Ship to Canada in 2026: Cheapest Options, Customs & Rates

To ship to Canada from the US, you need to complete a customs form, choose a carrier that balances cost and speed, and package your item securely. This process is routine, connecting the United States’ largest export market—with a staggering $356.5 billion in goods exported to Canada in 2022 alone—with its northern neighbor. Whether you’re an e-commerce seller tapping into the Canadian market or an individual sending a gift, this guide breaks down everything you need to know to ship to Canada smoothly and affordably.

We’ll cover customs paperwork, duties and taxes, carrier options, and costs, so you can get your package there without any surprises.

The Paperwork: Nailing Your Customs Documentation

Getting your customs paperwork right is the single most important step to avoid delays at the border. Every package crossing into Canada needs documentation that tells the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) what’s inside, what it’s worth, and where it came from.

The Commercial Invoice: Your Shipment’s Passport

Think of the commercial invoice as your package’s passport. It’s the primary document used by customs officials to clear your shipment and assess any applicable duties and taxes. You must include key details, such as:

Full names and addresses for both the shipper and the recipient.
A detailed description of each item in the box.
The quantity and weight of the items.
The value of each item and the total shipment value.
The country of origin (where the goods were made).
The Harmonized System (HS) code for the products.

Failing to include a complete commercial invoice is one of the most common reasons a package gets held up at the border.

The Canada Customs Invoice (CCI)

For certain shipments, especially commercial ones valued over $2,500 CAD, you may need a Canada Customs Invoice (CCI). This form requires more specific data than a standard commercial invoice. However, if your own commercial invoice already includes all the required information (like the purchaser, vendor, country of origin, and a detailed breakdown of goods), it can often serve as the CCI.

Claiming Duty Free Status with a Certificate of Origin (USMCA)

Thanks to the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA, or CUSMA in Canada), many goods manufactured in the US can enter Canada without any import duties. To claim this benefit, you need to provide a certification of origin.

Unlike the old NAFTA agreement, USMCA does not require a specific government form. Instead, you just need to provide a set of nine minimum data elements, which can be included directly on your commercial invoice or in a separate document. This simple statement certifies that your goods qualify for duty free treatment under the trade agreement.

What is an HS Code Classification?

An HS Code (Harmonized System Code) is a universal classification number that tells customs officials exactly what your product is. For example, a men’s cotton shirt has a different code than a smartphone. Including the correct HS code on your commercial invoice is crucial because it helps the CBSA apply the right duty rate and taxes, speeding up the clearance process.

Costs Explained: Duties, Taxes, and Fees

The total cost to ship to Canada involves more than just the postage. You also need to account for potential import fees and service charges.

Understanding Canadian Duties and Taxes

Canada applies two main types of import fees: customs duties (tariffs) and sales taxes (GST/HST/PST). Fortunately, not every package is subject to these fees. Under the USMCA, Canada offers helpful “de minimis” thresholds for goods shipped by courier:

Duty Free up to $150 CAD: Shipments valued at $150 CAD or less are exempt from customs duties.
Tax Free up to $40 CAD: Shipments valued at $40 CAD or less are exempt from both duties and sales taxes.

It’s important to note that these higher thresholds apply to courier shipments (like UPS and FedEx). If you ship to Canada via postal mail (USPS), the older, lower de minimis threshold of $20 CAD for both duties and taxes still applies.

Calculating Your Shipping Cost to Canada

The price you pay for postage depends on several factors: package weight and dimensions, delivery speed, and the carrier you choose. Shipping to Canada is more expensive than domestic shipping; for instance, sending a one pound package within the US might cost around $3.80, while sending that same package to Canada via USPS could be about $11.75.

Carriers may also add surcharges for fuel, residential delivery, or for delivering to remote areas. The best way to find the most affordable option is to compare prices (see our guide on how to calculate shipping costs). Using a free tool like an online shipping calculator lets you see rates from USPS, UPS, and FedEx side by side, so you can find the cheapest way to ship your specific package.

The Deal with Brokerage Fees and Customs Clearance

When a package arrives at the border, a customs broker must handle the clearance process. For most shipments, your carrier (like UPS or FedEx) acts as the broker. While convenient, they often charge a brokerage fee for this service, especially for ground shipments.

For example, a UPS Standard ground shipment might incur a brokerage fee of around $19 CAD for an item valued at $100. These fees are charged to the recipient upon delivery and can be an unwelcome surprise. There are a few ways to manage this:

Use Express Services: Air express services from UPS and FedEx typically include brokerage fees in the shipping rate.
Ship with USPS: When you use USPS, Canada Post handles the clearance and delivery. They charge a much lower handling fee (around $10 CAD) only if duties or taxes are due. If your box fits, USPS Flat Rate boxes can simplify pricing and avoid dimensional surprises.
Self Clear: The recipient can choose to clear the package themselves by visiting a CBSA office, though this is often not practical for small shipments.

Comparing Your Options to Ship to Canada

Choosing the right carrier is a balance of cost, speed, and service. Here’s a look at the most popular options.

USPS Shipping Options to Canada

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is often the most cost effective choice for individuals and small businesses, especially for lighter packages. USPS shipments are handed off to Canada Post for final delivery, which means they can reach any address, including P.O. boxes.

First Class Package International Service: The cheapest option for packages under 4 pounds, with delivery typically taking 1 to 3 weeks. A 1 pound package costs around $11.75.
Priority Mail International: A faster service for packages up to 70 pounds, with delivery in about 6 to 10 business days. It includes tracking and some insurance.

A major benefit of using USPS is the low brokerage fee charged by Canada Post on the receiving end. For product‑by‑product tips and current postage details, see our USPS shipping guide.

UPS Shipping Options to Canada

UPS offers reliable, day definite services perfect for businesses and time sensitive shipments.

UPS Standard: An economical ground service that takes 2 to 8 business days for delivery. Remember, this service comes with separate brokerage fees charged to the recipient.
UPS Worldwide Expedited: A faster air service, delivering in about 2 business days with brokerage included.
UPS Worldwide Express: The premium next day service, often delivering by 10:30 AM to major Canadian cities.

FedEx Shipping Options to Canada

FedEx provides a similar range of services to UPS, known for its speed and robust tracking.

FedEx International Ground: A ground service with delivery in 2 to 7 business days. Like UPS Standard, this option has separate brokerage fees.
FedEx International Economy: An air service that delivers in 2 to 3 business days, with brokerage included in the rate.
FedEx International Priority: The flagship express service, offering next business day delivery to many Canadian locations.

DHL Express to Canada

DHL specializes in international express shipping. They don’t offer a slower ground service; their focus is on speed. When you ship to Canada with DHL Express, you can expect delivery in 1 to 3 business days, comparable to the express offerings from UPS and FedEx. Brokerage is included, making it a seamless, premium option for urgent shipments.

Ground vs. Express Shipping: Speed vs. Cost

Ground Shipping: Services like UPS Standard and FedEx Ground travel by truck. They are more affordable, especially for heavier items, but take longer (2 to 8 business days) and often have those extra brokerage fees when you ship to Canada.
Express Shipping: Services like UPS Express or FedEx Priority travel by air. They are much faster, often delivering overnight, and brokerage fees are typically included in the higher price tag.

Not sure which carrier fits your budget and speed? Read our FedEx vs. UPS comparison.

Getting Your Package Ready

Proper preparation ensures your item arrives safely and without issue.

Packaging for an International Journey

Cross border shipments get handled many times, so sturdy packaging is a must. Use a strong, corrugated box with enough room for cushioning like bubble wrap. Seal it securely with packing tape. If you’re shipping with wood packaging like a crate or pallet, it must be heat treated and stamped (ISPM 15 compliant) to meet import regulations.

Prohibited and Restricted Items for Canada

You cannot ship just anything to Canada. Prohibited items are banned entirely, while restricted items require special permits. For example, Canada has completely banned the import of baby walkers since 2004 due to safety concerns. Other surprising prohibitions include yo yo string balls and lawn darts with elongated tips.

Restricted items might include certain foods, plants, or firearms, which require permits before you ship. Always check the CBSA website and your carrier’s specific list of non mailable items to avoid having your package seized.

Shipping to Canada for E-commerce and Businesses

Canada represents a massive opportunity for US online retailers, with over half of Canadian online shoppers purchasing from US websites. To succeed, focus on creating a smooth customer experience.

A Guide to E-commerce Shipping to Canada

For online sellers, transparency is key. Canadian customers dislike surprise fees at the door. Consider these strategies:

Be Clear About Fees: If you don’t collect duties and taxes upfront, clearly state on your website that the customer will be responsible for them upon delivery.
Offer DDP Shipping: Provide a “landed cost” at checkout that includes all duties and taxes.
Find a Shipping Partner: Using a platform to compare shipping rates can help you find discounted commercial pricing, making your products more competitive for Canadian buyers. Start with our overview of shipping discounts to see how to access lower commercial rates.

Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) to Canada Explained

Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) is a shipping arrangement where the seller takes responsibility for paying all import duties, taxes, and clearance fees. This means the Canadian customer pays one all inclusive price at checkout and receives their package with nothing more to pay. It’s the gold standard for a frictionless cross border shopping experience and helps prevent customers from refusing packages due to unexpected fees. To reduce post‑purchase friction, consider including a prepaid return label in the box.

Light Parcel vs. Less Than Truckload (LTL) Freight

Light Parcel Shipping: This refers to sending regular packages up to about 70 lbs through carriers like USPS, UPS, or FedEx. It’s the most common method for e-commerce. For very light items under 4 lbs, USPS is often the cheapest choice.
Less Than Truckload (LTL) Freight: For larger shipments that don’t require a full truck (e.g., a pallet of goods), LTL freight is the answer. Your shipment shares space on a truck with other freight, making it a cost effective way to move bigger items across the border.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Ship to Canada

1. What is the cheapest way to ship to Canada?
For small, lightweight packages under 4 pounds, USPS First Class Package International Service is almost always the most affordable option. For heavier items, it’s best to compare rates online between USPS Priority Mail International, UPS Standard, and FedEx Ground.

2. Do I need a customs form to ship to Canada?
Yes, every package sent from the US to Canada requires a customs form. For most shipments, this will be a commercial invoice detailing the contents and value of the shipment.

3. How long does it take to ship a package to Canada?
Delivery times can range from 1 business day to 3 weeks. Express services from UPS, FedEx, and DHL can deliver overnight. Ground services typically take 2 to 8 business days, while economy postal services like USPS First Class can take over a week.

4. How can I avoid high brokerage fees when shipping to Canada?
To avoid surprise brokerage fees for your recipient, you can either use an air express service where the fee is included (like UPS Worldwide Expedited or FedEx International Economy) or ship via USPS. Canada Post, which handles USPS deliveries in Canada, charges a much smaller handling fee.

5. What is the duty free limit for packages sent to Canada?
When shipped by a courier like UPS or FedEx, packages valued up to $150 CAD can enter Canada duty free, and packages valued up to $40 CAD are also tax free. For shipments sent through the postal service (USPS), the limit is lower at $20 CAD.

6. Can I track a USPS package once it’s in Canada?
Yes. The tracking number you receive from USPS will continue to work on the Canada Post website once the package has crossed the border and been processed by them. This allows you and your recipient to follow its journey all the way to the final delivery.