We get many requests from the thousands of French citizens who consider moving to Montreal every year. Many French business people and students are moving from Paris, Lyon, Marseille and all of France to enjoy the vibrant cultural and economic activity in Montreal.
An increasing number of French students are attending Montreal's many Universities (including McGill, Concordia, University of Montreal, Université du Québec à Montréal and the Polytechnique).
Personal goods shipped from France can be imported duty-free to Canada when the necessary conditions are met. For rates on shipping personal effects from Paris, Lyon, Marseille and all France to Montreal, Quebec and all Canada, contact Jet Worldwide Canada.
Disclaimer: The information in Jet Worldwide online content, including this post, is for general information only and is not intended to, constitute legal and/or tax advice. Producers, shippers, exporters, importers should confirm their processes with their customs brokers, carriers and regulating authorities. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this site are hereby expressly disclaimed. The content on this posting is provided “as is”; no representations are made that the content is error-free.
Paying excess baggage versus shipping your personal effects
In many cases, travelling your goods with you as excess baggage is the best method. The cost of excess baggage is usually less expensive than shipping separately. Items shipped as excess baggage are easily cleared upon arrival to Montreal's Pierre Elliot Trudeau Airport (YUL) or other Canadian entry point.
Air France and Air Canada are the largest air carriers from France to Montreal
Shipping a couple of boxes of personal goods from France
For many persons moving from France to Montreal, they have more boxes than are practical to ship as excess baggage. Often, traveling with so much excess baggage can be a burden - especially when traveling alone.
Jet Worldwide helps people in France ship their personal goods from France to Montreal and Quebec when excess baggage is not a practical option.
Jet Worldwide's economy express shipping service provides a solution for French individuals and businesses who want specialized door-to-door shipping solutions.
When shipping an entire household from France to Montreal
Some individuals in France - especially those working for corporations or the government - are seeking a solution for shipping an entire household of goods to Montreal and Quebec.
Jet Worldwide has partnered with moving specialists to help employees located in France move to Montreal, Quebec and across Canada.
Large household moves are best sent via ocean freight to a local port in Montreal. The goods can be cleared at the ocean port and then placed on a truck for final delivery, unpacking and placement of the items in the person's new home.
Self-clearing personal effects to Canada from France
In order for your personal effects to benefit from duty-free status, they must meet Canadian Customs guidelines. Although Jet Worldwide can provide the necessary door-to-door transport, personal effects imported to Canada must be self-cleared by the actual importer. Personal effects can qualify for the duty-free provisions of tariff item No. 9807.00.00.
Jet Worldwide often manages the shipping of personal effects from Canada but there are restrictions. Requirements include copies of the importer's passport and a specific list of the shipment's contents with estimated unit and total value. Personal goods shipped to Canada must be self-cleared by the importer of the goods.
Personal goods are generally meant as being used, over 1 year old and for personal use only.
Shipping of excess baggage: Generally, it is simpler and easier to ship your personal effects as excess baggage when you travel. Carrier excess baggage fees for a couple of bags is most often less expensive than shipping separately without having to manage the entry requirements (discussed above).
Shipping a box or several boxes: Jet Worldwide provides solutions shipping of international personal effects to Canada via economy air.
Shipping a household/ container level: For shipping a full household, it is best to contact a moving specialists to arrange for packing and ocean transport.
Wedding gifts?
If you got married within three months of coming to Canada or if you plan to marry within three months of your arrival in Canada, you can bring in your wedding gifts free of duty and taxes. However, you must have owned and possessed the gifts before you arrived in Canada.
What are considered as personal effects?
The basic rule to qualify as duty-free personal goods is that the items:
- Must be used,
- Must not be otherwise restricted for import and
- Must be owned at least 6 months
The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) may require additional supporting documents such as a bill of sale to prove the requirements are met.
Declaring your goods upon arrival in Canada
If your goods are not with you as accompanied baggage, you must give your list of goods to the border services officer upon arrival to Canada. It is recommended that you download and complete a Form BSF186 (Personal Effect Accounting Document) before arriving. The customs officer will then assign a file number and give you the completed form as a receipt.
Jet Worldwide Canada can help companies and individuals move from France to Montreal and vice versa with door-to-door service for several boxes to large containers.
Disclaimer: International customs laws and regulations are subject to change and varying interpretation. The information contained herein is for general information only.
