International Shipping from Canada with Jet Worldwide
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International Shipping from 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 this post, we provide an extensive review of things to consider when regarding international shipping from Canada.
Please note that the information we freely - and proudly - provide online is for general information purposes only. The information is not for legal or tax advice with the presentation “as is”; no representations as to the content as error-free.
Canada Amazon removal orders, returns and logistics
Contact Jet Worldwide to manage your Canadian returns. Get local Canadian support for domestic distribution, storage and exporting goods from Canada.
Deliver to the U.S.A and Around the globe
To send your items outside of Canada, select from a wide range of worldwide shipping services. From Canada post for lightweight and low-value items. Air couriers and freight forwarders provide commercial solutions for businesses.
International Shipping is more accessible with Jet Worldwide
Jet Worldwide provides support for choosing carriers, necessary paperwork and best practices.
A comprehensive guide for shipping from Canada
- Basic data elements necessary for all shipments
- Additional data elements necessary for international shipments
- Describing and explaining the items
- Harmonized Code (HS Code)
- Declaration of Value: What value should you declare?
- Shipping ocean versus air
- Sending international online orders for Canadian retailers
- Shipping product samples, warranty parts and items without a commercial transaction
- E-Commerce Shipping direct to consumer (D to C) from Canada
- International shipping for online orders direct airfreight
- Understanding Country of Origin and its benefits
- Understanding Import Clearance to The Destination Country
- Export declaration from Canada (B-13 / CERS)
- Understanding payment of import duty and taxes
- Understanding shipping terms including delivery duty paid or unpaid
- Canadian Free Trade Agreements
- Shipping Air vs. Ocean international from Canada
- Shipping full and partial truck loads cross border from Canada
- Explaining a certificate of origin and its benefits
- CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management CARM
- Carriers Options for International Shipping from Canada
- Information necessary to get an international shipping quote to and from Canada
Shipping to the USA from Canada
Shipping to the USA is a lot more familiar to many Canadians. With historic ties and proximity, Canadian shippers benefit from low cost truck and rail shipping to the USA. The USMCA free trade agreement provide duty free access to the USA for Canadian origin goods. Read more: Things to consider when shipping to the USA.
This guide applies for shipping international form Canada. Shipping to the USA is different in many ways. The concepts discussed in the guide apply to shipments to the the USA. The exception is that a CERS Canadian Export declaration is not a requirement.
Step-by-Step Guide When Shipping from Canada to US and International
International shipping involves more steps than standard domestic shipping. Filling out customs forms, commercial invoices, shipping labels, and documents are all essential components of cross-border shipping. This post covers the major aspects of international shipping. We include links to useful details on specific subjects. Some basic things to consider include:
Determine the size and weight of your package for international shipping from Canada
To calculate the shipping costs for international shipping services, knowing the size and weight is necessary.Useful information regarding chargeable weight.
Select the best mode of shipping and carrier option
Canada Post, UPS, FedEx are the most common but not always the best options. There are also freight forwarders ocean and other shipping options to are often better.here are also courier resellers that can offer additional discounts. The best international shipping option from Canada relies on several factors. Looking for the cheapest way to ship for Canadian shipments? Choose standard economy shipping options.
Check for Canada shipping export restrictions.
There are not many export restrictions from Canada. Be aware of the export reporting requirement. See section below the CERS export reporting system.
Check for import restrictions to the destination country.
All countries have restrictions and prohibitions. It is important to clarify the restrictions prior to shipping. We recommend confirming compliance with the consignee as they will most like be the importer.
The key elements for international shipping from Canada include customs declaration and choosing a carrier with international expertise.
The common elements of shipping within Canada or internationally from Canada include:
- The dimensions of the package (height, length, width)
- The weight of the package
- The address of both the shipper and receiver
Note: When shipping Internationally, the majority of packages are ship mostly via air (versus ground for domestic shipments). As a result, international packages are often subject to a higher chargeable weight than for the same size domestic shipment.
Read more about overseas transport via ocean.
What Forms do you need for international shipping from Canada?
The basic requirements for international shipments from Canada include the carrier waybill and invoice for customs.
- Carrier bill of lading: Simply the label created when processing your shipment.
- Invoice for customs: An invoice for customs does not need to be an actual invoice. If, for example, you are sending product samples or goods not sold.Include wording such as "goods not for resale" or "product samples only."
- Canadian Export Declaration: For goods with a value over $2,000 CAD, a Canadian export declaration (CERS) is a requirement. A CERS is not necessary for shipments to the USA.
- The nature of your goods may require additional paperwork.
What does it cost to send international goods from Canada
The cost to ship goods international from Canada depend on the size, weight and destination of your consignment. The method of shipping and carrier discount also affect the total cost. Canada Post is generally the cheapest option for shipping personal goods and small packages.
Businesses benefit from shipping a combination of air, ground and ocean. Contact our team for a consultation.
Additional Elements important for shipping international shipping from Canada
The standard information for shipping domestically is necessary for international shipments. In addition, you must declare the items with a value. This can take different forms, such as a CN22 for postal shipments. An “Invoice for Customs” is necessary.
When Shipping Internationally, you’ll also need:
- The contact name and phone numbers of the shipper and receiver (in addition to the address).
- A specific description of the items
- The value of your items (read more about valuation)
- Your items country of origin
Read more about an invoice for customs
Understanding a certificate of origin and the benefits
From where goods are shipped versus their country of origin
Describing your Item(s)
In most cases, a simple description of the item or items you want to ship is sufficient. The more specific and descriptive the better. It is helpful to describe how you intend to use the item.
Even better, there is a globally recognized system to describe your item called the Harmonized System Code (see next section). This is the global language for customs authorities.
Harmonized System Code (HS)
The Harmonized System Code is an international [reference] developed by the World Customs Organization. Using six-digit codes that allow participating countries to classify goods on a common basis. Basic knowledge of the HS system is important for international shipping from Canada.
Find the HS Code (to USA) you’re looking for. This is the best way to describe your item. We recommend checking in with your international customer before shipping. The receiver is often the actual importer of the goods. Their confirmation ensures the most appropriate application of the HS Code.
HS Codes determine duty, admissibility, and need for further examination.
Import Duty Explained
Read more: Import duty and it's calculation
Import duty or tariff is essentially a tax on imports. Beyond raising revenue for the government, import duties protect domestic businesses from foreign competition.
Global duty rates have generally been lower over the past decade especially due to the proliferation of free trade agreements. There is more discussion regarding non-tariff trade barriers.
See section below with useful information on Canada's many free trade agreements.
Value your Item(s)
When shipping Internationally, one of the first questions you might ask yourself is "What value should I declare?" Value, along with the HS Code, are the biggest factors in duty assessment. Over-declaration of values result in needless costs . Under-declaration of values could lead to significant delays and fines.
Note: Customs generally requires a unit value per item
Transaction Value and value for duty
When you’re asked for the value of your goods, usually it means the Transaction Value. Meaning, the actual cost of the item that you bought or are selling. If you sell your product for $200 inclusive of shipping, the Transaction Value is $200. Remember to include the currency code.
With regards to assessing duty and taxes on an item, many customs authorities use the CIF Value. This refers to the cost plus insurance plus freight charges. The value for duty refers to the CIF value. The value for duty is the sum of the value, plus the cost of insurance, plus the cost of shipping.
Verify you are declaring the correct value
Let’s take our example of the item sold for $5,000 Canadian dollars. Now, let’s say the cost of insurance is $150.And the Cost of Shipping is $325. Add those up. And you get a CIF Value of $5,475
Transaction Value: $5000
+ Cost of Insurance: $150
+ Cost of Shipping: $325
= CIF Value: $5475
If your sale or purchase includes shipping and insurance, include that the wording "CIF Value."
When you ship by courier or post, the Cost of Shipping is often unknown. In that case, some customs apply a standard cost per kg rate.
We recommend you consult with the receiver about the value you plan to declare. Learn more about methods of valuation for international shipping from Canada
E-commerce orders and international shipping from Canada
Canadian retailers and b2b sellers will benefit from direct shipping solutions to major international markets.
Sellers need costs lower than postal packets with faster delivery and better tracking. Set up direct air freight solutions to major international markets. Minimum volumes are necessary. This is the best way to scale your international sales direct form Canada.
Ship direct from YYZ, YUL and YVR to the UK, European Union, Japan and others. Jet Worldwide has best in class direct shipping solutions for e-commerce orders.
Shipping Air vs. Ocean international from Canada
Ocean is the most cost effective method to ship large commercial orders and palletized freight from Canada. Economy air is cheaper for smaller shipments up to around 100 kilograms. Read more: Realizing the benefits of shipping ocean freight from Canada.
Shipping via truck from Canada to the USA and Mexico
Less than truck load (LTL) and full truck load (FTL) is a common method to ship pallets. Thousands of trucks cross the USA Canada border every day. Read more: Benefit from low cost trucking and LTL between Canada and USA.
Product Samples, Warranty Parts and second hand goods
When it comes to samples or gifts, you must provide a value. “Free” or “priceless” are not acceptable to import customs.
How to value goods with no commercial transaction
To come up with an appropriate amount, you can start by looking at the transaction value of identical or similar items. If that isn’t possible, there are a few other methods of valuation you may consider.
Shipping E-commerce Orders Internationally
Canadian businesses who sell products internationally via online platforms must consider import costs. Duty and VAT (value add tax) will charge to their customer. Low value orders may qualify for duty free entry to some countries. However,Value add Tax applies to all imports. The United Kingdom requires prepayment of VAT for online orders shipped to the UK.
Similarly, online orders to the European Union from Canada require prepayment of value add tax to EU countries.
Contact our team for information on shipping direct and assistance with IOSS registration via Jet.
Shipping e-commerce Orders direct to major international markets
More Canadian businesses sell independently via platforms such as Shopify. Jet Worldwide has best in class e-commerce direct shipping solutions to the UK, Europe, Japan and all the world's major economies.
Country of Origin
The country of origin refers to where the country of manufacture. It does not refer to from where the goods ship from.
Say you sell an item on your website that your purchased from a supplier in China. The country of origin is China. This is true even if you ship from Canada.
Read More: Goods that ship from Canada versus Canadian origin goods explained
The country of origin refers to where the the country of manufacture. If made in Canada, your goods can qualify for duty free import under one of Canada's many free trade agreements.
See section below regarding certification of origin.
Import Clearance to The Destination Country
All goods that export from Canada are subject to customs clearance to assess admissibility, duty and taxes. By default, the receiver is responsible for the applicable duty and taxes. This is via the shipping term Delivery Duty Unpaid or DDU*. See trade terms and default EXW* below.
However, the shipper or exporter of the goods can choose to pay the duty and taxes on behalf of the receiver. A delivery duty payment by the shipper is an option (DDP) offered by private carriers, but not Canada Post.
Useful Information: Import duty and calculation
While duty rates are important, often the local sales tax is more significant and applies even to items that clear duty free. VAT regiments apply for consumers to pay the tax. Businesses - in most cases - are able to claim back sales tax or value add tax if the goods are intermediary parts for production.
For e-commerce all online purchases shipped to the UK and Europe are subject to VAT.
Useful links to VAT payment
IOSS and value add tax for shipping to Europe
What is the duty calculation process?
Duty is generally a percentage typically of the CIF Value of your item’s classification (as discussed above).
- Duty: Determination is on a variety of factors including the Description of the Goods, its CIF Value and its Country of Origin.
- Value add Tax: Accessed on CIF Value + Duty
- Import Fees: Can include such items as a brokerage fee, entry preparation and/ or carrier disbursement fee.
Read More: Understanding import duty
International Import Fees
Following duty assessment, there is usually a Value add Tax to pay. This tax is as high as 20% (as it is in most European countries, for example). Often, tax regiments often allow business (if goods are not for final consumption) to claim back back the the value add tax.
In addition to the Duty Fee and Value add Tax, there are often Import Fees forward to the receiver. If a customs broker is necessary, there is also a Brokerage Fee.
When via courier parcel carrier, customs entry preparation is usually inclusive. However, they often charge a prepayment "disbursement" fee. The charge averages around 3% of the import duty and tax. The minimum charge is usually around CAD $20. For information on shipping to a specific country or region, contact Jet's team.
Export Declaration from Canada
Export Clearance, or Export Declaration, is sometimes necessary when exporting or shipping from Canada.
Export declarations are for shipping goods from Canada with a value over CAD$2000. It also applies to goods with restrictions. Canadian Customs and Statistics Canada requires exporters to declare the export via CERS. This includes individuals.
Read. more about CERS export declaration requirement
When shipping from Canada to the USA, a Canadian Export Declaration is not a requirement.
Understanding Shipping Terms and Who Will be Paying Duty and Taxes
When you are exporting, the default method of shipping is Ex Works (or EXW*). This means the importer is responsible for all import fees, duty and taxes. Keep this in mind when sending that sample or warranty part.
The importing business is not claim back taxes if paid by the shipper.
INCOTERMS:
*DDU, DDP and EXW are terms known as Incoterms®, a registered trademark of the International Chamber of Commerce/ICC. It is useful to at least understand the existence of Incoterms and visit ICC’s website if further explanation is necessary.
Canada's Free Trade Agreements
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. In many cases, the certification of origin can be part of 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, get familiar Canada's free trade agreements. Saving your international customer import duty makes your product more competitive.
Befitting from Canada's Free Trade Agreements
Benefit form having a certificate of origin shipping from Canada
The country of origin is an important data point customs authorities. It is necessary to determine the rate of import duty. The country of origin is also supports regulatory actions such as quarantine and import quotas.
Qualifying Canadian origin goods must include a certificate of origin in order to benefit from preferential duty free import. Canada's many trade agreements provide the privilege of duty free import to most of the world's leading economies. Understanding certificate of origins when sending from Canada.
Canadian Customs Portal to Facilitate Imports to Canada - CARM
Canada's free trade agreements benefit both imports and exports. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) project modernizes the import process of commercial goods.
Best international Shipping Options from Canada
There are several shipping options available for sending goods globally from Canada to. The best option depends on your specific needs and preferences. Factors to consider include the type, weight and size of the goods. Also, desired speed of delivery can have a huge impact. Here are some common shipping options to consider:
- Air freight: This is the fastest shipping option with door to door integrated solutions.
- Ocean freight: Best for shipping full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL) with 1-3 months lead time.
- Truck load and less than truck load (LTL) for large commercial orders to the USA and Mexico.
- Commercial carriers such as FedEx, DHL, UPS and their partners.
- Canada Post is generally the best option for individuals shipping small shipments and personal items internationally.
What is the cheapest way to ship international from Canada?
Canada Post surface options are usually the cheapest to ship internationally but the transit times can several months.
What does it cost to send an international package rom Canada?
The cost to ship depends primarily on the destination along with the size and weight of your package. The rate with commercial carriers also depends on the level of discount.
How long does it take for shipments from Canada to the US?
Shipments from Canada to the US typically take 2-7 business days to deliver, depending on the destination. Next day express options are available but depend on timely customs clearance.
How long does it take for international shipments from Canada?
Shipments from Canada to major international destination take and average between 2-4 business days via express courier. Postal shipments generally deliver within 1 to 2 weeks. Ocean shipments average between 1-2 months.
How much does it cost to ship from Canada to the US?
The cost of shipping from Canada to the USA (or anywhere) is a determination from many factors. Generally, the post is best for individuals who wish to ship a small package. For heavier packages, ground shipping to the USA offer low costs. For international shipping, check with our team for the best options.
Choose an international shipping option for personal shipments with Canada Post.
Shipping via Canada Post International Options
- Best option for individuals shipping small parcels and personal items
- Canada Post "small packet" option is popular for international e-commerce orders
- Minimal tracking, customer support and specialized services.
- Purolator: A division of Canada Post that offers international shipping via partner carriers, such as UPS.
Shipping via FedEx, UPS and DHL from Canada
FedEx and UPS are - by fare- the dominate carries for shipping from North America. Along with DHL, they offer reliable shipping options from Canada. FedEx and UPS international shipping options from Canada includes air express and economy options.
Get a comparison shipping rate for sending international packages.
Shipping from Canada to USA with FedEx and UPS
FedEx and UPS have a mix of ground and express services. They are the dominant option for shipping packages from Canada to the USA.
Shipping via Truck load (North America) and Ocean (Overseas) from Canada
As discussed in the previous section, trucking and ocean are ideal for large commercial orders. A minimum of one pallet is when shippers can consider these options. Ocean freight may require more weight to be cost effective. Contact our team for information.
Shipping from Canada via Jet Worldwide
Jet Worldwide is a trusted brand. We provide international shipping and logistics solutions for over 40 years.
- Jet Worldwide provides innovative best in class Canadian and global international and logistics support
- Jet helps Canadian sellers ship consolidation of e-commerce orders direct air freight
- Jet Worldwide offers direct shipping to major international markets with tracking, delivery by national carriers and no import fees for the consignee.
Resellers and Third Party Logistics: There are many "resellers" and third party logistics providers who can assist with shipping from Canada.
Resellers: Resellers core expertise is in how to rank in search engines. They present a way for individuals to compare discounts from carriers full tariff.
Third Party Logistics Providers: Read more about Canadian freight forwarders.
Getting quote for International Shipping
Jet Worldwide gives access to all companies seeking shipping quotes logistics support for parcels pallets, and online orders.
Reminder: We emphasize the importance of confirming compliance with the actual exporter/ importer and regulatory authorities prior to shipping.
