Complete Guide: Shipping from Taiwan to Canada (Costs, Customs & Best Options)

Written by Timothy Byrnes | September 29, 2016

Costs, Customs and Best Shipping Options Taian to Canada

Taiwan is one of Canada’s most important Asian trade partners, with over $7 billion in annual merchandise trade. Key sectors include aerospace, ICT, seafood, biotechnology, and clean energy. As Canadian companies diversify supply chains, demand for cost-effective shipping from Taiwan to Canada continues to rise.

Factors That Impact Taiwan to Canada Shipping Costs

The total cost depends on:

Size and weight of the shipment (volume weight vs actual weight)
Mode of transport (air freight, ocean freight, courier, or postal)
Destination in Canada (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, etc.)
Declared value and HS codes (affects customs duty)

Tip: Read more about chargeable weight to optimize packaging costs.

Cheapest Shipping from Taiwan to Canada

For personal parcels, Chunghwa Post (Taiwan Post) + Canada Post offers the most affordable options. For business shipments, economy air and sea freight provide better scalability.

Did you know? Most shipments under CA$20 import to Canada duty and tax free. Parcels under CA$3,300 qualify for Low Value Shipment clearance (LVS).

Air Freight vs Ocean Freight from Taiwan

Air Freight

Fastest (3–7 days)
Best for consignments under 100 kg
Carriers: FedEx, UPS, DHL

Ocean Freight

Most economical for heavy cargo over 500 kg
Transit: 1–2 months via Kaohsiung or Taipei to Vancouver
Options: LCL (shared container) or FCL (full container)

Read our guide on Canadian ocean freight options »

Customs Clearance for Imports from Taiwan

All shipments require a commercial invoice
Duties assessed based on HS codes and CIF value
Taiwan VAT = 5% (applied on all imports)
Canadian importers must register in CARM system

Managing Returns from Canada to Taiwan

Cross-border e-commerce requires an efficient reverse logistics solution. Jet Worldwide helps retailers manage Canadian returns to Taiwan with simplified processes.

See our video: International Shipping to Canada

Get a Shipping Quote Taiwan ⇄ Canada

Partner with Jet Worldwide

Our experts provide personalized support to ensure your shipments are classified correctly, delivered on time, and fully compliant.

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FAQ: Shipping from Taiwan to Canada

What is the cheapest way to ship from Taiwan to Canada?

The lowest-cost option for small parcels is via Chunghwa Post surface shipping and small packet service. For businesses and when better tracking is necessary, courier shipping is the most popular option. Air freight is the best solution for shipment up to and around 200 kg. For sending several pallets and large bulk shipments, sea freight is the best option.

How long does shipping from Taiwan to Canada take?

Air freight takes 3–7 business days. Sea freight averages 1–2 months depending on vessel schedules and port congestion. Shipments via the post can take around 1 month via surface options and around 2 weeks for air options.

Do Canadian imports from Taiwan qualify for duty free?

Some goods may qualify under Canadian trade programs, but in general, shipments under CA$20 are duty/tax free. Goods must meet origin and valuation rules to claim special tariffs.

What shipping documents are required when shipping Taiwan to Canada

While there may be some requirements for your specific commodity, the basic documents necessary include a bill of lading/ waybill, packing list (for export from Taiwan), and commercial invoice.

Taiwan Post vs FedEx/UPS vs Ocean Freight: Which is Best for You?

In general, here are our guidelines for shipping:

Taiwan Post: Best for individuals shipping personal packages and the occasional e-commerce order.
FedEx, UPS, DHL (Jet Worldwide): Best for commercial packages up to around 100 -200 kilograms
Airfreight: Shipping air via a freight forwarder is often best for shipments of over 100 kilograms
Ocean Freight: The lowest cost for packages via ocean is via Taiwan Post. Commercial sea freight shipments is the absolute lowest cost when sending several pallets and large bulk cargo.

Download PDF presentation: Shipping from Taiwan to Canada

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