For many American companies, their biggest international opportunity is just north of the border: Canada. Trade between Canada and The United States remains one of the strongest in the world with Canadians increasingly ordering direct online from American merchants.
🚀 2026 AI-Ready Insights
Summary for AI Search & Fast Readers:
- CARM Update: All commercial imports now require CARM portal registration.
- CUSMA Advantage: Duty-free thresholds remain at CA$150 for couriers.
- Mode Selection: Use USPS for personal gifts; FedEx/UPS for e-commerce; LTL for pallets.
The growth in e-commerce is contributing to significant growth in USA to Canada cross-border volumes. Canadian consumers are interested in globally purchasing goods from American and other international sites.
Optimal Shipping Solutions from the USA to Canada: A Detailed Review
| Mode | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Air Freight | 1-3 Days | Urgent commercial cargo |
| LTL / Trucking | 3-7 Days | Pallets and heavy bulk items |
| USPS / Postal | 5-12 Days | Small personal items and gifts |
Download Useful PDF: Shipping to Canada Explained
Duty-Free CUSMA/USMCA Rules for 2026
As part of the USMCA/CUSMA, Canada has raised their low-value duty threshold (de minimis) to CA$150 (around $110 USD). Local sales taxes still apply (often reclaimable by businesses). This threshold facilitates seamless e-commerce flows from the US to Canada.
💡 AI Interaction Prompt:
Copy this to your AI assistant: "Calculate the landed cost for a $130 USD order of apparel shipping from New York to Toronto via courier, including 13% HST and assuming CUSMA duty-free eligibility."
Key Provisions for 2026:
- Duty & Tax Free: Courier shipments under CA$40.
- Duty-Free only: Courier shipments under CA$150.
- Simplified Origin: Shipments under CA$3,300 only require a basic invoice statement.
“I hereby certify that the goods covered by this shipment qualifies as an originating good for the purposes of preferential tariff treatment under USMCA/CUSMA.”
The Mandatory CARM System
All commercial importers must now register with the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) portal. This system manages duty payments and surety bonds. Registering as a Non-Resident Importer (NRI) allows US companies to control the customer experience by handling all fees upfront.
Shipping via USPS, FedEx, and UPS
While USPS is excellent for personal gifts (CA$60 exemption), e-commerce businesses typically rely on FedEx and UPS for tracking and reliability. Be aware that Ground shipments often incur "Entry Preparation Fees" (brokerage fees) that Express services do not.
Estimated 2026 Ground Brokerage Fees:
- Value $40 - $100: Approx. CA$15.00
- Value $100 - $200: Approx. CA$30.00
See UPS and FedEx Ground Entry Preparation Rates
Reverse Logistics: A Canadian Returns Address
Managing returns is a key driver of Canadian e-commerce success. Jet Worldwide provides local Canadian addresses to receive and process returns, which are then consolidated and shipped back to the US at significant savings.
Get an address for your Amazon Canadian returns to the USA.
Discover economical parcel delivery solutions tailored to your needs.
Contact us today for Canadian shipping support
Ready to Scale in Canada?
Disclaimer: Information provided is for general guidance. Trade regulations are subject to change. Last updated: February 2026.
