The Bulgarian economy is growing at a stunning pace and exports are booming. More Canadian and Bulgarian companies are looking to each other’s markets to grow their business. Trade is of the utmost importance to both Canada and Bulgaria's economies. The Bulgarian government’s development plan includes investment in public transport projects and spending on social infrastructure.
In this post, we review important things to consider when shipping between Canada and Croatia
Disclaimer: The information in Jet Worldwide online content, including this post, is for general information only.
The cheapest way to send a package to Bulgaria is via Canada Post international surface options. The costs average around $30 to $37 for up to 4 pounds/ 2 kilograms.
The cost of shipping to Bulgaria depends on the size, weight of your package and address in Bulgaria. The cost be be as low as around $30 for Canada Post surface option and average around $245 for up to 10 pounds/ 4.5 kilograms via a commercial carrier.
Canadian and Bulgarian goods can benefit from duty free import via the European Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CETA). However, just being shipped from either country does not convey origin status. Read more: Understanding the difference between from where goods are shipped and their origin.
The best way of shipping between Bulgaria and Canada depends on the type of package. Local post options are usually best for individuals sending small packages. Commercial carriers are best for larger parcels and commercial shipments. Ocean shipping is best for multiple pallets with a longer lead time. Consult with our team to benefit from the best options.
Shipping Air versus Ocean between Bulgaria and Canada
The best shipping option to Canada depends on several factors. In general, the lowest cost for small personal packages is via Canada Post. For heavier shipments, economy air freight is often the preferred option. Less than container load via ocean and full containers is best for large commercial orders.
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Canada Post is the preferred option for individuals shipping small packages to Sofia and all of Bulgaria. Packages sent via Canada Post are imported to Bulgaria and delivered by The Bulgarian Post (the state owned provider of postal services in Bulgaria).
Canada Post is the preferred options for individuals shipping small parcels to Bulgaria
Shipping Bulgaria from Canada Post small parcel "packets"
Shipping Bulgaria from Canada Post parcel post options
FedEx and UPS are the largest carriers in North America and, along with DHL, offer dependable international express services from Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa and all of Canada to Athens and across Bulgaria. Complete the form below to get a rate from our team.
FedEx and UPS shipping options to Bulgaria from Canada include:
Jet Worldwide: A trusted brand offering international shipping for over 40 years! Jet Worldwide offers options for shipping between Bulgaria and Canada for parcels, pallets, LCL and online orders.
Get best shipping quote between Canada and BulgariaPurolator Courier, a subsidiary of Canada Post, offers international parcel delivery from Canada to Bulgaria via partners, such as UPS. Purolator is a division of Canada Post.
The default option for shipping internationally from Canada is delivery duty unpaid. Common carriers use the term EXW which essentially assigns all import related costs (duty, taxes, and other fees) to the receiver/ importer. Shippers from Canada can choose to pay the import fees on behalf of the receiver via a Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) options that many carriers offer. Learn more about Incoterms and shipping terms.
The disadvantage of paying import fees on behalf of the receiver is that the bulk of the import fees are often from a value added tax that the importing business may otherwise be able to claim back.
Goods shipped to Bulgaria must be accompanied by an invoice for customs or other supporting documents. Bulgaria customs assessed duty and taxes on the CIF value (Cost of the goods being imported plus the cost for transportation and insurance).
The tariff classification for European shipments is via the European Commission’s Combined Nomenclature (CN). Updates occur regularly so best to confirm the latest version. Note that while the classification is common across the EU, the rate of duty may differ. Read more about tariff classification and the harmonized system.
Value added tax (VAT) in Bulgaria is applied for shipments from Canada. The VAT in Bulgaria is 20%.
Most packages imported to Bulgaria from an individual in Canada to an individual person in Bulgaria with a value under US$20 can be imported duty fee. However, all shipments may be assessed value added tax.
Duty Free Clearance Canadian goods to Bulgaria under CETA
Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff rates are generally applicable for good traded between Bulgaria and Canada. Goods that meet The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) rules of origin can benefit from preferential duty free import. The MFN tariff rates of Canada and Bulgaria apply to goods that do not meet the rules of origin (non-originating goods) under CETA.
Regarding duty free eligibility under CETA:
Country origin rules are associated with factors used to determine if the product is eligible for preferential duty free treatment under CETA. The good news for shippers is that CETA rules don’t require a formal certificate in order to obtain tariff benefits. A declaration on the invoice or any other commercial document accompanying the shipment is enough.
The CETA country of origin declaration has a specific wording, which is fairly straight forward (check with up to date regulations before shipping).
Useful presentation shipping between Bulgaria and Canada (accompanying video)
The options for shipping from Bulgaria to Canada include the Bulgarian Post (the preferred option for individuals shipping small parcels), Jet DHL, and North America's mega carriers FedEx and UPS.
Options for shipping from Bulgaria to Canada via FedEx and UPS Include:
Consignments imported from Bulgaria to Canada are subject to duty and taxes. Most imports valued under CAD 20 can be cleared duty-free and tax-free. Shipments under CAD 3 300 can be imported under Courier Low-Value Shipment (CLVS) processes.
Goods that qualify as being of Bulgarian origin under the Canadian European Free Trade Agreement CETA may benefit from preferential duty free import regardless of value.
Contact Jet’s logistics team to get an estimate of import fees
The value for duty amount for all of Canada's free trade agreements (including Bulgarian origin goods under CETA)
For imports not exceeding $3,300 to Canada, the requirement for proof of origin is waived. The requirement on the importer to maintain records (for example, commercial invoice and B3) applies even if the CBSA does not require a certification of origin or if a requirement for a certification of origin has been waived.
Common import fees for consignments shipped via air to Canada can include duty, taxes and carrier fees.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) portal streamlines the process of importing commercial goods.All commercial importers must register in CBSA's CARM system. Doing so requires importers to assign a customs broker and submit a surety bond (or deposit) to guarantee payment of duty and taxes.
Jet Worldwide is building international shipping solutions for Shopify, Canada's leading e-commerce platform. Building on Jet Worldwide’s decades of Canadian cross-border parcel shipping experience, our team is currently developing integrated solutions for shipping to Bulgaria and the entire European Union. Read about IOSS and payment of VAT for e-commerce orders to EU
Jet Worldwide gives access to all companies seeking shipping quotes between Bulgaria (and the EU) and Canada for parcels pallets, and online orders.