Vietnam’s rapidly expanding economy offers Canadian businesses strong opportunities—both as a supplier base and a fast-growing consumer market. Trade between Canada and Vietnam is boosted by the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which allows duty-free import of qualifying Canadian-origin goods.
Quick Take: Canadian exporters and importers benefit from new low-cost logistics options. This guide covers shipping from Canada to Vietnam—including transit times, carriers, CPTPP eligibility, customs clearance, and estimated rates.
Top Shipping Methods from Canada to Vietnam
Several transport options exist for Canadian companies sending goods to Vietnam. The ideal service depends on urgency, cost, and shipment size.
- Air freight – Fastest for time-sensitive goods with door-to-door tracking.
- Ocean freight – Best for large commercial orders or full container loads (FCL / LCL).
- Courier services – Global carriers (FedEx, DHL, UPS) offer reliable express delivery.
- Canada Post – Typically lowest-cost for parcels under 5 kg or personal shipments.
Jet Worldwide has been a trusted international shipping partner for over 40 years. Contact our logistics team for commercial rates or bulk pricing.
Guide Highlights
- Best carrier choices & transit expectations
- Air vs ocean freight explained
- Canadian export declaration (CERS) process
- Key Incoterms (DDP, DAP, EXW) for international trade
- Vietnam customs & CPTPP duty-free qualification
- Approximate shipping cost table + interactive estimator
Disclaimer: Information provided here is general in nature. Always verify rates and requirements with your carrier and importer.
Transit Times from Canada to Vietnam
- Air courier: 3–7 business days door-to-door
- Air freight: 5–10 days airport-to-airport + handling
- Ocean freight: 30–60 days depending on routing and port conditions
Transit times may vary due to seasonal demand, capacity limits, or customs delays.
Finding the Cheapest Shipping Option
For personal parcels, Canada Post remains the most affordable under 5 kg. Business shippers benefit by comparing air courier for speed against ocean freight for heavy goods. Explore Canadian ocean freight strategies here.
Tips to Reduce International Shipping Costs
- Book sea freight early to lock lower rates and space.
- Minimize dimensions to reduce chargeable weight.
- Ship off-peak to avoid holiday or Q4 surcharges.
- Use accurate HS codes and claim CPTPP preference when eligible.
When to Choose Air Freight vs Ocean
Air freight delivers speed and less handling risk; ocean is ideal for large volumes over 200 kg. Your decision depends on deadline, cargo value, and budget.
Canadian Export Requirements for Vietnam
Shipments valued at CAD 2,000 or more —or any restricted goods—require a Canadian Export Declaration through the Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS).
Understanding Incoterms
International shipments commonly use Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU / DAP), meaning the consignee pays import taxes. Carriers like FedEx and UPS offer Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) services when the shipper pays import charges upfront. See our Incoterms Guide for details.
Import fees paid by the shipper are generally non-recoverable, though importing businesses may reclaim input VAT where eligible.
Get a Canadian Address for Forwarding to Vietnam
MyUS-Style Forwarding from Canada
Want to shop North American brands and forward to Vietnam without a U.S. address? A Canadian forwarding service offers access to Canadian retailers and exclusive products while benefiting from CPTPP duty-free provisions.
Avoid U.S. export limitations and ship under CPTPP preferential tariffs via Canada.
Carrier Options for Shipping from Canada to Vietnam
1. Canada Post International Services
Canada Post delivers via Vietnam Post for last-mile service.
- Small Packet International (Air / Surface)
- International Parcel Surface – low cost, uncertain timing
- Xpresspost International – approx. 2 weeks delivery
2. FedEx and UPS Canada
Major carriers offer express and economy delivery to Vietnam with tracking and brokerage support.
- International Priority / Express to Vietnam
- International Economy Air to Vietnam
3. Purolator International
Purolator (part of Canada Post) provides international delivery via partner networks such as UPS for Vietnam shipments.
4. Jet Worldwide
Best in Class Global Logistics for over 40 years.
Shipping by Ocean Freight from Canada to Vietnam
Sea freight remains the most cost-efficient option for large or heavy shipments. Canadian exporters can book FCL (full container load) or LCL (less than container load) service depending on volume.
FCL — Full Container Load
FCL (Full Container Load) is ideal for shipping large commercial orders in 20- or 40-foot containers. A flat rate applies regardless of whether the container is fully packed, making it the most economical option for bulk shipments.
LCL — Less Than Container Load
LCL shipments are consolidated with other cargo to fill a container. Perfect for 1–6 pallets of goods that do not require an entire container. Transit time is slightly longer because of consolidation and de-consolidation processes.
Air Cargo Cost per Kg from Vietnam to Canada
Air cargo provides fast transit with lower handling fees. While rates per kg are higher than ocean freight, shipments under ≈ 200 kg can still be cheaper overall due to minimal surcharges and faster turnover.
The optimal mode depends on your shipment’s weight, dimensions, and urgency. Use the calculator below to estimate costs for shipments from Canada to Vietnam.
Customs Clearance for Canadian Goods to Vietnam
When importing into Vietnam, ensure compliance with all regulations before shipping. Typical requirements include:
- Import license (if applicable)
- Commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading / air waybill
- Accurate declared value for CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight)
Vietnamese customs calculates duty based on the CIF value and the product’s HS code.
- Shipments valued under VND 1 000 000 (~ CAD 50) usually clear duty-free.
- VAT (10 %) applies on all imports — even those that qualify for CPTPP duty-free status.
DUTY-FREE ≠ TAX-FREE. The CPTPP removes import duties but not VAT.
CPTPP Duty-Free Shipping to Vietnam from Canada
The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) allows preferential tariff treatment for eligible goods traded between member countries. Canada and Vietnam are both members, making duty-free imports possible when rules of origin are met.
Proof of Origin for CPTPP
The key to CPTPP benefits is proving that goods originate in a member country. Simply shipping from Canada does not qualify if the goods were produced elsewhere.
Learn more in our guide: Understanding Country of Origin Rules.
Goods qualify as originating if:
- They are wholly produced or obtained in a CPTPP country using originating materials; or
- They undergo sufficient production in a CPTPP country that changes their tariff classification or value composition.
Certificate of Origin for CPTPP Shipments
Shipments valued under USD 1,000 do not require formal proof of origin. However, exporters should still include a simple certifying statement on the invoice or as a separate document.
For larger shipments, a CPTPP Certificate of Origin is required. The certificate may be completed by the importer, exporter, or producer and must include these data elements:
- Certifier type (importer, exporter, or producer)
- Name and contact of certifier
- Name and contact of exporter (if different)
- Name and contact of producer (if different)
- Name and contact of importer
- Goods description + HS Tariff Classification
- Origin criterion and blanket period (if applicable)
- Signature and date
Certificates must be signed and dated by the certifier.
Refer to Annex 3-B of the CPTPP agreement for minimum data requirements. Download our International Shipping Guide (PDF) for examples.
Data Needed for CPTPP Duty-Free Eligibility
Include a Certificate of Origin or invoice statement to help customs determine eligibility. This supports compliance and simplifies clearance under CPTPP.
Learn more in our blog: Understanding Certificates of Origin for CPTPP Trade.
Clearance of Shipments from Vietnam to Canada
Goods shipped from Vietnam to Canada follow Canadian import regulations under CBSA. Most shipments under CAD $20 are duty- and tax-free. Imports under CAD $3,300 can be cleared under the Courier Low Value Shipment (CLVS) program.
Vietnam-origin goods may qualify for duty-free entry under CPTPP if proof of origin is provided.
- Up to CAD $20: duty and tax free
- Over CAD $20: duty and tax apply
For imports valued ≤ CAD $3,300, a statement of origin on the invoice is acceptable. For larger shipments, formal proof is required. See CBSA’s Origin of Goods page for details.
Ocean Freight and Air Comparison Summary
Air Courier vs Sea Freight: For personal shipments and urgent business samples, air is best. For containers and large commercial orders, ocean freight is most economical.
Less Than Container Load (LCL)
Choose LCL for palletized freight where space is shared with other exporters. Transit takes longer due to loading and consolidation.
Full Container Load (FCL)
Best for high-volume shipments needing dedicated containers. Transit 1–2 months depending on route.
Explore Canadian ocean freight details here.
Estimated Shipping Rates from Canada to Vietnam
Note: Personal shipments under 5 kg are best shipped through the local post (Canada Post). For commercial shipments, contact our team for an official quotation. The following rates are approximate estimates only (in CAD).
| Weight (kg) | Estimated Rate (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $151.20 |
| 2 | $178.40 |
| 3 | $205.60 |
| 4 | $232.80 |
| 5 | $260.00 |
| 6 | $287.20 |
| 7 | $314.40 |
| 8 | $341.60 |
| 9 | $368.80 |
| 10 | $396.00 |
| 11 | $423.20 |
| 12 | $450.40 |
| 13 | $477.60 |
| 14 | $504.80 |
| 15 | $532.00 |
| 16 | $559.20 |
| 17 | $586.40 |
| 18 | $613.60 |
| 19 | $640.80 |
| 20 | $668.00 |
| 21 | $695.20 |
| 22 | $722.40 |
| 23 | $749.60 |
| 24 | $776.80 |
| 25 | $804.00 |
| 26 | $831.20 |
| 27 | $858.40 |
| 28 | $885.60 |
| 29 | $912.80 |
| 30 | $940.00 |
Actual cost vary by carrier, service type, market rate for fuel and delivery address.
Interactive Shipping Cost Estimator (Canada → Vietnam)
Personal shipments under 5 kg are best shipped via the local post. For commercial rates, contact our team. These are approximate estimates only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Shipping from Canada to Vietnam
How long does shipping take?
Air courier deliveries typically take 3–7 business days. Sea freight shipments average 30–60 days depending on vessel routing, port congestion, and customs clearance.
What’s the cheapest way to send a small parcel to Vietnam?
Canada Post offers the most economical service for parcels under 5 kg. For heavier or commercial shipments, Jet Worldwide and major carriers provide better value.
Can CPTPP eliminate VAT in Vietnam?
No. While CPTPP removes duties on qualifying goods, Vietnam’s 10% VAT still applies to all imports.
What documents are needed for export to Vietnam?
Exporters should include a commercial invoice, packing list, and air waybill or bill of lading. Shipments over CAD 2,000 require filing under CERS.
