Shipping goods to Canada is often easier than shipping to other countries as the paperwork is quite straightforward. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) also provides many online resources to help you understand the import process.
When shipping to Canada from the US, or any other country, an air waybill, commercial invoice and packing list are often enough to clear most goods through Canadian customs. Make sure to check that the information on them is correct and complete.
High-value commercial shipments can be harder to clear than other goods. However, the CBSA has a handy step-by-step importing guide, where you can learn about the import process from start to finish.
A clear and accurate goods description on the commercial invoice and air waybill helps Canadian customs to classify goods correctly and clear them quickly. This includes an accurate HS Code so the right duties and taxes can be applied. It's also important to avoid vague descriptions such as 'gift', 'samples' or 'parts'.
The commercial invoice should be written in English. The receiver's contact information (both email and phone number) should be included on both the commercial invoice and air waybill so they can be contacted if necessary.
The customs procedure that applies to your shipment will be determined by the details provided on the shipping paperwork, such as goods value, as well as by additional screening during customs clearance.
The CBSA has three customs clearance procedures for shipments entering Canada:
Courier Imports Remission Order (CIRO) - Informal clearance
Shipments of unregulated goods valued at less than CAD $20 pass Canadian customs quickly through a type of informal clearance known as Courier Imports Remission Order (CIRO).
Low Value Shipment Program (LVS) - Informal clearance
Shipments of unregulated goods with a value between CAD $20.01-$3,300 are processed by the Low Value Shipment Program (LVS).
High Value Shipment Program (HVS) - Formal clearance
Shipments of regulated goods, or goods with a value above CAD $3,300, are processed through the High Value Shipment Program (HVS). This formal clearance procedure requires additional shipping documentation.
An overview of the three types of customs clearance in Canada:
Informal Clearance |
Formal Clearance |
|
---|---|---|
Eligible shipments and values |
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Required documentation |
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Additional documents such as:
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Canada has trade agreements with many countries, which are created to reduce import tariffs and duties on international commercial shipments, and to make the shipping process easier. Some of Canada's trade agreements include:
Visit the CBSA origin of goods page to see if a trade agreement may apply to your shipment, and what proof of origin document or form is required.
Commercial shipments of high-value goods, or regulated goods, may require extra documentation to pass customs clearance in Canada. Some common documents that might be required include:
When shipping commercially to Canada it's important to be aware of duties, taxes and ancillary charges that contribute to the total cost of import.
Import duties
Imported commercial goods are subject to Canadian import duties. You can find an overview of Canada's customs tariff rates on the CBSA site. If an international trade agreement applies to your shipment, then it may be exempt from tariffs.
Ancillary fees
Your shipment may incur ancillary fees from the carrier. These cover the cost of extra services provided by the carrier during customs clearance such as storage, after-hours clearance or advance payment of import tariffs.
Goods and Services Tax
An important aspect of the Canadian economy is the regional variation in tax rates on commercially sold goods. Rates vary per province and add up to 5-15% total sales tax. In addition to, or sometimes instead of, Canada's Goods and Services Tax (GST), one of three other tax types may apply:
Shipping regulated goods to Canada? See the list below for a detailed guide on what documentation you need to provide.
What are the general requirements to ship child and baby products?
Child and baby products imported into Canada must meet the regulatory requirements of the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA), which is overseen by Health Canada. This includes products such as toys, sleepwear, baby carriages, strollers, cribs, cradles, bassinets, pacifiers, playpens, child gates and car (booster) seats.
What documents does the sender need to provide?
What documents does the receiver need to provide?
The receiver does not need to provide any additional documentation for customs clearance.
What are the general requirements to ship clothing and textiles?
What documents does the sender need to provide?
What documents does the receiver need to provide?
The receiver does not need to provide any additional documentation for customs clearance.
What details need to be included in the goods description?
What are the general requirements to ship electronics?
What documents does the sender need to provide?
What documents does the receiver need to provide?
The receiver does not need to provide any additional documentation for customs clearance.
What are the general requirements to ship food to Canada?
What documents does the sender need to provide?
What documents does the receiver need to provide?
What details need to be included in the goods description?
What are the general requirements to ship drugs or medical devices?
What documents does the sender need to provide?
What documents does the receiver need to provide?
An importer’s declaration may be required for certain drugs
The following products are very restricted or prohibited from being shipped into Canada. Please note that this list is non-comprehensive.
Product |
Personal shipments |
Commercial shipments |
Alcohol |
Prohibited |
Permitted via specific brokers |
Cannabis (marijuana) |
Prohibited |
Prohibited unless a permit or import exception is granted by Health Canada under very limited circumstances. Most carriers do not accept cannabis shipments. |
Firearms |
Restricted: Only with a carrier company licensed to transport firearms |
Restricted: Only with a carrier company licensed to transport firearms |
Hemp |
Restricted: Hemp food products are acceptable if they do not contain tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) |
Restricted: Hemp food products are acceptable if they do not contain tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) |
Narcotics, controlled drugs & restricted drugs |
Prohibited |
Prohibited |
Tobacco |
Prohibited |
Permitted |
Shipping requirements and documentation may vary between carriers. This website is designed to provide general information related to shipping. If you’re unsure of the shipping requirements that apply to you, check with your carrier. Make sure to check the rules and regulations of the country you’re shipping from and to prior to shipping. You can find this information on government websites.