Quick answer: For French sellers shipping to Canada in 2026, CETA gives duty-free entry to originating goods with a statement on origin on the invoice, CARM registration is mandatory for commercial importers, and a non-resident importer setup lets you clear once and distribute Canada-wide. Note: transiting to the USA no longer qualifies for Section 321 de minimis.
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France is one of the world's largest economies and enjoys a special relationship with Canada. For French and Canadian online sellers the opportunity is significant, driven by Canadian low-value thresholds and the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
2026 logistics summary
- Duty-free: CETA gives preferential entry to French-origin goods at any value; the proof of origin is simplified for imports up to CAD 3,300.
- CARM: registration in the CBSA CARM portal is mandatory for all commercial importers.
- US transit: the old Section 321 duty-free transit is no longer available; US-bound goods now need a formal or informal entry.
- Landed cost: use the worksheet below to estimate duty and Quebec taxes before you ship.
Jet Worldwide has provided logistics solutions since 1988. Contact our team for an initial consultation.
Carrier Options for Shipping to Canada From France
In 2026 the choice of carrier balances postal injection against express reliability.
Colissimo (La Poste) and Chronopost
Colissimo is the preferred option for individuals shipping small parcels and personal items (Zone C), delivered in Canada by Canada Post.
- Colissimo: 3 to 8 days, up to 20 kg.
- Chrono Express Monde: 1 to 5 days, using FedEx and agent networks, up to 30 kg.
FedEx, UPS, and DHL France
Dominant for B2B and e-commerce. FedEx operates a major European hub at Paris-CDG, with direct flights to Montreal and Toronto. Options include International Express Priority and Economy Air.
Duty-Free CETA: Origin Declaration Rules
Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) tariff rates are waived for goods that meet the CETA rules of origin, and French-origin goods enter Canada duty-free at any value.
The CAD 3,300 point, correctly stated: for imports up to CAD 3,300, the proof of origin is simplified, and a statement on origin on the invoice is enough. Above CAD 3,300 the goods are still duty-free if they qualify; you simply keep the origin declaration and records on file. The threshold governs the paperwork, not the preference.
CETA gives 0 percent duty at any value for qualified goods.
Mandatory CARM Registration
Commercial importers must be registered in the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) portal. . Read more about CARM.
Import Once, Distribute Across Canada: The Non-Resident Importer
By becoming a Canadian non-resident importer, a French company can import all its goods on a single customs entry, store them with Jet Worldwide, and distribute across Canada on demand. It consolidates your clearance, lowers per-parcel cost, and gives your Canadian customers domestic-speed delivery.
Onboarded non-resident importers and consolidation save both freight and parcel brokerage and disbursement fees.
Shipping to the USA Via Canada in 2026
US-bound shipments now require a formal or informal customs entry with a 10-digit HTS classification and duty, regardless of value. Canada can still be an efficient consolidation and distribution hub for a combined Canada-plus-US program, but the US leg is now a real entry, not a duty-free pass.
Landed-Cost Worksheet
To estimate the landed cost of a French shipment to Quebec, work through duty, then the two Quebec taxes. Note that Quebec does not use HST: imports carry 5 percent federal GST plus 9.975 percent Quebec Sales Tax (QST), about 14.975 percent combined, administered separately.
| Step | What to apply |
|---|---|
| 1. Customs value | Value for duty (transaction value), plus freight and insurance where applicable |
| 2. Duty | 0 % for CETA-qualifying French-origin goods with a valid origin statement; otherwise the MFN rate for the HS code |
| 3. GST | 5 percent federal, on value plus duty |
| 4. QST | 9.975 percent Quebec, on value plus duty (confirm base with your broker) |
| 5. Fees | Carrier disbursement or brokerage fees where applicable |
Prompt you can paste into an AI assistant to sketch a first estimate:
I am shipping 50 units of French-origin organic soap, value CAD 1,200, to Montreal, Quebec. The goods qualify under CETA with a valid statement on origin. Apply: 0 percent CETA duty, then 5 percent federal GST and 9.975 percent Quebec QST on the value plus duty. Show the landed cost and each line.
Treat any AI estimate as a first sketch only, then confirm with your customs broker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can French goods enter Canada duty-free under CETA?
Yes. Goods meeting the CETA rules of origin enter Canada duty-free at any value, using a statement on origin on the invoice rather than a formal certificate. For imports up to CAD 3,300 the proof of origin is simplified or waived, though records must be kept, and GST or QST can still apply.
Is CARM registration mandatory in 2026?
Yes. All commercial importers must register in the CBSA CARM portal, assign a customs broker, and post financial security.
Can I ship from France through Canada to the USA duty-free under Section 321?
No. But shipping goods in bulk to Canada for US distribution can provide a value.
What is the correct CETA origin declaration?
CETA uses a specific statement on origin placed on the invoice or another commercial document. We recommend both.
What taxes apply on imports to Quebec?
Quebec does not use HST. Imports are subject to 5 percent federal GST plus 9.975 percent Quebec Sales Tax (QST), which together total about 14.975 percent. QST is administered by Revenu Quebec and is separate from the federal GST.
How does becoming a non-resident importer help French sellers?
As a non-resident importer, a French company can import in one consolidated customs entry, store goods with Jet Worldwide, and distribute across Canada on demand, which simplifies compliance and lowers per-parcel clearance cost.
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Disclaimer: content is for general information only. Rules such as CARM, CETA, and US de minimis change; confirm current requirements with your customs broker before shipping. Last updated: September 2026.
