Quick Summary: Shipping from the USA to Canada requires a strategic approach to customs. By leveraging the USMCA (CUSMA) agreement, becoming a Non-Resident Importer (NRI), and optimizing reverse logistics, US brands can sell to Canadians as easily as they sell to customers in California.
Jump to Section:
USMCA Duty Benefits NRI Advantage Reverse Logistics Carrier ComparisonExpert FAQ Additional Helpful ResourcesThe USMCA (known as CUSMA in Canada) modernized cross-border trade. However, the benefits depend entirely on the shipping mode. The higher duty-free thresholds apply specifically to Courier / Express shipments, not standard mail. The duty free threshold for non-courier shipments to Canada is $20.
| Value (CAD) | Customs Duty | Sales Tax (GST/HST) | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $40 | FREE | FREE | No tax or duty collected. |
| $40 to $150 | FREE | Applicable | Duty-free, but GST/HST applies on value over $40. |
| Over $150 | Applicable* | Applicable | *Duty is 0% if goods are "US Origin" (Certified). |
For shipments valued under CA$3,300, you do not need a formal certificate. A simple statement on your Commercial Invoice is sufficient:
"I hereby certify that the goods covered by this shipment qualify as originating for the purposes of preferential tariff treatment under USMCA/CUSMA."
Below is a format to copy and paste directly onto your commercial invoice or separate sheet.
There is no official "form." However, you must provide the following 9 Minimum Data Elements:
1. Certifier Type: (Importer, Exporter, or Producer)
2. Certifier Name & Details: (Name, Title, Address, Phone, Email)
3. Exporter Name & Details: (If different from certifier)
4. Producer Name & Details: (Can state "Available upon request")
5. Importer Name & Details
6. Description of Goods & HS Code: (6-digit level)
7. Origin Criteria: (e.g., A, B, C, or D)
8. Blanket Period: (If applicable, max 12 months)
9. Signature & Date:
"I certify that the goods described in this document qualify as originating and the information contained herein is true and accurate. I assume responsibility for proving such representations and agree to maintain and present upon request or to make available during a verification visit, documentation necessary to support this certification."
Many US brands struggle with high cart abandonment rates because Canadian buyers fear surprise fees at delivery. The solution is the Non-Resident Importer (NRI) program.
An NRI is a US-based company that registers with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to act as the "Importer of Record."
Note: Becoming an NRI requires registering for a Canadian Business Number, collecting GST/HST, and registering for CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management).
Getting goods into Canada is half the battle. Getting them back is often harder. Canadian consumers expect easy returns, and US sellers need a cost-effective way to retrieve inventory.
Most US carriers charge full international rates for individual return labels. Furthermore, Amazon FBA Canada will not ship removal orders back to a US address.
Jet Worldwide provides a Canadian return address (in Montreal or Toronto) for your customers or Amazon FBA removals.
Read more about Reverse Logistics from Canada
Balancing speed against the "Entry Preparation Fee" (brokerage fee) is critical for US exporters.
| Carrier | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPS (Mail) | Personal / Light parcels | Low cost, often avoids random customs checks. | Poor tracking, slower transit, no DDP option. |
| FedEx / UPS Ground | Regional Shipping | Reliable tracking. | Brokerage Entry Preparation Fees charged to receiver unless you ship via "Brokerage Inclusive" service. |
| Jet Worldwide | parcels to pallets | DDP Services, NRI support, and Reverse Logistics. | Best for commercial volumes rather than personal shipments |
Yes. If you are importing commercial goods into Canada (acting as the NRI), you must register in the CARM Client Portal to pay duties and taxes.
Can I ship returns back to the USA duty-free?Yes. If the goods are "US Goods Returned," they can re-enter the USA duty-free. However, you must provide proof that the goods were originally exported from the US (using form 3311 or similar evidence).
What is the difference between duties and taxes?Duties are tariffs based on the commodity (HS Code) and origin. Taxes (GST/HST) are consumption taxes based on the destination province. Even if an item is duty-free under USMCA, it is rarely tax-free.
From NRI registration to managing Amazon Canada returns, Jet Worldwide acts as your trusted partner north of the border.
Get a Canadian Logistics Quote