Worldwide Guide: Shipping to Canada from Portugal

Best Methods of Shipping to Canada from Portugal

There are several shipping options available for sending goods to Canada from Portugal. The best option depend on your specific needs and preferences. Most important is the type and size of the goods. The shipment weight and necessary transit time are other cost factors. Here are some common shipping options that you might consider:

• Air freight: This is the fastest shipping option with door to door delivery.
• Ocean freight option for shipping large bulk orders between Portugal and Canada
• Commercial carriers such as FedEx, DHL, UPS and their partners.
• Postal service options are generally the best option for individuals sending personal items to Canada.

Shipping Cargo via Sea Freight to Canada

Ocean or Sea Freight is the best way to ship one to several pallets and container orders to Canada. Transit times for containerized cargo can range from approximately 1-2 months. Lisbon is the main sea port in Portugal. Cargo can ship direct from Lisbon or via Northern European Ports in the Netherlands. Canadian ports, including those on the East Coast (e.g., Halifax) and West Coast (e.g., Vancouver).

LCL Sea Freight to Canada

Less than container load (LCL) is best when shipping one to several pallets. Via this mode of shipping, there is sharing of container space and cost between different consignments. Allow extra transit time for the loading and de-consolidation of the container.

FCL Sea Freight from Portugal

Full container load (FCL) is the fastest way to ship via ocean. This can be via either 40 foot or 20 foot container.

Shipping Air from Portugal versus Ocean shipments

With the many minimum surcharges for ocean shipments, shipping smaller consignments via air is cheaper. This is especially true for door to door shipping. Generally, shipments of less than 100 kilograms are cheaper via air. Cargo over 500 kilograms are much less expensive via ocean.

Video: How to Ship Portugal To Canada

Carrier Options for Sending packages and parcels from Portugal to Canada

Shipping from Portugal TO Canada Via Portugal Post

The ideal option for individuals shipping personal goods Portugal to Canada is via the Portuguese Post (CTT). Parcels via CTT Portugal import to Canada for delivery via Canada Post.

Shipping Parcels to Canada via FedEx Canada and UPS Portugal

FedEx and UPS are North America's largest carriers and, along with DHL, offer reliable express delivery from Portugal to Canada.  Benefit from a comparison shipping rate Portugal to Canada.

FedEx and UPS shipping options to Canada from Portugal include:

• International shipping express priority air from Portugal
• International economy air shipping to Canada

Shipping to Canada from Portugal via Purolator

Purolator is Canada's leading domestic carrier. They partner with international carriers such as UPS. Purolator is a division of Canada Post.

Canadian customs assessment and revenue management (CARM)

Importers must both have an import number and register in CARM. The CBSA CARM portal enables you assign your customers broker and requires a surety bond (or deposit).  Learn more about CARM.

Ship from Portugal to Canada via Jet Worldwide

Jet Worldwide is a global Canadian brand that has been providing international shipping solutions for over 40 years. Jet Worldwide offers options for shipping cargo between Canada and Portugal.

Benefit from our Canadian European logistics support. Packages, pallets, cargo and e-commerce. Fill in form below to contact our team!

Exporting Shipments from Portugal to Canada

Portuguese Customs Authorities require customs export documents for export of many air shipments from Portugal.

Formal export classification from Portugal applies when:

• There is Commercial Invoice of any value
• A Pro Forma Invoice with a total value exceeding 1000 EUR
• The goods require a certificate or license for transit

Formal exports require official documents in Portuguese. Submission via the Tax Authorities system. Include this on the shipment label. Before creating a shipping label with the carrier, have a customs invoice and a negative declaration (Y declaration).

Refer to the Portuguese Tax Authorities system or additional requirements and details.

PDF of sample value declaration/ DECLARAÇÃO DE VALOR

Finding the tariff classification for export from Portugal

The tariff classification for Portuguese exports  is via the European Commission’s Combined Nomenclature (CN). Updates occur regularly so best to confirm the latest version.

Shipping Terms to Consider When Shipping from Portugal

The default option for most carriers is the term EXW. All import costs assign to the receiver. Shippers from Canada can choose to pay the import fees on behalf of the receiver. A Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) option is available from most carriers. Useful information regarding international shipping terms.

Import fees paid by the shipper are not recoverable. The importing business may otherwise be able to claim back provincial and federal sale tax.

Canadian Import Clearance for cargo from Portugal

Freight to Canada from Portugal must include an invoice for customs and other supporting documents. Portugal origin goods may benefit from preferential duty free clearance.

Read more: Understanding import duty calculation

Benefit from Duty Free Import to Canada from Portugal

Canada’s Most Favour Nation (MFN) tariff rates are generally applicable to imports from Portugal. Imports to Canada that meet The CETA rules of origin can benefit from duty free import.

The MFN tariff rates of Canada apply to most consignments from Portugal.

European Union countries and Canada benefit from a free trade agreement giving companies the possibility of duty free clearance.

CETA Rules of Origin when shipping between Portugal and Canada

In order to qualify for zero tariffs under CETA, a product must be "originating" from either Canada or EU country. The product being the result of sufficient transformation.

Just the purchase and sending between Canada and Portugal does not grant country of origin status.

Useful information: Shipping goods from Portugal versus Portuguese origin goods

There are two main methods for determining origin under CETA: The change of tariff classification method and the regional value content method.

• The change of tariff classification method applies when a product undergoes a sufficient change in tariff classification. A transformation being the result of Canadian or EU production.
• The regional value content method refers to a certain percentage of its value made in Canada or EU country.

There are also specific rules of origin for certain sectors. Textiles, clothing, automotive, and chemicals have specific requirements for determining origin. Know the requirements prior to shipping to avoid a delay in delivery.

Benefits of a certificate of origin

The country of origin determine if preferential duty free import can apply. Read more: Understanding a certificate of origin.

Clearance of cargo and courier consignments from Portugal to Canada

Consignments importing from Portugal to Canada are subject to duty and taxes. Most imports under CAD 20 can be clear duty-free and tax-free. Shipments via courier with a value under CAD 3,300 import via the Courier Low-Value Shipment System. Verify Canadian Import fees to consider.

The process for importing to Canada is similar in principle to most other countries.

Portugal origin goods can import duty free regardless of value.

• Up to CAD 20 and under: duty- and tax-free
• Duty and taxes apply when importing goods with a value over CAD 20.

Canada does not have VAT but instead has federal and provincial sales tax.

Contact Jet’s logistics team to get an estimate of import fees.

Simpler Origin Statement for Shipping Canada from Portugal

The value for duty amount for which the proof of origin is not necessary is up to CA $3,300.

Importers must maintain records (including commercial invoices and B3). The maintenance of records applies even if proof origin is not necessary at time of import.

Other things to consider when shipping to Canada from Portugal include:

• Importer of record: The importer of record includes having to obtain an importer number. If to direct to consumers, the consumer can be the importer of record
• Tariff classification for all imports 
• Provincial licenses may be necessary even if selling direct to consumers
• Safe Foods for Canadians Act certifications for some food items
• Federal and provincial sales taxes 
• Country of Origin is a necessary for all imports
• Valuation is an important part of the declaration to the CBSA 
• Labeling for goods to Canada may require both French and English
• Health Canada approvals for such products
• Certification of origin for duty free import via CETA

See links to additional resources above.