UK to Canada Shipping Solutions

Short version: This guide shows the cheapest ways to ship from the UK to Canada, when to use post vs. courier vs. air vs ocean freight, how Canadian import fees work, and how to use CUKTCA (and where relevant, CPTPP) for duty relief. Jet Worldwide provides low-cost parcel delivery and consultative logistics support UK ⇄ Canada.

• Best mode: post, courier, air, ocean
• Parcel options (Royal Mail, Parcelforce, couriers, Jet)
• Freight: air vs ocean, LCL/FCL, routes
• Incoterms (DDU/DDP) & cost controls
• Canadian import clearance, CLVS & CARM
• CUKTCA & CPTPP: rules of origin
• Reverse logistics (returns from Canada)
• What we need for a quote
• FAQs

Quick Facts: UK → Canada

• Cheapest for small, non-urgent parcels (≤2 kg): Royal Mail → delivered by Canada Post.
• Fastest door-to-door: Express couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS, Jet programs).
• Freight: Air for time-sensitive or <~100–200 kg; Ocean (LCL/FCL) for pallets/containers.
• Chargeable (volumetric) weight courier: (L×W×H in cm) ÷ 5000 (compare to actual kg; carrier bills the higher).
• Canadian de minimis (non-US/MX origin): many imports ≤ CAD $20 are duty/tax-exempt; couriers often clear ≤ CAD $3,300 via CLVS.

Download the UK → Canada shipping PDF (links & checklist)

Best Shipping Mode to Canada from the UK

• Post (Royal Mail): Best for individuals/small businesses shipping personal small parcels.
• Commercial couriers: Ideal for larger parcels needing tracking, speed, and brokerage support.
• Air freight: Often most economical for heavier consignments up to ~100–200 kg door-to-door.
• Ocean freight (LCL/FCL): Lowest unit cost for pallets/containers with longer lead times.

Parcel Shipping UK → Canada

Royal Mail & Parcelforce

Royal Mail is typically the lowest-cost choice for small, non-urgent parcels. Final-mile delivery in Canada is via Canada Post.

• Packets/Small parcels (≤2 kg): International Tracked (with/without signature) or International Standard (economy).
• Surface (economy): Lowest price for <30 kg, ~6–8 weeks typical. Good for non-urgent items.
• Parcelforce: Global Express (1–2 d), Global Priority (~1 week), Global Value (~2 weeks).

Note: Canada Post applies a processing fee (e.g., ~CA$10) on dutiable/taxable imports in addition to any duties/taxes.

Couriers: DHL, FedEx, UPS

• International Priority: Fastest air express.
• International Economy: Cost-optimized air.

Ship with Jet Worldwide

Leverage our carrier-neutral UK ⇄ Canada programs, negotiated capacity, and compliance support for parcels and pallets.

Related Resources

• Commercial invoice for international shipping
• Declared value, CIF & valuation for international shipping
• When to include a certificate of origin
• What is an HS code? Tariff classification basics
• Canada importer registration for CARM
• Canada export declaration (CERS): B13A
• What is a bill of lading or waybill?
• Choosing a Canadian customs broker
• Shipping via ocean freight to and from Canada
• Common CANADIAN IMPORT FEES

Freight from the UK to Canada (Air vs. Ocean)

Typical Transit Times (indicative)

• Air freight: ~3–10 days end-to-end depending on capacity/routing.
• Ocean LCL/FCL: roughly 1–3 months door-to-door based on sailings and deconsolidation.

LCL (Less-than-Container Load)

Share container space for one to several pallets. Expect extra time for consolidation/deconsolidation.

FCL (Full Container Load)

Fastest ocean option (20’/40’). Ideal when volume justifies a full box or you need tighter control.

Popular UK Ocean Gateways

• Felixstowe (largest UK container port)
• Southampton
• London (Thames facilities)
• Liverpool

Common Canadian Ports of Entry

• Montreal (Eastern Canada core gateway)
• Halifax (Atlantic gateway)
• Vancouver (Western Canada)

Air vs. Ocean: Which Is Cheaper?

After ocean minimums/surcharges, smaller freight can be cheaper by air. Rule-of-thumb: <~100–200 kg tends to price better by air; heavier consignments trend to ocean.

Shipping Terms (Incoterms): DDU vs. DDP

Most parcel moves default to DDU/EXW (consignee pays import costs: duty, taxes, fees). Many carriers offer DDP so the shipper prepays import charges.

• DDP (prepaid): Great for gifts/samples and frictionless B2C, but import taxes paid by shippers are typically not recoverable.
• DDU: Often preferred B2B so the importer can handle taxes and potential credits.

Helpful read: Incoterms for parcels & online orders

Canadian Import Clearance & Fees

All goods import through the CBSA. Include a clear commercial invoice (shipper/consignee contacts, detailed descriptions, HS codes if known, value/currency, origin, Incoterms).

Low-Value Courier Clearance (CLVS)

• Many courier shipments ≤ CAD $3,300 clear via CLVS with simplified data and faster processing.
• Most non-US/MX imports ≤ CAD $20 are duty/tax-exempt.

Common Import Fees

• Duty: Depends on HS code and origin.
• GST/HST (and provincial taxes where applicable): Usually calculated on the taxable value for duty (CIF + duty).
• Broker/carrier fees: e.g., Canada Post processing fee; courier disbursement/advancement fees.

CARM (CBSA Assessment & Revenue Management)

Importers should register on CARM and assign their broker; a surety bond (or deposit) is required for commercial entries. 

Compliance Checklist (UK → Canada)

• Importer of record (B2C vs B2B) and Business Number/importer ID for Canadian businesses
• HS classification of goods
• Health Canada approvals / product-specific permits (if applicable)
• Labeling (EN/FR) and country-of-origin marking
• Accurate valuation (see CIF and valuation)
• Proof of origin if claiming CUKTCA/CPTPP (see next section)

Note: UK export VAT is typically zero-rated for exports; ensure correct evidence of export under HMRC rules. Use EORI and CDS for formal exports as required.

Free Trade: CUKTCA (UK–Canada) & CPTPP

CUKTCA preserves core CETA benefits for UK–Canada trade. Where applicable, UK participation in CPTPP may offer alternative rules of origin. You can claim only one program per shipment—choose the most favorable for your commodity.

Rules of Origin Basics

• Wholly obtained/produced in UK/Canada
• Produced entirely from originating materials in UK/Canada
• Substantial transformation in UK/Canada (tariff-shift and/or regional value content) when using non-originating inputs

Proof of Origin & Low-Value Relief

• For many Canadian FTAs, shipments ≤ CAD $3,300 may not require formal proof of origin at time of import; the importer must keep records and present upon request. Confirm current CBSA policy before shipping.
• Higher values: include a certification of origin (can be on the commercial invoice or separate) with minimum data elements (certifier, parties, goods/HS, origin criterion, dates/signature).

Reverse Logistics: Returns from Canada to the UK

Yes—Jet Worldwide supports UK retailers with Canadian returns programs to cut costs and improve CX.

Program Options

• Prepaid labels + RMA: Portal-based label creation with RMA embedded on label/docs.
• Drop-off & pickups: Canada-wide drop points; scheduled pickups for volume.
• Consolidation: Weekly or custom consolidations to UK gateways to reduce per-unit cost.

Documentation & Duty Relief

• Use a commercial invoice marked “Returned goods” with original order/reference, detailed descriptions, HS code, realistic customs value (avoid “no value”).
• Work with your broker on potential drawback/re-import relief (where available).

Talk to our team about setting up a Canada→UK returns flow (labels, consolidation, brokerage, SLAs).

Shipping UK → USA via Canada

Some sellers use Canada as a North American hub to reach the USA. Whether direct or via Canada, ensure the shipment meets U.S. de minimis (Section 321) and platform/importer requirements. Read more about Section 321

Information Needed for a UK → Canada Shipping Quote

• Pickup & delivery postcodes; business/residential delivery
• Pieces, dimensions (L×W×H) & weight per piece; contents & HS codes (if known)
• Declared value (currency), origin, Incoterms (DDU/DDP)
• Preferred mode (post/courier/air/ocean) & target delivery window
• Whether you’ll claim CUKTCA or CPTPP and who will certify

FAQs: Shipping from the UK to Canada

What’s the cheapest way to send a small parcel?

Royal Mail is typically the lowest cost for small, non-urgent parcels—final delivery by Canada Post.

How long does shipping take?

Express couriers can be 2–5 business days; economy air freight ~1–2 weeks; ocean commonly 1–3 months door-to-door depending on sailings.

Do I pay duty and tax in Canada?

Many non-US/MX imports ≤ CAD $20 are duty/tax-exempt. Otherwise, duty (HS/ origin-based) and GST/HST may apply. Couriers often clear ≤ CAD $3,300 via CLVS.

CUKTCA vs. CPTPP—what should I claim?

Only one can be used per shipment. Choose the agreement with the most favorable rule of origin for your product. Confirm current eligibility and documentation.

What documents do I need?

Commercial invoice (contacts, detailed description, HS if known, value, origin, Incoterms), packing list (if multiple items), permits (if needed), and proof of origin when claiming FTA benefits.

How do couriers calculate weight?

Couriers bill the higher of actual vs. volumetric weight: (L×W×H in cm) ÷ 5000.

Can you handle returns from Canada?

Yes—Jet Worldwide provides prepaid labels, local drop-offs, and consolidated returns to UK gateways.

Disclaimer: Information here is general and may change. Confirm requirements with your carrier, customs broker, and the relevant authorities in the UK and Canada.