🇨🇦 Shipping to Canada from the United States

Your complete guide to shipping packages to Canada - America's largest trading partner

De Minimis

$20 CAD

Tax threshold

VAT/GST

5-15%

Varies by province

Delivery Time

3-10 days

From USA

Best Carrier

USPS

For most packages

USMCA Benefits: The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement provides reduced or eliminated duties on many products. Most items manufactured in the US qualify for preferential treatment.

Shipping Rates to Canada

Carrier & Service 1 lb 5 lbs 10 lbs 20 lbs Delivery Time
USPS First-Class $14.25 N/A N/A N/A 7-10 days
USPS Priority Mail $30.50 $46.50 $66.50 $106.50 6-10 days
USPS Priority Express $49.95 $81.95 $121.95 $201.95 3-5 days
UPS Standard $35.00 $52.50 $85.00 $145.00 3-7 days
FedEx Ground $32.00 $48.00 $78.00 $135.00 5-7 days
FedEx Priority $55.00 $88.00 $145.00 $245.00 1-3 days

Customs & Duties Information

  • De minimis for taxes: $20 CAD
  • De minimis for duties: $150 CAD
  • GST/HST: 5-15% depending on province
  • Processing fee: $9.95 CAD (Canada Post)
  • Required form: CN22 (under $400) or CN23
  • Commercial invoice: Required for business shipments

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Prohibited:

  • Firearms and ammunition (without permits)
  • Cannabis and CBD products
  • Certain food items (fresh meat, dairy)
  • Endangered species products

Restricted:

  • Alcohol (provincial regulations apply)
  • Tobacco products
  • Prescription medications
  • Plants and seeds

Tips for Shipping to Canada

  1. Use USPS for small packages: Generally the cheapest option for packages under 4 lbs
  2. Declare accurately: False declarations can result in fines and delays
  3. Include phone number: Canadian customs often calls recipients
  4. Mark as gift if applicable: Gifts under $60 CAD are duty-free
  5. Consider flat rate boxes: USPS flat rate can save money on heavy items
  6. Use tracked services: All major carriers offer tracking to Canada
  7. Ship early December: Holiday season causes significant delays
  8. Include French labels: Required for products sold in Quebec

Province-Specific Information

Province Sales Tax Total Tax Rate Special Notes
Ontario HST 13% 13% Most populated province
Quebec GST 5% + QST 9.975% 14.975% French labeling required
British Columbia GST 5% + PST 7% 12% Environmental fees may apply
Alberta GST 5% 5% No provincial tax
Nova Scotia HST 15% 15% Highest tax rate

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I always have to pay customs fees?

Not always. Gifts valued under $60 CAD and purchases under $20 CAD are exempt from duties and taxes. However, the carrier may still charge a handling fee.

Can I ship food to Canada?

Many processed and packaged foods are allowed, but fresh produce, meat, and dairy products are generally prohibited. Check the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website for specific items.

How can I avoid brokerage fees?

Use USPS instead of UPS/FedEx for small packages. USPS hands off to Canada Post, which charges a flat $9.95 CAD handling fee versus potentially higher brokerage fees from private carriers.

What's the best way to ship documents?

For documents only, use USPS First-Class International (around $14) or UPS/FedEx letter services. Documents typically clear customs quickly.

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