Trade between Canada and the Czech Republic (Czechia) continues to expand, driven by the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). With lower tariffs and streamlined regulations, Canadian companies have unprecedented opportunities to grow their exports to the Czech market.
Canadian exports to Czechia exceed 180 million CAD annually, led by aerospace parts, machinery, and electronics. Conversely, Canada imports over 600 million CAD in Czech goods, including turbines, heavy construction equipment, and electric tools.
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In this Guide
Best Shipping Options to Czechia from Canada
Your ideal shipping method depends on your timeline, budget, and package size. The default commercial shipping term from Canada is often Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) or Ex Works (EXW), which determines who pays the import costs.
- Air Freight: The fastest option for large commercial shipments, offering rapid airport-to-airport or door-to-door delivery.
- Ocean Freight: The most economical choice for full container loads (FCL) or less than container loads (LCL).
- Canada Post: The best low-cost choice for individuals shipping small personal items. Packages are delivered locally by Česká pošta.
- FedEx, UPS, DHL: Ideal for urgent, trackable business parcels. They provide reliable express and economy air services.
- Jet Worldwide: We offer specialized international logistics support, low cost shipping for commercial packages, spot quotes for shipments over 10 kg. Find the best modes of transport with our team.
Customs Clearance and VAT in Czechia
The Customs Administration of the Czech Republic assesses import duties and taxes based on the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, plus Freight). Always include a detailed commercial invoice to prevent clearance delays.
Current Czech VAT Rates
Following recent tax consolidations, Czechia applies the following Value Added Tax rates to imports:
- Standard Rate (21 percent): Applies to most general goods and services.
- Reduced Rate (12 percent): Applies to specific items such as select food products, medical equipment, and children's car seats.
- Zero Rate (0 percent): Books (both physical and electronic) are entirely exempt from VAT.
CETA Duty-Free Imports
Thanks to CETA, many goods manufactured in Canada can enter Czechia duty-free. However, simply shipping an item from a Canadian address does not automatically make it exempt. Read about Canada's free trade agreements.
- The product must undergo a sufficient transformation or meet specific "Rules of Origin" thresholds within Canada.
- You must include the proper CETA origin declaration on your commercial invoice.
2026 Important Update: EU Customs for Low-Value Parcels
Starting July 1, 2026, the European Union is completely overhauling its import rules for e-commerce and small parcels. The previous duty exemption for packages valued under 150 EUR will be eliminated.
- A flat 3 EUR customs duty will apply to each distinct item category (based on tariff sub-headings) within a parcel.
- An additional 2 EUR handling fee is anticipated to roll out across the EU late 2026.
Example: If you ship a single box containing two silk blouses and four wool sweaters, they fall under two different tariff categories. You will be assessed 3 EUR for the silk category plus 3 EUR for the wool category, totalling 6 EUR in customs duties.
Shipping from Czechia to Canada
For goods traveling the other direction, you can utilize local postal options as well as commercial couriers. When importing into Canada, keep the following in mind:
- Simplified Origin Statement: For imports valued under 3,300 CAD, a formal proof of origin document is not required at the border, though importers must maintain strict records.
- CARM Portal: The CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) online portal is now mandatory for commercial importers to streamline duties, taxes, and accounting processes.
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