to obtain an importer number. If to direct to consumers, the consumer can be the importer of record
Federal and provincial sales taxes (read about Canadian import fees)
Provincial licenses may be required even if selling direct to consumers
Health Canada approvals for related products
Safe Foods for Canadians Act certifications for some food items
Tariff classification for all imports (read more about HS Codes)
Country of Origin must be declared for all imports
Valuation is an important part of the declaration to the CBSA (read more about valuation)
Labeling for goods to Canada may require both French and English