International Shipping from Canada with Jet Worldwide

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How to Export and Ship Goods from Canada

Key Elements for Shipping International Orders from Canada

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

  1. Package dimensions (height, length, width)
  2. Package weight
  3. Shipper and receiver addresses

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.

Illustration of Jet Worldwide global logistics and export solutions

Canadian Export Regulations

Exporting from Canada requires declaring your items using the Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS). For more detailed guidance, download our Complete International Shipping Guide (PDF).

Elements Necessary for International Shipments

International shipments require:

  1. Shipper and receiver contact information
  2. Specific description of the item(s)
  3. Item value
  4. Country of origin

Jet Worldwide provides international logistics solutions for businesses shipping to and from Canada and North America.

  • Proven Best in Class Logistics Expertise for over 40 years
  • Transparency via well known carriers and/or access to our unique global network
  • One on one support
  • All inquiries are kept confidential and never sold or used for promotional purposes (part of transparency pledge)

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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. Reference the Harmonized System (HS) Code for international classification.

Including the Harmonized Code for Export

The HS Code system, maintained by the World Customs Organization, is used globally to classify goods.

Declaring Item Value

Accurately declare your item’s transaction value. Customs uses this, along with HS Codes, to calculate duties and taxes. Note that the value for export usually does not include shipping costs. The value for the importing country may consider shipping cost as part of the value for duty.

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

  • 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

Air vs. Ocean Shipping

Shipments under 100kg are usually cheaper by air. Heavier shipments benefit from ocean freight due to lower costs per kg.

Canadian Free Trade Agreements

Canada’s FTAs provide duty-free shipping to 30+ countries. Learn how to leverage them for your business here.

PDF Guide Download

Complete Guide: (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 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 100-200 kg, while ocean freight is cost-efficient for heavier shipments.

Read more about Canadian ocean freight or LTL trucking.

International E-Commerce Shipping

Canadian businesses must consider duty, VAT, and shipping costs. 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 FTAs. Learn about Country of Origin rules for duty-free access.

Export and Import Clearance

Exports over CAD$2,000 require CERS declaration. For imports, duties and VAT are assessed based on CIF value, HS Code, and country of origin. See valuation and duty guide.

Frequently Asked Questions: Exporting and 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 necessary paperwork may include an Canadian Export Declaration (CERS), and certification of origin or COO (to benefit from a Canadian Free Trade Agreement).

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

The Harmonized System (HS) Code is an international product classification system used by customs authorities worldwide. HS Codes determine applicable duties, taxes, and trade compliance requirements.

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

Air freight is faster and cost-effective for shipments under 100kg. Ocean freight is better for larger, heavier shipments because of lower costs per kilogram.

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

Yes. Canada Post offers international small packet and tracked packet services, which are ideal for individuals and small e-commerce businesses shipping to global markets.

5. Do Free Trade Agreements reduce shipping costs?

Yes. Canada’s free trade agreements (such as CETA, CPTPP, and USMCA) can eliminate or reduce duties on qualifying goods, helping businesses lower their overall shipping costs.

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

You must declare the accurate value of your goods. Customs uses this value, along with HS Codes, to calculate duties and taxes. The value for duty may also include freight and insurance.

 

 
Jet Worldwide delivery van on Canadian city route export shipping

 

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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