COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO SHIPPING FROM CHINA TO CANADA
Shipping Methods & Transit Times
Air Freight: 1–2 days
Sea Freight: 25–35 days
Sea Freight from China to Canada
Estimated Costs:
LCL (Less than Container Load): USD 140/CBM
20ft container (FCL): USD 3,150–5,250
40ft container (FCL): USD 5,950–7,850
Note: Ocean freight rates are subject to fluctuations. For updated pricing, please contact us. Once you submit an inquiry, we’ll provide a detailed quotation within 24 hours.
Key Factors Affecting Rates:
Seasonality: Prices tend to rise during peak shipping periods (holidays, shopping seasons, and restocking cycles).
Route selection: Different shipping lanes and transshipment ports affect costs.
Container type: Rates vary by 20ft, 40ft, or 40ft high cube containers.
Cargo type: Dangerous goods, refrigerated, or special cargo usually involve extra charges.
Major Ports:
China: Shenzhen, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Tianjin, Ningbo
Canada:
Port of Vancouver – Canada’s largest and busiest port, handling containers, bulk cargo, liquids, and agricultural goods. A vital Asia–North America gateway.
Port of Montreal – Largest port in Eastern Canada, key for trade with Europe, the Mediterranean, and the U.S. East Coast.
Port of Halifax – Deep-water port capable of accommodating mega-ships. Important link to Europe and Asia.
Port of Saint John – Energy-focused port in New Brunswick, exporting crude oil, LNG, and forestry products.
Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Ports – Includes Toronto (construction materials, food, industrial goods), Hamilton (steel and grain), Windsor (auto parts and agricultural cargo).
Port of Prince Rupert – Canada’s fastest-growing container port, supplementing Vancouver as a key Asia–North America hub.
Air Freight from China to Canada
Factors Affecting Costs:
Chargeable weight: Airlines calculate based on actual weight or volumetric weight (L×W×H ÷ 6000/5000). Bulky lightweight cargo often costs more.
Routes & destinations: Direct flights cost more than transfers; remote destinations can add surcharges.
Fuel prices: Oil price changes impact airline fuel surcharges.
Airline fees: Security, handling, dangerous goods surcharges, and oversized cargo fees vary.
Customs & clearance fees: Both export clearance in China and import clearance in Canada affect final costs.
Seasonality: Peak demand (Black Friday, Christmas, Singles’ Day) drives rates higher. Off-season promotions may be available.
Special cargo requirements: Perishables, dangerous goods, and cold-chain shipments require extra handling.
Major Airports:
China: Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Beijing Capital (PEK), Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), Hong Kong (HKG), Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX)
Canada:
Toronto Pearson (YYZ): Canada’s busiest cargo airport, major hub for electronics, perishables, and pharmaceuticals.
Vancouver (YVR): Key West Coast hub connecting Asia with North America, handling seafood, biotech, and high-value cargo.
Calgary (YYC): Major Western Canada hub supporting energy, agriculture, and manufacturing industries.
Montreal–Trudeau (YUL): Gateway for Eastern Canada, with strong links to Europe and the Americas.
Export & Import Taxes
In China (Export Stage)
VAT refund: Exporters may apply for refunds of VAT after shipping to reduce costs.
Export duties: Most products are exempt, but some require duties or permits.
Other fees: Inspection and quarantine charges may apply depending on the product category.
In Canada (Import Stage)
Customs Duties:
Collected by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
Rates vary by HS Code and country of origin (generally 0%–35%).
Reduced or zero duties apply under trade agreements (CUSMA, CETA, CPTPP, etc.).
GST (Goods and Services Tax):
Applied to nearly all imports at 5%.
Importers may recover it via Input Tax Credits (ITC).
PST/HST/QST:
Additional provincial taxes depending on destination:
HST (Ontario, Nova Scotia, etc.): 13%–15%
PST (BC 7%, Saskatchewan 6%)
QST (Quebec 9.975%)
Anti-Dumping & Countervailing Duties:
Imposed on goods deemed underpriced or subsidized (e.g., steel, aluminum, furniture).
Excise Taxes:
Levied on specific products such as alcohol, tobacco, fuel, and luxury goods.
Customs Processing Fees:
May include CBSA filing fees, storage, or service charges.
Canadian Anti-Dumping Duties on Chinese Goods
Industrial & Metal Products:
Wire rod: 34%–46.2% (effective Sept 2024).
Wind towers: Up to 193.8% (since 2023).
Steel & aluminum products: 25% (since Oct 2024).
Copper pipes/fittings: Subject to ongoing AD/CVD measures.
EVs & Renewable Products:
Electric vehicles: 100% (since Oct 2024, aligned with U.S. restrictions).
Aluminum extrusions: Long-term AD/CVD measures since 2020.
Agricultural & Food Products:
Pea protein: Subject to temporary AD/CVD (since July 2024).
Wire products: Initial duty 50.9%–71.1% (Mar 2024 investigation).
Other Industrial Goods:
Oil pipes, container chassis, drill pipes, and mattresses under AD/CVD actions.
Business Strategies:
Use transshipment through Southeast Asia (e.g., Malaysia, Thailand) with third-country certificates of origin to avoid high duties.
Monitor CBSA announcements and China MOFCOM updates for the latest rulings.
Step-by-Step Shipping Process
Prepare cargo & documents.
Ensure compliance with Canadian safety, health, and quality standards.
Required documents: invoices, packing lists, contracts, certificates of origin, and special permits.
Some goods require pre-filing of clearance documents before departure.
Select transport & logistics.
Choose between sea and air freight based on cargo type, size, and urgency.
Work with experienced freight forwarders and customs brokers.
Customs inspections & duty payment
CBSA may conduct random or full inspections.
Duties and taxes are calculated based on HS codes and must be paid before clearance.
Errors or missing documents can delay customs clearance.
Release & final delivery
Cargo may first go to bonded warehouses at ports/airports.
After clearance, importers or logistics partners arrange pick-up and last-mile delivery.