Navigating Customs and Import Regulations: China to Canada Shipping Guide

birds eye view photo of freight containers

Shipping goods from China to Canada is a popular trading route, and there are different transportation modes available. Ordering air freight from China to Canada is a very quick and reliable option but also a rather costly one. Transporting goods by sea is a more popular solution due to its cost-efficiency even though it takes longer. Both solutions have their pros and cons and can be used effectively for different purposes.

Air Transportation

Many businesses choose air transportation from China to Canada for its speed as the goods can take only one to four days to be delivered. This time can vary based on a range of factors, such as the weight and size of the goods, their value, etc. The cost of such transportation involves a variety of charges, including fuel charges, airline prices, the route that the shipment company uses for transporting goods, customs clearance, and more. Security fee is also included, and it is usually 0,15 CAD per kilogram. It is always convenient and more efficient to use reliable air freight services that will have all the necessary fees covered.

Sea Transportation

Sea transportation is safe and accessible, but it takes longer. In addition, customs clearance usually takes up to two days to complete. An import customs declaration must be filled to be able to import goods. The other documents include:

·       Packing List;

·       Commercial Invoice;

·       Bill of Lading;

·       Arrival Notice;

·       Other documents can vary based on the province. They might include the certificate of origin, commercial invoice, etc.

A range of taxes is also included, such as Goods and Services Tax and Harmonized Sales Tax. Their percentage can vary based on the province. For example, Ontario has an 8% tax rate. This is why most businesses prefer working with transportation companies that facilitate import procedures.