Shipping, Import and Logistics Solutions to Canada
Canada economy and culture built on international connections with both Canadian and international companies seeking to ship direct to Canada and North America . International companies seek access to the Canadian market. Companies can use Canada as a base camp for their North American operations. Benefit from this Complete International Shipping Guide to Canada.
Need information shipping from Canada? Read our Guide for Shipping FROM Canada.
There are several options shipping to Canada. Yet, with so many choices comes the potential for confusion. Let’s start with the most common options.
Jet Worldwide's Canadian team has compiled this Complete Shipping Guide to Canada to help you import goods to Canada.
International Import Guide ContentDisclaimer: The information in Jet Worldwide online content, including this post, is for general information.
The price of the shipping depends on the dimensions of the package, its weight, and the delivery method you choose. No matter who you ship with, it is important to understand the Canadian import process.
All shipments to Canada must clear Canadian Customs. Individual orders from online suppliers imported on the receivers behalf using the Canadian Border Services Agency’s Courier Low-Value System (LVS) system. The LVS processes allow for conditional release for delivery prior to final processing and payment of import fees. Most parcels shipped via courier valued under CA$3300 are eligible for LVS clearance.
Foreign companies wishing sending into Canada can integrate the import process by registering as a "foreign importer of record". In this way, you can ship goods in bulk to your Canada customers.
Global businesses are looking for import shipping solutions to Canada. Jet provides assistance to international companies with both Canadian and American logistics solutions.
If sent direct to consumers, the consumer will be the importer of record. A company receiving the consignment are the importer of record. Being the importer of record includes having to obtain an importer number.
Yes. All imports to Canada are subject to both prohibitions and restrictions. Prohibited items include goods such as alcohol, furs, ammunition, and collectible coins, among other things. Restricted goods include alcohol, drugs and medicines in compliance with Canadian law.
High imports costs combined with the complexity of import to Canada can seem daunting. For starters, Canada has a low duty free threshold versus the USA, Europe and the UK. Furthermore, ground shipments are subject to entry preparation fees. Express couriers also charge a disbursement fee. Package shipping to Canada can get expensive really fast.
The US Canada's biggest trading partner. In this guide to shipping from the US and globally to Canada, you’ll learn about the delivery options, rules, transit times and services that can help you expand your business into Canada and start selling internationally.
Local post, UPS, FedEx and DHL are all great options for shipping to Canada. Below we break down the price and transit times for these carriers when shipping a package to Canada.
Shipping costs vary based on the delivery service, weight, dimensions and other factors. Beyond shipping costs, duties, taxes, tariffs, and other fees must be paid on most goods imported into Canada, with a few exceptions.
* Note: Costs are representative costs only. Actual costs will vary based on carrier, discount, fuel surcharge, and service options. The estimates represent a significant discount from carriers published rates. Read more about chargeable weight.
Canada represents a great opportunity for companies seeking access to over 35 million consumers and $2 trillion economy. Read more about Section 321 import to the USA.
Canada represents a great way to access the USA with the largest free trade border in the world. Jet Worldwide helps companies access Canada, the USA and North America via innovative logistics processes for parcels, pallets and online orders. Jet's e-commerce support includes reverse logistics, Canadian address receiving, and shipping globally.
Canada has free trade agreements with the world's leading economies. Read more about Canada's free trade agreements.
Canada's Free Trade agreements include:
Benefit from a certificate of origin shipping to Canada.
As it is in all shipping, the “what” determines the “how”. At Jet Worldwide, our specialty is Canadian logistics support.
The global options for International shipping to Canada include:
International suppliers can have preferred shipping options included with the order. Other times, Canadian companies are responsible for arranging for transport or prefer at least to get a comparison shipping quote.
Regardless of the carrier or method of transport, the receiver of the goods is the importer. And the importer is responsible for the proper declarations and payment of duty and taxes.
All parcels need to be cleared by the country’s Customs and Canada is no exception. It does have quite a few regulations around guaranteeing public safety, especially around imported goods.
In addition to a bill of lading, commercial invoice, and applicable import and export licenses, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) requires shipments from the United States to include a Canada Customs Invoice (CCI).
Read More: Understanding import duty
Canada adheres to the global Harmonized Tariff System which manages the widely used Harmonized Tariff System Code. An item’s HS Code determines its duty, admissibility, and require an examination. Read More About HS Codes.
Depending on the country of manufacture, goods may qualify for preferential duty free import to Canada. Canada's has Free Trade Agreements with most of the world's leading economies. Useful information: Difference between from where goods are sent and their country of origin.
Export requirements are the responsibility of the shipper. It is useful to understand that some goods shipped to Canada may be subject to export requirements.
Most often, the value of the goods you are shipping is the Transaction Value. Meaning, the actual cost of the item. The declared value to Canada customs is commonly the Transaction Value - or the price paid. The valuation can become less clear when, for example, a supplier is shipping you free samples or warranty parts. In this case, it’s best to use the value of similar items, as a zero dollar value won’t be accepted at customs. Read More About Methods of Valuation
Manifests or Cargo Control Documents (CCDs), which are sometimes required if you’ll be shipping more than one package at a time . Read More: Verify your Invoice for Customs
Although customs entry preparation customs clearance can be included, importers often choose to use their own customs brokers. Read more about Canadian customs brokers.
For large volumes and shipping containers, importers often consider using a freight forwarders. They provide both ocean transit and inland transportation. Many are associated with customs brokers for a more seamless process. Read more about Canadian Freight Forwarders.
Even with free trade agreements, duty and customs rules apply when forwarding packages to Canada.Take note to notify your customers that custom taxes may be placed on their items and that it is not the sellers responsibility to pay these fees (unless you offer DDP shipping). Confirm your understanding of Canadian Import Fees.
Canadian duty assessment is on the item’s HS Code, Country of Origin and Valuation. Goods may qualify for preferential duty free import via one of Canada's many free trade agreements (see section above).
In most cases, items imported to Canada are sold Delivery Duty Unpaid (or DDU*). The Canadian buyer is responsible for payment of import fees. Prepaid shipping does not include prepaid duty. International shippers who send, for example, samples or warranty parts to Canada may want to consider shipping their goods Delivery Duty Paid (or DDP*).
*DDU and DDP 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 for further explanation. Verify the Correct International Shipping Terms.
In general, the duty free threshold to Canada is CA$20. It can be higher for goods shipped from the USA and Mexico. This is thanks to the CUSMA free trade agreement. Read more about low value thresholds and Canadian import fees.
The Canada Low Value Shipment (LVS) program is a customs program that allows for the streamlined processing of low value shipments imported into Canada. The program applies to shipments valued at CAD$3,300 or less, including all duties, taxes, and other charges.
The LVS program is designed to make it easier for importers to bring low value shipments into Canada. Express processing and while ensuring payment of duties and taxes. It is intended to reduce the administrative burden on importers and help to facilitate trade with Canada. Read more: Confirm the correct declared value shipments to Canada.
Under the Canada LVS program, importers are required to provide a summary declaration. This includes information about the importer, the supplier, and the goods being imported. The summary declaration must submit through the Canada Border Services Agency's (CBSA) Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) system.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) facilitates the importation of goods to Canada. CARS streamlines the payment of duty, application of HS codes and entire import process for commercial goods. Read more about CARM.
Foreign companies becoming a Canadian Importer or Record
Canada’s non-resident importer program enables foreign companies to obtain a business number and act as the “importer of record.” Being able to act as the importer of record removes the burden of customs clearance from the Canadian customer and can facilitates the sale.
International companies shipping to Canada need a solution to manage returns. This can be as simple as having a Canadian address.
Have your returns received for consolidation and return. In addition, we can provide product kitting, repacking and reconditioning.
Jet Worldwide provides shipping solutions to the USA via Canada. Contact our team for details.
Jet Worldwide is a trusted brand that has been providing international shipping solutions for over 40 years.
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