How to Export Goods to Canada
Exporting non-document goods to Canada is a lot more involved than tossing the items in a box and slapping an address label on it. Since you're shipping to another country, the shipment must clear customs. Certain documents are needed according to the type of goods you are shipping. Here's what you'll need to export goods to Canada.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Fill out an invoice detailing the goods you are exporting, declared value of each item and name and address of both shipper and receiver. Send three copies of the invoice with a bill of lading with the package you are shipping.
-
2
Include a North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Certificate of Origin (CO) if the goods you are exporting originate from North America. The CO is used for duty purposes, such as establishing rates or preferential treatment.
-
-
3
Make sure the goods you are shipping are not prohibited and restricted for export to Canada. For instance, obscene materials (such as child pornography or hate propaganda) are prohibited, as are some firearms such as replicas and items such as switchblades, pepper spray and silencers.
-
4
Place all documents in a clearly-marked envelope outside the package. Customs must be able to readily access this documentation to verify that all necessary paperwork is accompanying the shipment.
-
5
Decide which carrier you would like to use and how you would like to export your goods to Canada. Many overnight shippers such as UPS or FedEx can be used, particularly if you wish to send the shipment next day or two-day air service, or a freight company if you wish to use ground service.
-
6
Complete a control document such as a manifest or waybill, detailing where and how the shipment is being sent, and affix it to the package. You may enclose your invoice, certificate of origin and other paperwork with this control document if desired, or place them in a separate envelope.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Use a specific Canada Customs Invoice if the goods you are exporting are valued at more than $1,000 CAD (Canadian Dollar).
Items such as handbags, clothing and textiles are controlled by Canada and you may need a certificate of origin as well as a special permit to export these goods to Canada.
A Shipper's Export Declaration (SED), required for many countries if the declared value of the shipment is over $2,500, is not needed for exports to Canada, unless the goods are passing through Canada to another country.
Consult with a customs broker who can help supply you with the documentation required for exporting goods to Canada.
Do not attempt to send any non-document goods to Canada without an invoice. This may result in unwanted delays of your shipment at Canadian Customs.
