To help answer the inquiries we get from Canadian companies who wish to ship international parcels for their online orders from Canada, we have defined the following 5 factors to consider.
Canadian Shopify and DTC Sellers Need Better parcel shipping options from Canada
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1. International Shipping Options from Canada
Consider Canada Post for small parcels
Canada Post offers low cost delivery for individuals and small companies with their international packet services. International packet services are available from Canada Post for many countries and are valid for shipments under 2 kg / 4 pounds.
Shipping International Online Orders from Canada via FedEx and UPS
FedEx and UPS are North America’s leading carriers and, along with DHL, offer reliable international parcel delivery from Canada. Purolator Courier offers international shipping options via partner carriers, such as UPS.
FedEx and UPS Canada international shipping services include:
- International Express / Priority Air
- International Economy Air from Quebec
- International Ground (to the USA)
Shipping International Online Orders via Jet Worldwide
Jet Worldwide provides innovative direct import shipping solutions from Canada to France, UK, European Union, Japan, China and all the world's leading economies.
Jet Worldwide provides Canadian and global e-commerce logistics. Our support refers to the various systems and services regarding international movement of online orders to and from North America. This can include things like transport, import clearance, last mile delivery and managing returns. Our logistics support augments your team to build best in class solutions.
2. Consider Customs Import Issues Your International Customer May Encounter
Jet helps Canadian companies build durable, efficient import processes that can then be incorporated into the product listing.
- Harmonized System Code (HS): It is not always necessary to include the HS Code but it is absolutely necessary that the codes are understood and implemented as needed. Visit our blog on HS codes: HS Codes for Cross Border Online Shipments.
- Valuing your Item(s): Although the correct declared value for import is most often the value of the sale or transaction, it is important to understand methods of valuation. Issues for valuation include whether or not to include transport costs, insurance, and/ or value added tax. Visit our blog on valuation: Declared Value, CIF and Valuation for international shipping.
- Restricted Items: It is necessary for online sellers to categorize shipments that may be restricted by virtue of the item itself or it may be permitted under certain circumstances.
- Country of Origin: Canada enjoys free trade agreements with most the countries Jet services. Processes can be developed to ensure that goods of Canadian origin (made in Canada) benefit from preferential duty free import. Visit our blog regarding Canada's Free Trade Agreements: Canada's Free Trade Agreements and Duty Free Import for Online Orders.
- Value Add Tax: Even goods that qualify for duty free import may be subjected to a value added tax. It is a requirement when shipping online orders to many countries - most notably the UK and European Union members - that this be prepaid. Jet helps companies understand and comply with these requirements. Read our blogs regarding:
- Prepayment of VAT for online orders imported to the UK
- Prepayment of VAT for online orders imported to European Union countries
3. Be Aware that online Orders valued over $2,000 CAD require an export declaration.
A CERS export declaration is required for shipments valued over CA $2,000. A CERS declaration is not required when sending an international parcel from Canada to the USA
Fully Understand Canada's Export Reporting Requirement
4. Determine who will be responsible for Duty, Taxes and other Import Fees
By default, the receiver of your international parcel is responsible for payment of duty and taxes. The receiver is also referred to as the Importer of Record. Read more about inco-terms.
See section above explaining duty and taxes. Jet Worldwide helps Canadian sellers build solutions that provide prepayment of duty and taxes.
Verify different type of import duty and how it is calculated.
5. Take Advantage of Canada's Free Trade Agreements for Online Orders
Canada's many free trade agreements helps Canadian companies who ship qualifying goods gain duty free advantages. Preferential duty free access can extend to online orders.
Useful Information regarding Certificate of Origin and When it is Needed
The key Canadian Free Trade agreements include:
- USMCA, CUSMA New NAFTA
- Canada European Free Trade CETA
- Canadian transpacific free trade CPTPP
- Korean Canadian Free Trade Agreement CKFTA
Jet Worldwide Canada
We are happy to help with your shipping from Canada. Provide information regarding the type of goods that will be shipped,volume of shipments and any restrictions or regulations are you aware of that should be taken into account?
