Canada Customs Regulations for Shipping from the UK
Canada’s customs regulations are enforced by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Goods imported from the UK must comply with tariff classifications, tax rules, and oversight from agencies like the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for food and biosecurity. The UK-Canada Trade Continuity Agreement (TCA, post-Brexit) maintains CETA-like tariff benefits, reducing duties on many UK goods.
1. Customs Clearance Process
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Declaration: Goods over CAD 20 require a customs declaration (e.g., Form B3 for commercial imports or informal clearance for small shipments).
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Inspection: CBSA may inspect for compliance with tax, safety, and biosecurity standards.
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Duty/Tax Assessment: Based on the Customs Value (FOB) plus shipping/insurance (CIF).
2. Required Documentation
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Commercial Invoice: Details goods, value, and buyer/seller info (in English or French).
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Packing List: Lists contents, weight, and quantity per package.
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Bill of Lading (Sea) or Air Waybill (Air): Proves transport and ownership; includes freight costs.
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Certificate of Origin: Optional but required for TCA tariff reductions (e.g., 0% duty on qualifying UK goods).
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Permits: Needed for restricted items (e.g., CFIA for food).
3. Duties and Taxes
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Duty-Free Threshold: Personal gifts or mail under CAD 20 are exempt from duties and taxes (excluding alcohol/tobacco). Above CAD 20, full rates apply.
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Import Duties: 0-15% based on HS codes; TCA eliminates duties on most UK goods (e.g., clothing, machinery) if origin is proven.
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GST/HST: Federal GST (5%) or Harmonized Sales Tax (13-15%) applies to CIF + duty, varying by province (e.g., 13% in Ontario).
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PST: Additional provincial sales tax (7-10%) in some regions (e.g., British Columbia).
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De Minimis for E-commerce: CAD 150 for duty-free, CAD 40 for tax-free (not applicable to mail).
4. Prohibited and Restricted Items
5. HS Codes and Valuation
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HS Codes: Canada uses the Harmonized System (e.g., a wool sweater might be 6110.11). Check the Customs Tariff.
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Valuation: FOB value for duty; CIF for GST/HST. Under-declaring risks penalties.
6. TCA Benefits
7. Practical Tips
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Prepay Duties/Taxes: Couriers like Canada Post or UPS offer this to speed clearance.
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Customs Broker: Useful for shipments over CAD 3,300 or regulated goods.
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Tracking: Use CBSA’s portal or courier systems for status updates.
Mastering Canada Customs with Send2Hub
Shipping to Canada? Send2Hub simplifies CBSA rules for you. Personal items under CAD 20 skip duties and taxes, but above that, expect 5-15% duties (or 0% with TCA benefits) plus 5-13% GST/HST. A commercial invoice, packing list, and Bill of Lading or Air Waybill are must-haves—we’ll ensure they’re spot-on. Restricted goods like food or plants need CFIA permits, and prohibited items (e.g., drugs, weapons) are off-limits—our team keeps you compliant.
We’ll help you leverage the UK-Canada TCA for tariff savings, sort HS codes, and prepay taxes to avoid delays. Track your shipment live and ship with confidence. From the UK to Canada, Send2Hub makes customs easy—let’s get started!