The United States is Canada's largest trading partner and we get many inquires on the best practices for shipping parcels to The United States
Disclaimer: The information in all Jet Worldwide online content, including this post, is for general information only.
1. Necessary documentation for Canadian Goods shipped to the USA
The basic requirements for most parcels sent to the USA is to include an invoice for customs. The most important part of Customs clearance is ensuring that your shipment is accompanied by the correct paperwork (this is true for all international courier shipments!).
The basics elements of an invoice for customs include:
- Date of shipment
- Name, address and telephone number of shipper
- Name, address and telephone number of consignee
- Detailed description of item(s) being sent
- Value of the item(s)
Here are some of our most common paperwork our customers require for parcels to the USA:
CERS to the USA:
A Canadian export declaration (CERS/ B-13)is not required when sending shipments to the USA
Prior Notice for food items:
When sending foodstuffs to the USA, you must first register with the United States Food and Drug Administration. All foodstuffs sent to the USA must include a “Prior Notice” authorization number. This number must be included on the invoice. A copy of the confirmation (which can be obtained from the FDA website) should be included with the shipment.
Certificate of Origin for USMA rules:
For high value shipments that were manufactured in Canada or Mexico, a USMCA certification of origin must be included for preferential duty free status.
Benefit of including a Certificate of Origin
Confirm if you need to file a CERS export declaration.
Understand shipping from Canada Versus Canadian Origin
CUSMA/USMCA Shipping to USA from Canada
The key provisions of CUSMA USMCA (i.e. new NAFTA) include:
- Duty free and tax free entry for most Canada origin parcels valued under US$800
- Simplified "Certification of Origin" for shipments valued under US$2,500
For low value shipments (under CAD $2,500 to the USA) a certifying statement added to the commercial invoice or any shipping document. Here is a sample statement:
“I hereby certify that the goods covered by this shipment qualifies as an originating good for the purposes of preferential tariff treatment under USMCA/T-MEC/CUSMA.”
This statement can be included on the commercial invoice or other shipping document.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for general information only. Producers, shippers, exporters, importers should confirm their processes with their customs brokers, carriers and regulating authorities.
US customs Form 3325 for Trade Show Items
If you wish to send Trade Show related items, such as displays, you must include a Customs Form 3325. (Jet Worldwide provides special dedicated Trade Show Services - including dedicated time specific pickup/ delivery, repacking etc).
Paperwork for “Other Government Agencies”
There are over 40 US government departments that have unique requirements necessary for your goods to clear customs. The most common of the “other government agencies” involved in clearance of your goods include:
- Department of Transportation (DOT)
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Fish and Wildlife
2. Valuation and duty free entry Canadian Goods to USA
Customs entries can be broadly defined in 3 categories (values in USD):
Under $800 US
- Most shipments* valued under $800 can be easily cleared duty free.
Over $800 but less than $2,500
- Informal Entry
Over $2,500
- Formal Entry
* Some items, for example those requiring approval from the Food and Drug Administration, must be entered using a formal entry regardless of value.
3. Best Carriers Methods to Ship from Canada to USA:
Below is a review of the major choices for parcel delivery to the USA from Canada:
Canada Post:
Lowest cost option for small “packets” to the USA. Canada Post becomes less cost effective for heavier shipments and postal services can be unreliable. Postal options are best for individuals shipping small packages and personal items.
FedEx/ UPS:
FedEx and UPS are the best known express and ground carriers in the United States. Shippers can access them directly or via one of their partner carriers.
Purolator:
Purolator, while a major Canadian carrier, uses UPS as their primary agent for parcel deliveries to the USA.
LTL and Truck load between Canada and USA
Shipping pallets via truck is often the best options when you ship between Canada and USA. Read more about benefiting from LTL shipping.
Jet Worldwide to USA
Jet Worldwide gives you low cost access to major shipping options along with best in class logistics support.
