Are you considering shipping from China to Canada? It might be overwhelming for you without knowledge about the international shipping process. As seasoned shipping agents, we provide various services customized to your requirements, whether air freight or ocean container shipping.
In the following article, we’ve compiled essential information to ensure seamless China to Canada shipping.
To simplify your journey, we have broken down this article into 11 parts:
- Air Freight from China to Canada
- Shipping cost from China to Canada by air
- Sea Freight from China to Canada
- LCL sea shipping rates from China to Canada
- Container shipping prices from China to Canada
- Shipping from China to Canada Amazon FBA
- Shipping route from China to Canada
- Cheapest way to ship from China to Canada
- Canada import rules and regulations
- Customs clearance in Canada
- Best freight forwarder China to Canada
Keep reading to learn more!
Air freight from China to Canada
Air cargo shipping to Canada is beneficial for delivering high-value commodities or those with a limited shelf life.
Additionally, you can get more flexibility in delivery time and pricing, as you can choose indirect flights, non-stop transfers, or charter services.
Typically, the shipping time from China to Canada by air freight varies depending on three distinct classifications:
- Emergency air freight:The delivery time is around 2 to 4 days. This option prioritizes speed, making it ideal for shipping time-sensitive goods, especially perishable items.
- Standard air freight:Featuring a transit time of 5 to 7 days, this category strikes a balance between cost-effectiveness and fast delivery.
- Door-to-door air shipping:This service ensures your package arrives at your doorstep directly. It typically takes 10 to 15 days for transport.
However, there are more limitations on shipped cargo if you process air freight from China to Canada. Examples include flammable items (like batteries), magnetic products (e.g. speakers), and more.
Our extensive network of 90+ reputable airline partners ensures guaranteed space for shipping from China to Canada. We aim to customize smooth solutions tailored to your cargo and requirements.
Shipping cost from China to Canada by air per kg
| ~45kg | ~100kg | ~300kg | ~500kg | ~1000kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9.99 | $8.98 | $8.29 | $8.19 | $8.09 |
These rates represent average port-to-port shipping charges. To obtain the most up-to-date pricing, contact our shipping experts.
Generally, the air shipping charges are typically according to the higher value between the actual and volumetric weight. You can refer to this article, “Air Freight Cost Calculator,” to learn how to calculate the shipping cost from China to Canada.
Sea freight from China to Canada
While ocean freight may not match the speed of air shipping, it stands out as an affordable alternative, as ship vessels can carry a large number of containers in a single voyage.
It is the preferred transportation method when speed is not the primary concern and/or the volume of goods to be shipped is substantial.
Generally, ocean freight offers two primary options for importers: Less than Container Load (LCL) and Full Container Load (FCL).
- Ocean FCL:Under this arrangement, a shipper reserves an entire container for transporting their goods.
- Ocean LCL:It is the more budget-friendly option. It involves loading items from multiple shippers into a single container.
The sea shipping time from China to Canada typically ranges from 14 to 37 days. If you choose LCL for the China-Canada routes, you can expect an additional one to two weeks in transit.
When selecting sea shipping, it’s advisable to plan your order production and ship two to three months ahead of your required timeframe. This proactive approach ensures your products are available during the peak sales season.
Our self-owned services for ocean shipping provide access to first-hand shipping rates and container spaces. Whether it’s project logistics, bulk shipping, or oversized cargo delivery, we guarantee a seamless international transportation experience.
Furthermore, our door-to-door sea freight service integrates trucking or express delivery for the last mile, ensuring you receive your cargo at home without any hassles.
LCL sea shipping rates from China to Canada
| POL | POD | USD/CBM |
|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen | Toronto | $95 |
| Shenzhen | Vancouver | $80 |
Container shipping prices from China to Canada
| POL | POD | 20’ container | 40’ container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen | Toronto | $3020 | $3700 |
| Shenzhen | Vancouver | $3020 | $3700 |
The quotes in this table are only for reference. For an accurate and latest shipping rate, contact our logistics experts.
Shipping from China to Canada Amazon FBA
If you’re an e-commerce seller, leveraging Amazon’s FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) service is an excellent way to streamline your operations.
To simplify this shipping process, consider working with a reliable freight agent like Airsupply. We can handle logistics and customs clearance and ensure that your products reach Amazon’s fulfillment centers seamlessly. Details are as follows:
1. Pick up and consolidation
For your convenience, we go the extra mile by contacting your supplier and arranging the retrieval of your goods from their warehouse. Alternatively, you can opt to send your cargo to either our China or USA warehouse, where we can securely store it on your behalf.
Even if your products are scattered across multiple locations, we will collect, consolidate, and dispatch them to you as a unified and streamlined package.
2. Cargo inspection
When shipping from China to Canada, it is crucial to perform a final inspection of your goods while they are still in China. We accommodate all your inspection requirements, encompassing a meticulous review of the outer packaging, quantity, etc.
3. Amazon preparation services
We have over 10+ years of experience and will ensure your products meet Amazon’s rigorous standards. The preparatory tasks include FNSKU labeling, customized packaging, poly bagging, bubble wrapping, and more.
Not only does this enhance compliance, but it also translates to substantial cost savings for you. Our expertise can save you time and potential headaches.
Shipping route from China to Canada
Familiarizing yourself with the major shipping ports in China and Canada is essential. This knowledge will help you understand which transportation route suits your goods more effectively.
Here are some of the primary sea routes that connect China to Canada:
1. Pacific route
It is the most direct sea freight route from China to the western coast of Canada. It involves sailing across the Pacific Ocean and provides access to Canadian ports such as Vancouver and Prince Rupert.
This route is ideal for goods destined for Western Canadian markets and offers relatively shorter transit times.
2. Atlantic route
It connects China to the eastern coast of Canada, primarily the port of Halifax in Nova Scotia.
This route can serve eastern Canadian markets efficiently, though it involves a long voyage across the Atlantic Ocean.
3. Transshipment routes
Many shipments from China to Canada involve transshipment. It indicates that the cargo will undergo transfer at hubs, often located in the United States.
Typically, the seaports of Los Angeles and Long Beach in California are major transshipment hubs for goods bound for Canada.
On the other hand, the major seaports in China to ship your goods to Canada contain:
- The Port of Shanghai
- Ningbo Port
- The Port of Shenzhen
- Qingdao port
- Port of Xiamen
If you opt for air freight, you also have the option to track your shipment. Prime airports in China that serve as departure points for cargo to Canada include:
- Shanghai (PEK)
- Shenzhen (SZX)
- Guangzhou (PEK)
On the Canadian side, key airports where imports from China are received include:
- Montreal
- Pierre
- Calgary
- Vancouver
Usually, a reliable freight forwarder like Airsupply will recommend the most suitable port for shipping your goods from China to Canada.
Their selection depends on various factors, including proximity, transit time, costs, customs clearance efficiency, and any prior agreements you’ve established with them.
Cheapest way to ship from China to Canada
Generally speaking, you can choose the air or sea freight, given your specific requirements for your China to Canada shipping.
However, regardless of your chosen method, partnering with Airsupply, a reputable China forwarding expert, is the best way to ensure stress-free and on-time delivery.
Airsupply provides numerous advantages, including:
- Access to thebest shipping rates negotiated for the Chinese market, which is not available to other North American forwarders.
- Our expertise in managing complex logistical requirements allows us to offer various shipping options to accommodate any timeline and budget.
Canada import rules and regulations
Here are the basic requirements for shipping goods into Canada:
1. Get the import business number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
It is a unique identifier for your business and other purposes, including customs and tax-related matters.
2. Register for an import/export account with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
This account allows you to report your imports and exports, pay duties and taxes, and access various customs services.
3. Obey with the labeling and marking of goods as required by the CRA
Here are some examples:
- Products must bear accurate descriptions and match their Harmonized System classification.
- Hazardous goods need appropriate hazard labels and markings.
- Correct quantity measurements (e.g., weight or volume) are vital for tax and duty assessment.
- Certain goods, like electrical products, need marks like CSA for safety and regulatory adherence.
4. Needed permits and licenses
While imports from certain countries may not necessitate authorization, tariff quotas are enforced for the following commodities:
- Cheese
- Barley
- Beef
- Wheat
People shipping products categorized within the tariff quota list require an import permit. To obtain this permit, the importer must furnish a pro forma invoice issued by the Export and Import Controls Bureau.
5. Essential documents like commercial invoices, certificates of origin, packing lists, and more for smooth customs clearance.
To obtain all the necessary paperwork, send your cargo details to our online experts now. Our shipping experts will guide you through the process.
Prohibited and restricted items in Canada
When you attempt to ship prohibited goods into Canada, customs authorities may take one of two actions:
- Refuse entry to the goods at the ports
- Detain them for further inspection
For this reason, you should be aware of the products that cannot ship to Canada. Here is the referenced list:
- Coins and cash
- Counterfeit products
- Weapons and firearms
- Second-hand mattresses
- Tobacco and tobacco items
- White phosphorus matches
- Obscene and pornographic goods
- cargo with falsified addresses of origin
- Goods that promote sedition and hate speech
Customs clearance in Canada
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is the government body responsible for overseeing the customs process in Canada.
When your goods arrive at the port, CBSA authorities conduct a thorough examination of your goods and accompanying documentation to ensure legality and completeness.
Following this assessment, they determine the applicable duties and taxes. Once these financial obligations are satisfied, the CBSA will release your China to Canada shipping cargo.
Understanding the taxes and duties
Currently, imported items are subject to an average rate of 4.8%. However, this rate can change over time. So it is advisable to verify the exact rate on CBSA official websites using the HS code related to your item.
Moreover, any product shipped into Canada should charge a duty known as the Goods and Services Tax(GST). You will be required to pay a 5% GST tax calculated based on the current total value of the imported goods in Canadian currency.
You should know that you don’t have to pay GST when imports under CAN$20. Additionally, gifts worth CAN$60 or less received from family or friends living abroad are exempt from tariff charges.
Other charges, such as excise taxes, may be applicable depending on the nature or value of the goods. For example, luxury items may incur this tax.
It is also important to note that Canada has one of the world’s strictest anti-dumping regulations, covering over 85 products. These regulations affect goods originating from 35 specific countries, including China.
To ensure compliance when shipping from China to Canada, you can check this page of the CBSA to learn more.
Best freight forwarder China to Canada
Airsupply is a proven and reliable logistics expert renowned for its exceptional track record. Our commitment to delivering the clients’ goods to their Canadian destinations promptly and on time sets us apart. With a profound understanding of the shipping industry and a wealth of experience, Airsupply is a name you can trust.
Our services encompass DDP shipping, freight shipping, contract logistics, and more directly from China to Canada. Furthermore, we excel in the swift and secure delivery of sensitive and hazardous goods, including electronic products and batteries. When you choose Airsupply, you can rest assured that your goods are in capable hands, free from worry.
