International Shipping from Canada with Jet Worldwide

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How to Export and Ship Goods from Canada (Video)

Key Elements for Shipping International Orders from Canada

Shipping internationally requires attention to shipping costs, import duties, and proper documentation. Key elements include:

  1. Detailed shipper and receiver addresses with contact information
  2. Package dimensions (height, length, width) and weight
  3. Commercial invoice outlining goods being shipped and value

International shipments usually travel by air, which often results in higher chargeable weight compared to domestic shipping.

Jet Worldwide helps businesses develop logistics expertise to improve the buyer’s experience, streamline processes, and expand global reach.

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Canadian Export Regulations

Exporting from Canada requires declaring your items using the Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS). For most (i.e. non-restricted) shipments, a shipment valued over $2,000 CAD require a CERS. Shipments to the USA do not require a CERS (if not otherwise restricted).

For more detailed guidance, download our Complete International Shipping Guide (PDF).

Elements Necessary for International Shipments

The key element for international (versus domestic) shipping is providing the correct product details. We recommend describing the product in broad terms including the intended use. As well as specific details such as material content. The other element to include is the country of origin. This refers to where the goods were made, not from where they ship.

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Describing Your Item(s)

Use precise descriptions to avoid delays. For industry-specific items, explain details such as condition, materials, or usage.

Including the Harmonized Code for Export

The product description forms the basis for assigning the tariff classification or harmonize code (HS Code system). This system is maintained by the World Customs Organization but keep in mind that each country has their own version. The classification for export from Canada is not necessarily the same for import to the destination country. Reference the Harmonized System (HS) Code.

Declaring Item Value

The most commonly accepted value with amount paid or payable for the goods. Always itemize - and include - the cost of shipping and insurance. The importing country may consider shipping cost as part of the value for duty. There are other factors to consider such as when there is no commercial transaction (for example sending samples) or the inter-company transfer of goods. For guidance, see Declared Value, CIF, and Valuation.

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Shipping Samples, Warranty Parts, and Used Goods

All items must have a declared value. Start with the transaction value of similar items. For high-value commodities, consult a specialist or use official valuation methods here.

Shipping Options from Canada

The first thing to consider is which mode of shipping is best. For small personal shipments, the local postal options are usually best. Commercial and heavier packages benefit the most from courier shipping. Across North America, trucking is recommended for shipping pallets and large bulk commodities. Sea freight is best for bulk shipments shipping overseas.

  • Canada Post – personal and small e-commerce shipments
  • Courier (FedEx, UPS, DHL) – commercial shipments with tracking
  • Truckload – for USA/Mexico shipments
  • Sea Freight – for LCL or FCL overseas shipments

shipping-modes-to-from-canada-jetship-graphic

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Air vs. Ocean Shipping

Shipments under around 200kg are usually cheaper by air. Heavier shipments benefit from ocean freight due to lower costs per kg. Ocean has a much lower cost per kg but also has many surcharges (with minimums). These surcharges make it less cost effective for smaller shipments.

Canadian Free Trade Agreements

With the exceptions being China, Brazil andIndia, Canada has free trade agreements / FTAs with virtually all leading economies. Among the 30+ countries are European Union countries, the UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, USA and Mexico. The key advantage is duty free access for goods that qualify as being of Canadian origin. Note that just shipping goods from Canada does not qualify them as originating under a free trade agreement. free trade benefits for your  business here.

PDF Guide Download

Download our Complete Guide that accompanies our popular video of shipping from Canada: (PDF accompanying video)

Shipping via Canada Post

Canada Post international services are ideal for personal shipments or small e-commerce. Their small packet option works for low-volume shipments. Canada post international surface offers the lowest cost for individuals shipping internationally from Canada.

Canada Post office in a small Canadian town handling export shipments

Shipping via Truck, Air, or Ocean

Trucking to the USA and Mexico averages ~1 week. Air shipments are ideal for less than around 200kg, while ocean freight is cost-efficient for heavier shipments.

Read more about Canadian ocean freight or LTL trucking.

International E-Commerce Shipping

For occasional e-commerce shipments, Canada Post is usually the best option. The best way to reach large markets such as Europe and the UK is build consolidations. Using air freight and single entry brokerage processes, companies can benefit from the lowest cost delivery. Online orders may qualify for duty-free entry depending on value and destination. See VAT requirements for UK and EU shipments.

Country of Origin and Free Trade Agreements

Goods originating in Canada may benefit from preferential duty free import to a country sharing an FTA with Canada. These shipments must be accompanied by a certificate of origin. Learn about Country of Origin rules for duty-free access. For the purposes of a free trade agreement, the country of origin refers to where the goods were made. Not from where they were shipped.

Export and Import Clearance

See section above on Canada's exportreporting requirement from Canada. Keep in mind that the goods you are shipping from Canada will be subject to import clearance in the destination country. It is best to check with the consignee or your customer regarding the customs invoice address code and product description you will use when shipping.

Frequently Asked Questions: Shipping from Canada

1. What documents are required to export goods from Canada?

Every international shipment requires a Bill of Lading or Waybill and a commercial invoice. Additional paperwork may include a Canadian Export Declaration (CERS) and a certificate of origin or COO to benefit from Free Trade Agreements.

2. What is an HS Code and why is it important?

The Harmonized System (HS) code classifies products for customs worldwide and determines duties, taxes, and other regulatory requirements.

3. What’s the difference between air freight and ocean freight from Canada?

Air freight is faster and often cost-effective for shipments under ~200kg. Ocean freight is better for larger, heavier shipments due to lower cost per kilogram.

4. Can Canada Post handle international e-commerce shipments?

Yes. Canada Post offers international small packet and tracked packet services—ideal for individuals and small e-commerce businesses.

5. Do Free Trade Agreements reduce shipping costs?

A free trade agreement does not reduce shipping cost. They can, however, reduce the amount of duty paid by the person or company you are sending to. Canada’s FTAs (e.g., CETA, CPTPP, USMCA) can reduce or eliminate duties on qualifying goods.

6. How do I declare the value of my shipment?

The most accepted declared value is the price paid or payable for the goods. This is called the transaction value. Always include the cost of shipping and insurance separately. Declare the Ensure an accurate transaction value.

7. How can Jetship Worldwide help

As witnessed by this post and our extensive online resources, we consult with companies to help them find the best shipping solutions. This includes recommending services other than what we may / or may not offer.

Jet Worldwide delivery van on Canadian city route export shipping

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Canada has trade agreements with most of the world's major economies. The good news is that Canada’s newest Free Trade Agreements make declaring a Country of Origin much easier by allowing the Certification of Origin to be included on the shipping paperwork. The ability to ship Canada Origin goods to over 30 major economies duty-free is a major competitive advantage for Canadian Companies. If you’re a Small Business Shipping Internationally, getting familiar with the available Free Trade Agreements can make it easier to reach foreign markets and can save your international customer import duty (and ultimately lower the cost of your product). Learn more about Shipping from Canada to other parts of the world, as well as Importing into Canada.

Jet Worldwide's logistics team is committed to helping Canadians expand to global markets by shipping to and from Canada. Our online resources reflect our best-in-class logistics to facilitate the international movement of goods. In our posts, we provide an extensive review of things to consider when shipping.

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