A common question from shippers in the USA is whether they have to pay duties on items shipping to Canada. We hear it more often as e-commerce sellers in the USA ship orders to their Canadian customers. Below are the common questions on import fees to Canada for shipments from the USA, updated for the new Canadian counter-tariffs on US goods.
Topics: import fees to Canada explained
Jetship Worldwide is a practical option for merchants who sell higher-value items in lower volumes and want a simple, Canada-wide delivery setup without warehousing complexity.
Importing e-commerce orders to Canada is evolving with new technologies like CARM and updated import processes. It is critical for both online sellers and buyers to understand the total landed cost to avoid surprises at the border.
Duty-Free Limit (USA/Mexico): CA$150 (Courier)
Duty-Free Limit (Rest of World): CA$20
Key Fees: Duty, GST/HST, Carrier Entry Preparation, Disbursement Fees.
Even though Canada has free trade agreements with most major economies, "duty-free" access is strictly defined by shipment value and country of origin. Beyond customs duties, Canadian import costs include entry preparation fees, federal and provincial taxes, and carrier disbursement fees.
Calculating the total landed cost involves several variables:
Shipments containing only printed matter or documents are generally not subject to Canadian duty. However, provincial sales tax may apply to items with commercial value, such as books.
Common HS Codes for Printed Matter:
Tip: When shipping documents, use a minimal declared value to avoid unnecessary clearance delays.
Need local printing? Contact Jet's team for Print & Ship solutions within Canada to avoid cross-border fees entirely.
The "De Minimis" threshold determines when duties and taxes apply. This limit varies significantly depending on whether you are shipping via Courier from North America or from the rest of the world.
| Origin | Shipping Method | Duty-Free Limit (CAD) | Tax-Free Limit (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA & Mexico (CUSMA/USMCA) |
Courier / Commercial | CA$150 | CA$40 |
| USA & Mexico | Postal (USPS/Correos) | CA$20 | CA$20 |
| Rest of World | Any Method | CA$20 | CA$20 |
Customs authorities are increasingly scrutinizing the valuation of e-commerce orders, particularly from Asia. Undervaluing goods to stay under the CA$20 threshold is a compliance risk. Read more about correct valuation practices.
Canada has robust Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) including CUSMA (North America), CETA (Europe), and CPTPP (Asia-Pacific). Qualifying for these agreements can waive duties, but Where you ship from ≠ Country of Origin.
Example: A smartphone case manufactured in China but shipped from a warehouse in the USA does not qualify for duty-free status under CUSMA. It remains a product of Chinese origin and subject to MFN tariff rates.
To benefit from preferential duty-free import, an Origin Declaration is often required on the shipping paperwork.
Even if an item is "Duty-Free," other costs often apply. Here is the consolidated list of fees to expect:
The CARM Client Portal is now the official system of record for Canadian imports. It modernizes how duties and taxes are collected. Importers (including non-resident e-commerce sellers) must register with CARM to manage payment and delegate authority to customs brokers. Read our full guide on CARM compliance.
For over 40 years, Jet Worldwide has provided transparent logistics solutions. We help you navigate the complexities of Canadian customs, finding the right balance between speed and cost.
