Shipping goods from +250 destinations to Canada involves understanding various logistics, regulations, and costs. Here's a guide to help you navigate the process easily.
Chantal has been writing about logistics topics for almost two decades and has worked for major international carriers.
Planning to ship goods to Canada? Start comparing all the difference options of transport en plan directly online.
Route: Goods are flown from major Dutch airports like Amsterdam Schiphol to various Canadian airports, with final delivery managed locally. This method is ideal for high-value or time-sensitive shipments.
Transit Time: Approximately 5-7 days.
Cost: Higher due to expedited service, suitable for urgent or smaller shipments.
Route: Goods depart from major Dutch ports like Rotterdam to Canadian ports, then transported inland via road. This method is best for shipments that are not time-sensitive. Transit Time: Approximately 2-4 weeks.
Cost: More economical for larger shipments with longer transit times.
Cost Estimation: Use our shipping cost calculator to compare rates from carriers like DHL, TNT, and FedEx.
Accurate customs documentation is crucial for a smooth shipping process. You need an air waybill, a commercial invoice, and a packing list. Detailed item descriptions and values are essential to avoid delays or returns. Learn about import duties and the clearance process on the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) website or contact our Live Chat for assistance.
Shipping to Canada requires three primary documents:
Bill of Lading (BOL): A legal document between the shipper and carrier detailing the type, quantity, and destination of the goods being shipped.
Canadian Customs Invoice: Required for customs clearance, detailing the shipper, receiver, and shipment contents.
NAFTA Certificate of Origin: Necessary if your goods qualify for reduced tariffs under the USMCA/CUSMA agreement.
Since 2013, Canadian customs require all shipment information before freight arrives at the border. This pre-screening helps speed up the border crossing process. Schedule shipments in advance and collaborate with the carrier to ensure all paperwork is complete. ParcelParcel will check all the paperwork and this has already saved many from making (small) mistakes.
Palletized freight must follow specific guidelines. Wooden pallets must be treated with heat or chemicals and marked with an ISPM 15 stamp to prevent pests from crossing borders. Improper pallets may be denied or destroyed. Ensure your packaging meets all regulatory standards to avoid issues at the border.
Insurance protects against potential fines and damaged products. Most carriers include basic insurance in their rates, but additional coverage is available. Take a look at ParcelParcel’s insurance page.
Ensure all labels comply with the Consumer Packaging and Labeling Act, which mandates bilingual labels (English and French). Proper labeling & packaging avoids customs delays and ensures compliance with Canadian regulations. Use for example the general packaging guidelines from FedEx.
Taxes are collected at both federal and provincial levels. Double-check each region’s tax rate to ensure accurate calculations. Visit the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website for detailed information on tax rates and regulations.
ParcelParcel simplifies international shipping to Canada with reliable services to your needs. For personalized assistance or to take the first step of shipment, contact our team directly at +31 85 877 16 56 (Netherlands) or +32 38 087 099 (Belgium).
Use the code PP10 to get a 10% discount on your first shipping!
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