Australia and Canada enjoy deep economic links, strong bilateral trade, and substantial two-way investment. This guide explains the cheapest ways to ship from Australia to Canada, compares post vs. courier vs. air & ocean freight, and shows how to leverage CPTPP for duty-free entry on qualifying Australian-origin goods. Jet Worldwide provides low-cost parcel delivery and consultative logistics support for Australia ⇄ Canada shipping.
Best shipping and logistics options between Australia and Canada.
Best Ways to Ship from Australia to Canada
Choose the mode that fits your size/weight, speed, budget and commodity:
- Postal (Australia Post → Canada Post): cheapest for small, non-urgent personal parcels (≤2 kg options).
- Courier (FedEx/UPS/DHL/Jet Worldwide): fast, door-to-door tracking, better for commercial shipments & regular volumes.
- Air cargo: ideal for heavier freight that is time-sensitive; typically 3–10 days door-to-door depending on routing.
- Ocean freight (LCL/FCL): lowest cost for pallets/containers; allow ~1–3 months door-to-door depending on sailing schedules.
Volumetric (chargeable) weight for air/courier: (L × W × H in cm) ÷ 5000. Compare to actual kg and charge the greater.
Parcel Shipping Options from Australia to Canada
Australia Post
Best for individuals shipping small parcels and personal items. Parcels are delivered in Canada by Canada Post.
- International Satchels (to Canada): Economy (about a week+) or Express (approx. 2–4 days).
- Prepaid satchel sizes: Small 220×353mm / up to 0.5 kg; Medium 265×380mm / up to 1 kg; Large 405×310mm / up to 2 kg.
Postal consolidators (e.g., regional aggregators via Singapore Post or NZ Post) can offer lower rates for high volumes.
FedEx, UPS & DHL
Reliable express options from Australia to Canada with priority and economy services, customs brokerage, and detailed tracking.
- International Priority (fastest air express)
- International Economy (cost-optimized air)
Shipping via Jet Worldwide
Jet Worldwide has provided international delivery solutions for over 40 years. We offer comparative pricing, routing optimization, and customs guidance for Australia ⇄ Canada shipping.
- Parcels, pallets, and e-commerce flows
- Consultative support → lower landed costs & fewer delays
Shipping Cargo from Australia to Canada
Typical transit times (indicative only): ocean freight ~1–3 months door-to-door; economy air cargo often within 1–2 weeks depending on capacity and routing. The main Canadian ocean gateway for Australia is Vancouver; final times vary by sailing schedules and final delivery address.
LCL (Less-than-Container Load)
Cost-effective for one to several pallets. Expect extra time for consolidation/deconsolidation.
FCL (Full Container Load)
Fastest ocean option. Choose 20' or 40' depending on payload/volume.
Air vs Ocean: Which Is Cheaper?
For smaller freight, air can be cheaper once ocean minimums/surcharges are added. As a rule of thumb, shipments under ~200 kg often price better by air; heavier consignments trend toward ocean.
Shipping Terms to Consider (DDU vs DDP)
Default international parcel terms are usually Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) / EXW, assigning import costs (duty/taxes/fees) to the consignee. Many carriers offer Delivery Duty Paid (DDP), allowing the shipper to pay import fees on the receiver’s behalf.
Note: Import taxes paid by the shipper (DDP) are typically not recoverable by the importer. When shipping to VAT/GST-registered businesses, verify whether the consignee should pay and claim input tax credits instead.
Useful information: Incoterms for packages & online orders
Australian Export Declaration (EDN)
Exports from Australia valued over AUD $2,000 must be reported to Australian Border Force (ABF). You’ll need an Export Declaration Number (EDN) via the Integrated Cargo System (ICS).
- Required for: shipments > AUD $2,000; restricted/permit goods; duty drawback claims; dutiable/excisable goods
- Personal effects are generally exempt
Customs Clearance for Canadian Imports from Australia
Goods imported to Canada are subject to duty and sales taxes (GST/HST and, where applicable, provincial taxes). Courier consignments under CAD $3,300 typically clear via the Courier Low-Value Shipment (CLVS) processes.
- De minimis: Most non-US/Mexico imports valued ≤ CAD $20 are duty- and tax-exempt.
- Ensure accurate HS classification, declared value, and country of origin on the commercial invoice.
Useful read: Understanding Canadian import fees
CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management)
CARM is CBSA’s online portal for managing commercial imports. Registration and a surety bond (or deposit) are required for importers.
Learn more about CARM : See link above in Additional Resources
Other things to consider
- Importer of record (business vs direct-to-consumer)
- HS codes & tariff classification
- Health Canada approvals (where applicable)
- Labeling (English & French may be required)
- Country of origin marking
- Correct valuation (see CIF/valuation)
- Certificates of origin if claiming CPTPP preferential duty
CPTPP Duty-Free Clearance from Australia to Canada
The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) enables preferential duty-free import to Canada for qualifying Australian-origin goods. Eligibility depends on meeting the product-specific rules of origin and providing appropriate proof.
Read more: Certificate of Origin—what it is & when you need it
Low-Value Parcels (≤ CAD $3,300): Simplified Origin Statement
For qualifying shipments ≤ CAD $3,300, importers can usually claim CPTPP using a simplified origin statement (no formal certificate required), provided the goods meet the origin rules.
- A signed statement by the importer, exporter, or producer that the goods are CPTPP-originating
- Include the statement on the commercial invoice (we recommend also attaching a separate document)
- Ensure marks/labels are consistent with Australian origin
Higher-Value Shipments: Minimum Data Elements
For high-value claims, include the minimum data elements in your certification:
- Certifier (Importer/Exporter/Producer)
- Name, address, and contact of certifier/exporter/producer/importer
- Goods description & HS classification
- Origin criterion
- Blanket period (if applicable)
- Authorized signature & date
Reference: Annex 3-B of the consolidated TPP/CPTPP text
Information Needed for an Australia → Canada Shipping Quote
- Pickup & delivery postcodes, business or residential delivery
- Dimensions (L×W×H) and weight per piece; number of items
- Contents, HS codes (if known), and declared customs value (currency)
- Preferred mode (post, courier, air cargo, ocean) & target timeline
- Whether CPTPP duty-free will be claimed (and by whom)
Note: Jet Worldwide Canada maintains a close partnership with Jet Worldwide Australia—separate companies with a shared legacy.
FAQs: Shipping from Australia to Canada
What’s the cheapest way to send a small package from Australia to Canada?
Australia Post is typically the cheapest for small, non-urgent parcels (≤2 kg), delivered in Canada by Canada Post.
How long does shipping take?
Courier express can be as quick as 2–5 working days; economy air cargo roughly 1–2 weeks; ocean freight commonly 1–3 months door-to-door depending on sailing schedules.
Do I have to pay duty and tax in Canada?
Most non-US/Mexico imports ≤ CAD $20 are duty/tax-exempt. Otherwise, duty and GST/HST may apply. Many courier shipments ≤ CAD $3,300 clear via CLVS for faster processing.
Can I get duty-free entry under CPTPP?
Yes—if your goods qualify as Australian-origin under CPTPP rules and you provide valid proof. Low-value parcels (≤ CAD $3,300) may use a simplified origin statement.
What documents do I need?
Commercial invoice with shipper/consignee details, description, HS codes, value, origin; packing list (if multiple items); any permits; EDN for AU exports > AUD $2,000; and CPTPP origin statements if claiming preferential duty.
Disclaimer: The information in Jet Worldwide content, including this post, is for general guidance only. Always confirm requirements with your carrier, broker, and relevant authorities.
