China exports over $8 billion to Canada every year. Small and medium-sized Canadian businesses are increasingly looking for ways to send parcels to China. Canadian companies often ship samples, parts and products direct to China for production or final sale. Canadian companies are searching for low-cost air options shipping from Canada from China.
Shipping from Canada to China: Best Delivery Options and Logistics Guide
Canada Post is the best option for individuals sending personal items to China.
FedEx and UPS have reliable express options and individuals shipping small parcels can also consider a FedEx or UPS reseller.
What is the cheapest way to return a package to China
The cheapest way to send a package to China if via Canada Post surface shipping options. However, the cost to ship a return item to China is often more than the item being returned.
What does it cost to send to China?
The cost of shipping to China depends on the size and weight of the package. The cost can range from around $30 for up to 2 pounds/ 1 kilogram for Canada Post surface to around $200 for up to 10 pounds/ 4.5 kilograms.
How long does it take to China via Canada Post
Canada post surface options take several months to be delivered. Even the faster Canada parcel express option can take 1-2 months.
Importing e-commerce orders to China
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In this Shipping Guide to China, we review the following things to know when shipping to China.
- Best carrier shipping options: to China from Canada
- Export declaration for shipments to China
- Shipping terms to consider when shipping to China
- Customs clearance process for parcels sent to China from Canada
- Shipping e-commerce orders direct to Chinese consumers
- Air carrier options for importing from China
- Shipping ocean versus air
- Canadian import and import fees for goods shipped from China
- Shipping text books to Canada International Schools
- Ordering Canadian vitamins and supplements direct;
- Canadian customs assessment and revenue management system (CARM)
- Information required for a shipping quote to China
Note: The information in this post and all Jet Worldwide content is for general information only.
Find the Best Carrier Options for Shipping to China
There are several shipping options available for sending goods from Canada to China. The best option for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences, such as the type and size of the goods you are shipping, the speed of delivery you require, and your budget.
Shipping packages to China via Canada Post
Canada post offers the lowest-cost shipping for small packages and the preferred option for individuals shipping small parcels and for return of online orders. Shipments sent via Canada Post are imported and delivered in China via China Post.
Canada Post parcel delivery options to China Include:
- Canada Post Small Packet to China: Surface and Air
- Canada Post International Parcel to China: Surface
- Canada Post Xpresspost to China
Contact Jet's team for information on direct shipping of Canadian and American e-commerce orders direct to China (high volumes required).
Shipping China from Canada via FedEx or UPS
Along with DHL, FedEx and UPS offer reliable express delivery options from Canada to China with advanced tracking.
FedEx and UPS have a few shipping options to China such as International Priority or International Economy.
To find out cost and delivery times, simply contact our team with the details of your shipment.
Canadian Export Declaration for Shipments to China
For shipments from Canada to China valued at CAD 2,000 and above (or otherwise regulated) require a Canadian export declaration.
Read more about Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS).
Shipping between China from Canada via Jet Worldwide
Jet Worldwide provides shipping options and world class logistics support. for over 40 years!
Contact Jet's Team: Get best in class logistics support, discount access to global carriers and shipping rates. Fill in form below to contact our team!
Shipping Air versus Ocean Canada to China
We get many inquiries requesting the lowest cost for shipping to China. The best shipping option to Canada depends on several factors.In general, the lowest cost for small personal packages to China is via Canada post surface. For heavier shipments, economy air freight is often the preferred option. And less than container load is best with shipping palletized freight and large commercial orders. Useful information: Things to know about Ocean Shipping To and From Canada.
Sending parcels from Canada to China via Purolator
Purolator is a leading Canadian delivery service that relies on other carriers for their international deliveries to China. For international deliveries to China, Purolator uses carriers such as UPS.
Shipping E-commerce Direct to Chinese consumers
Jet Worldwide Canada has best in class e-commerce delivery solutions to China. The Chinese consumer market represents a monumental opportunity for Canadian sellers.
China has two clearance models for e-commerce imports: 9610 and 1210.
Both models require overseas e-commerce companies or platforms to register within China. Merchants selling on an e-commerce platform must register or designate a registered representative within the country.
Customs clearance requires three key pieces of information:
- Order / transaction details of the goods being imported
- Payment details
- Information regarding shipping
This information is entered via China’s single trade window. In addition to providing accurate information, China customs requires the harmonized code for each item. The consignee's ID number must match their name exactly.
De Minimis to China
There is an annual limit (January 1 to December 31) of 26,000 RMB for individuals importing e-commerce orders. The value of each package cannot exceed 5,000 RMB (around $700 USD).
In addition to e-commerce customs clearance, there is a personal item customs clearance for imports less than 1,000 RMB. The duty-free threshold for this clearance is 50 RMB (although Chinese customs reserves the right to assign duty for any value).
E-commerce imports are subject to e-commerce tax of 9.1% for most goods. This compares to the 23.1% consumption tax. The tax applies to the transaction value and payable directly at time of import.
Positive List
Each year, China's Ministry of Finance publishes a "positive list" of products admissible under the e-commerce clearance model.
The opportunity for shipping Canadian orders to China is huge. Daily peak volumes exceed 10 million. The processes are well defined and supported. Contact our team for details. Note: December 2024 changes in Chinese tax policy is expected to affect imports.
E-commerce versus Personal Items Customs Clearance to China
In addition to e-commerce customs clearance, there is also the option o personal item customs clearance.
At present, the limit of each package of personal items is 1,000 RMB, the duty-free amount is 50 RMB. Although Chinese customs reserves the right to assign duty for any value. There is also a postal tax of 13%, 20%, and 50%.
Note: Change in the tax policy is expected December 1, 2024.
E-commerce Postal Versus Courier Import to China
There are two broad categories for importing parcels to China: Postal and commercial express. Although both subject to the same regulations, the postal parcels are viewed as being easier to import. Canadian parcels do not have to go through Canada Post to access the postal import processes to China. They can ship to China through other postal partners in other countries including the USPS, Singpost, and others.
Fedex, UPS and DHL are not often the best option for shipping personal items to China. Another option is Chinese carrier SF Express, Jetship and other companies to consider.
Shipping Terms to Consider When shipping to China from Canada
Most shipments to China are sent delivery duty unpaid. The default option when shipping via common carriers use the inco term: EXW. The inco term EXW essentially assigns all import-related costs (duty, taxes, and other fees) to the receiver/ importer. Read more about Inco Terms.
Sending courier shipments to China containing documents
This category strictly includes documents only (brochures, contracts, training manuals, tickets, accounting ledger, legal notices, invoices, training materials, etc.) Documents are considered to have minimal commercial value (when sending documents, the minimum declared value should be CAD 1).
Items not considered as documents:
- Books
- Large quantities of printed matters
- Electronic media such as e-books, CD’s, DVD’s, and flash drives
- Advertising Material (see below)
Importing goods into China from Canada
Obtain any necessary import licenses or permits: Some goods may need an import license or permit. You can check with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) to see if your goods require a license or permit.
Classify your goods:The process of importing goods into China involves classifying the goods according to their nature and intended use. Classify goods for import into China using Harmonized System (HS) codes. The HS is a standardized system for classifying goods that is used by customs authorities around the world. Read more about HS Codes.
It is important to verify compliance with the consignee/ importer and relevant authorities prior to sending your goods to China.
According to the export regulations of the mainland China, many goods need to be Formal customs declaration, so the shipper need to provide commercial invoice、packing list and customs declare elements(CDE) .
Export Requirements from China
While exporting from China is the responsibility of .. well, the exporter.. is is useful to understand what is needed. The basic requirements for exporting from China include:
- Whether the export of these goods needs to be tax refunded?
- Paperwork requirements include a power of attorney/POA, Invoice (read more about a customs invoice), packing list and export declaration.
- Confirm which currency do you use for settlement (RMB or Canadian or US dollar)
Sending parcels to China containing personal effects
Personal effects include items shipped separately from a passenger's luggage and gifts exchanged between relatives and friends. They must be of “reasonable quantity” and for personal use (not for resale).
Personal effects (originating from other than Hong Kong and Macau) are declared through the simplified clearance process and require a completed Personal Effects Form. The declared value must be less than CNY 1 000 and the assessed duty/tax must be less than CNY 500.
Knowing the restrictions, shippers often choose not to send personal effects to China from Canada. Jet Worldwide does not accept personal effects shipments to China.
2025 Update For Importing e-commerce to China
China's Ministry of Finance updated rules for the entry
- The limit for personal import packages is RMB 2,000.
- If there is only one indivisible item in the package, it is not subject to the RMB 2,000 limit and can be cleared as an item, in a simplified customs clearance mode where tax amounts of less than RMB 50 are released tax-free.
- The three common tax rates according to the product classification:
- 13%: Consignment cannot exceed RMB 384
- 20%: Consignment cannot exceed RMB 250
- 50%: Consignment cannot exceed RMB 100
Shipping parcels to China containing samples and advertising material
Samples are goods imported to facilitate the placing of an order. Advertising material can be imported duty-free if it is for promotion of the relevant product.
Canadian shipments to China containing samples and advertising materials can be considered non-dutiable if they have a duty value under RMB 50 (around CAD 8) or shown to have no commercial value.
Customs will strictly perform physical inspections of all samples and advertising articles sent with no declared commercial value.
Non-dutiable samples and advertising material must be clearly described and noted as a “sample” or “advertising material.” Qualified samples and advertising material can be cleared using a simplified clearance process.
Commodities controlled by a license or those for which foreign exchange is required and need to be paid upon import, are excluded from this category.
Items requiring certification and not qualified as samples include:
- Electric tools and Lighting devices
- Audio/video devices
- Electric welding machines
- Information technology devices
- Appliances for home or similar usage
- Circuit switches and electric devices used for protection
- Motor vehicle and safety accessories
- Telecommunication terminal devices
- Low voltage electric apparatuses and low power electric motors
- Electric wires and cables
- Motor vehicle tires
- Safety glass
Additionally, spare parts and replacement parts may, in some cases, require CCC certification or may qualify for an exemption (requires an application form).
Shipping dutiable samples and advertising materials from Canada
Shipments of this category are those samples or advertising material for which customs duties shall be levied. When sending samples - whether dutiable or not - you must clearly note on the commercial invoices a description of the item(s) being sent and that they are being sent “as sample(s)”.
Canadian shipments sent to China that require a formal entry
Shipments to China requiring a formal entry include:
- Items not meeting the criteria outlined above
- Shipments containing commodities requiring an import license/permit, quota or other special clearance documentation.
- Shipments for which foreign exchange needs to be paid upon import.
In this case, the shipment is automatically classified category D, regardless of its value, and the consignee is required to obtain an individual declaration form, which serves as an import certificate.
Value Added Tax for shipments imported to China
The general VAT rate in China is 17% but some items are assigned a lower rate of 13%. Small businesses (sales under CNY 1.8 million or annual production sales of less than CNY 1 million) in China may also benefit from a VAT rate of 6%. Small businesses may not claim credits for the VAT paid on their purchases.
Parcels sent to China from Canada are subject to duty
Duty fees can range from 20-30% of the value of the goods being shipped. Your parcel may be considered exempt from duties and taxes if valued less than CNY 500 (around CAD 95).
Parcels that are worth more than CNY 1 000 require formal customs clearance processes, which can delay the clearance time.
Most goods containing samples and advertising goods valued under CNY 50 can be cleared duty-free.
Read about HS Codes and shipping online orders
Customs entry types for parcels imported to China from Canada
There are four basic entry types for shipments being imported to China:
- KJ1: Document shipments
- KJ2: The import of shipments valued under CNY 50. No branded goods can be cleared under this entry type.
- KJ3: Parcels valued over CNY 50 and under CNY 5 000. To clear goods under KJ3, the importer must have the right to import the declared goods and be able to provide a CR code for clearance. Items cleared with a KJ3 entry are subject to duty and taxes
- KJ4: Good valued over CNY 5 000 must be cleared using this entry type. The requirements include those for KJ3 plus additional record keeping and entry information.
Shipping wood and wood items from Canada to China
One of Canada's prime commodity exports to China is wood and wood products.
Items and packaging made of wood, cane, bamboo and rattan are considered restricted items. Wood items need to fumigated and be accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate from Plant Phytosanitary Authorities.
An item composed of processed wooden parts does not require a certificate but must be accompanied by a statement explaining how the wood was processed.
Shipping Text Books from Canada to China
Jet Worldwide works with Canadian International Schools to receive their text book orders in Canada, consolidate the shipments and send to China. Contact our team for details.
Read More: Canadian International Schools and shipping text books.
While it is possible to import textbooks to China, importers should be aware of the regulations and procedures. The books must be in compliance with Chinese laws, including those related to copyright and intellectual property.
Shipping Canadian Vitamins and Supplements to China and Hong Kong
Canadian vitamins and supplements are trusted and world renowned. Read more: Useful information regarding international shipping vitamins and supplements from Canada.Consolidate your orders with a Canadian address and ship direct to China.
Shipping milk powder and baby formula from Canada to China
There is a big demand for milk powder and baby milk powder from Canada and other western countries to China. Before sending, be sure that the receiver is away of the restrictions that include:
- Baby milk powder must be imported into China as personal effects and not for commercial purposes.
- Parcels containing Baby milk powder and milk powder must be less than 5 kg and valued under 1,000 Yuan.
CR Code explained
All importers and exporters in China are required to be a registered Chinese importer or exporter. We recommend that shippers in Canada verify the receiver of their parcel in China is properly registered and has the necessary regulatory approvals.
Importing parcels from China to Canada?
Jet Worldwide provides low-cost import solutions for parcel imports from China. Many Canadian companies are looking for options to receive their products and sample products from their Chinese supplier. Jet Worldwide offers low-cost import services from Beijing, Shanghai and across China to Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and across Canada.
Shipping sanitary wipes and disposable gloves to China and Hong Kong
Urgent shipping of Sanitary wipes to China is possible via express carriers but can be expensive.
Jet Worldwide provides and "order and ship" of Canadian products to Canada. Recently, we have been receiving inquiries to ship sanitary wipes to China. Contact our team for a special order shipping sanitary wipes, surgical masks, and other health items to China.
Information Required for a Shipping Quote between China and Canada.
Jet Worldwide gives access to all companies seeking shipping support between China,Canada, and USA for parcels, pallet and "Canada address reverse logistics"
Contact Jet: For a quote for shipping online orders, provide details including shipping volume, item(s) being shipped, average value and weight of each parcel. The more details the better :).
Carrier Options for Importing to Canada from China
The common carrier options for shipping Canada from China include China Post (preferred option for individuals shipping small parcels and personal items), DHL, FedEx and UPS.
Get a shipping rate from China to Canada.
FedEx and UPS Shipping Services to Canada from China Include:
- International Priority Air Express to Canada
- International economy air shipping from China
Note: With capacity restraints, carriers are restricting access to economy air shipping options. Usually suppliers can provide the lowest shipping cost to Canada via their local contacts.
Contact Jet's team for a comparison quote and logistics support.
Importing to the USA from China
Shippers and e-commerce merchants can take advantage of shipping to the USA via Canada. Contact our team for details.
Importing Goods to Canada Shipped from China
Goods imported to Canada valued over CA$20 are subject to duty and taxes. Consignments valued under CA$3,300 can be imported via Canada's low value system (LVS).
Common import fees for consignments shipped via air to Canada can include duty, taxes and carrier disbursement fees.
CBSA Online Portal for Canadian Importers
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) online portal streamlines the process of importing commercial goods to Canada. Read more about CARM
Getting Rates between China and Canada
