The term country of origin can mean two different things in cross-border shipping: (1) where the goods are manufactured/produced and (2) the country they are shipped from. Each affects duties, taxes, admissibility, documentation, and overall landed cost when importing to or exporting from Canada. This guide explains the differences and how Canada’s FTAs apply.
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For the purposes of cross border shipping, country of origin most often refers to where the goods were manufactured, grown, raised or extracted.
The concept of Country of Origin - or "originating goods" - are defined in CUSMA and all Free Trade Agreements. Each agreement outlines how goods can qualify for duty free import.
Why this distinction matters: Origin can determine duty rates, eligibility for FTAs, admissibility, quotas, and marking. Shipping-from location rarely decides the duty rate—but can affect programs, thresholds, and operational routing.
Read more about Canadian import fees and duty calculation
READ MORE: UNDERSTANDING A CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN
Rules of origin determine if goods qualify for preferential (often duty-free) treatment under Canada’s FTAs. They specify how much originating content and what production processes are required.
View PDF: Understanding Country of Origin
General rules look at originating materials, production processes, and value percentages across many products.
Sector-specific rules define tighter requirements for sensitive sectors:
To claim preferences, you’ll typically need a certificate/statement of origin, plus supporting documents such as invoices, bills of lading, and process/inputs evidence. Start early—confirm requirements before shipping.
Landed cost is the sum of transportation, duties, taxes, brokerage, surcharges, and operational fees required to deliver the shipment.
Tip: Ask Jet Worldwide to run a pre-shipment landed-cost estimate using your HS code, origin, value, province of import, and service level.
Most countries benefit from Canada’s MFN tariffs. Exceptions (e.g., sanctioned or suspended) can face special measures. Confirm status and any permit/quota rules before shipping.
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FAQs: Country of Origin & Shipping to/from Canada
Usually no. Duty primarily follows the country of origin (where the product was made or substantially transformed). Shipping-from location affects logistics and programs but rarely sets the duty rate.
Your product must meet the agreement’s rules of origin (e.g., regional value content or tariff shift). You’ll need a statement/certificate of origin and supporting documentation.
Keep bills of materials, supplier declarations, process evidence, invoices, bills of lading, and the origin statement/certificate.
Yes. Jet Worldwide can estimate duty/tax using HS code, origin, and value, and include brokerage and common surcharges to present a total landed cost at quote time.
Yes—e.g., sanctioned or special-measures jurisdictions, certain quotas/permits, and operational thresholds tied to regional programs. Confirm route and compliance early.