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.
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:
Here are some of our most common paperwork our customers require for parcels to the USA:
A Canadian export declaration (CERS/ B-13)is not required when sending shipments to the USA
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.
For high value shipments that were manufactured in Canada or Mexico, a USMCA certification of origin must be included for preferential duty free status.
The key provisions of CUSMA USMCA (i.e. new NAFTA) include:
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.
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).
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:
Customs entries can be broadly defined in 3 categories (values in USD):
* Some items, for example those requiring approval from the Food and Drug Administration, must be entered using a formal entry regardless of value.
Below is a review of the major choices for parcel delivery to the USA from Canada:
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 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, while a major Canadian carrier, uses UPS as their primary agent for parcel deliveries to the 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 gives you low cost access to major shipping options along with best in class logistics support.