Freight Shipping between China and Canada | Rates – Transit times – Duties & Taxes

Want to ship freight from China to Canada? China is now the country's second-largest importer and exporter. There are tremendous prospects, and Chinese manufacturing remains highly competitive.Freight to Canada can be shipped by air, land or sea, depending on the nature of the goods and the final destination. Because it is difficult to obtain clear and exact information on the Internet, you will discover all the essential and important information about the various modes of transportation and the laws for the importation of your items here, thanks to our guide.

We will assist you in understanding the entire procedure, whether you are a major corporation, a small corporation, a startup, or an individual.The right freight forwarder from China to Canada is responsible for organizing and managing cargo shipments between the two countries.Our DocShipper experts will assess, decide, and advise you on the best solution for your cargo and we also help to find a good Chinese supplier who will be beneficial for you who seek to import quality products at competitive prices. All of your queries will be answered..

Ocean cargo between China and Canada

After the United States comes China as Canada’s second-largest supplier. It imports mainly manufactured products such as electrical machinery, furniture, and textiles.

Sea freight Canada a common mode of transportation for imports and exports of goods in bulk or in large quantities.

The cheapest way to ship to Canada depends on the nature and weight of the goods, but shipping by sea is often more economical than by air or ground.

Shipping from China to Canada requires careful planning to ensure efficient and timely delivery of goods.
The importation of these products means some very large quantities! Therefore, the importance of the maritime traffic in the trade between these two countries.
The percentage of the imported containers unloaded at the Canadian ports from China is around 13% of the volume of Canada’s imports.

The most recent data available on trade between China and Canada is from the year 2020. According to statistics from the Canada Border Services Agency, bilateral trade between the two countries totaled 86.1 billion. Canadian dollars, down 2.6% from the previous year.

Departures are available from a number of important Chinese ports, including Shanghai Port, Guangzhou Port, Ningbo Port, Shenzhen Port, Tianjin Port, Qingdao Port, Xiamen Port and the port of Hong Kong.

The Port of Vancouver (the world's third-biggest port and North America's third-greatest tonnage capacity), the Port of Montreal (one of the world's most modern ports), and the Port of Prince Rupert are among them (specialized in grain transport). It's also worth mentioning the ports of Saint John, Toronto, Victoria or even that of Quebec.

The main shipping seaports in Canada

Port Metro Vancouver (Vancouver)

It’s the largest port in the country and is supervised by Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. Its advantage is that it facilitates trade between the country and other world economies thanks to its strategy of positioning between the numerous oceanic trade routes and river fishing routes. It is served by a complex network of highways and railways.

Over 76 million metric tonnes of the country's total cargo are handled by this port, representing more than $43 billion in merchandise imports and exports from global trading partners.

The Sea Freight sector represents the largest revenue producer and the largest employer in the port, followed by the cruise sector.

Website : Port Metro Vancouver (English Website)

Port of Montreal (Montreal)

It's located on the seaway of St. Lawrence River and has had a large impact on the economy of both Quebec and Montreal with an advantage of being on the shortest direct trade route between North America, the Mediterranean region and Europe.

The efficiency of this port appeared in the implementation of technology. They started relying on the artificial intelligence (AI) to predict the best timing for a container pick up or even drop off. The cargo tonnage of this port is over 35 million metric tons per year.

Website : Port of Montreal (English Website)

Port of Prince Rupert (Prince Rupert)

It was built as alternative to the Port of Vancouver then acquired a massive reach in the global market. The operations affected there are known to be efficient and deliver exports such as wheat and barley through its food production terminal.

This terminal is one of the most modern grain facilities in Canada. It has a freight capacity of over 7 million tonnes of grain per year and also a storage capacity of over 200,000 tonnes. It serves the markets of North Africa, the Americas and the Middle East.

It's mainly popular for being the port of exportation of Canada's most natural resources. It's connected to mines, forests and fields of Canada. This port is capable of handling bulk cargoes arriving from the interior of Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, preventing the congestion in the other port and unnecessary delays in exporting.

Website : Port de Prince Rupert

Port of Halifax

This port is the zenith of efficiency thanks to the deadlines it has inflicted on itself and which allow it to transport merchandises quickly while preserving a high level of professionalism. It's connected to 150 economies around the world. The port intends to be able to house two mega-ships concurrently from 2020, when the container post will be fully extended. Container traffic on the east coast of Canada, where this port is settled, has doubled, meaning the port must evolve to support the traffic and take advantage of the influx.

It is strategically located at the gateway to inbound and outbound freight traffic in North America with the important advantage of being an ice-free port and a deep water port with very few tides, allowing it to operate comfortably all year round. All this allowed it to be one of the best 4 ports in Canada with the capacity to handle large volumes of cargo.

Website : Port of Halifax

Port of Saint John

This port is found in the country's eastern region. Bulk, break-bulk, liquid, dry, and containerized goods are all handled here. This port has the capacity to handle roughly 28 million metric tons of cargo and is connected to 500 other ports around the world, making it a key commercial agent in the country.

The Port of Saint John has good road and rail access, as well as a well known cruise terminal, to Canada's home market. It also contains crude oil and scrap metal recycling facilities

Website : Port of St Jonh

LCL: Less than Container Load

LCL load is when you don't have enough products (in terms of number or volume) to fill a full container, consolidation shipping is a smart option. Furthermore, it lets you pay just for the space you use, making it cost-effective for little shipments. Your cargo will be loaded alongside that of other customers bound for the same port.

If you're looking for a unique way to express yourself, this choice is for you:

Instead of ordering big amounts from vendors, you send in smaller quantities.
You intend to combine several shipments and/or distribute to multiple recipients when they arrive.
Because your products are too heavy to ship by air, marine groupage will be less expensive.

FCL: Full Container Load

FCL stands for "Full Container Load" and is a widely used this abbreviation. This means that from the time the container is loaded from the origin until the time it arrives at its final destination, all the space in the container belongs to a single client. From the time the container leaves the supplier until it is delivered to the recipient, it will be sealed, reducing handling and hence hazards and expenses.

If you're intending to buy a big number of items, this approach will help tremendously.

Finally, even if you just fill half of an FCL container, it will also be secure and less expensive for a higher amount. Indeed, starting at 15 m3, a complete container has the benefit of being less expensive than groupage.

Special maritime transport between China and Canada

Reefer container

These containers are specifically designed for carrying perishable goods or chemicals in a temperature-controlled environment. They are obtainable in a wide variety of dimensions and emphasise the latest technology for adjusting the atmosphere, temperature or humidity level.

Ro Ro

Ro-Ro ships called Ro-Ro, from English roll-on / roll-off which means "to roll, to roll", are ships intended to transport cargo on wheels, such as cars, trucks, semi-trailers, trailers or railroad cars, which are driven or towed on their wheels when entering and exiting the vessel.

Why use Ro Ro sea shipping from China?

The safest, most economical way to handle and transport oversized or special project cargo.
Freight are often transported in one piece using specific trailers from the port of origin to the destination.
Less physical handling, no exposure to water or bad weather as the cargo is always stowed in the parking decks of the ro-ro container during the entire journey.

Bulk

Bulk cargo is conveyed directly to the ship's hold. A distinction is thus made onboard between bulk cargo and general cargo. Solid and liquid bulk products: (such as coal, minerals, petroleum, cement, etc.). Each sort of cargo has its own ship like charcoal burners . Bulk carriers are what they're called.

OOG

"Enormous or oversized" is what OOG (Out of Gauge) cargoes signify. Open Top Containers (open-top) and Flat Rack Containers are two types of OOG containers (flat bottom).

The open-top container is being used to carry large and/or bulky final goods that require the use overhead crane to handle and load.

The flat bottom container is designed to transport things that are heavy, bulky, or large and/or width. For objects that are excessively long, broad, lofty, or heavy.

This sort of equipment is very useful for products that aren't on the scale of the shipment yet can't fit into ordinary containers. This saves time while loading and unloading while also ensuring cargo safety.

How much is ocean freight between China and Canada?

The cost of ocean freight between China and Canada depends on several factors such as cargo size, type of goods, shipping route, freight charges, port charges and insurance charges. In general, ocean freight rates between China and Canada can vary from 1000 to 5000 USD for a 20ft container depending on the above factors.

The most crucial thing to know when calculating freight is the weight and volume of your products. Indeed, transportation price is always determined by the weight over volume ratio.

The weight / volume ratio: "1 ton = 1 m3"

In conventional transport and groupage, the basic freight is computed using the weight/volume ratio rule and the 1 ton = 1 m3. The tariff is set in chargeable unit (PU), which is equal to the mass stated in tonnes or the volume stated in cubic meters. So we use the highest value.
The price of freight in a full container is a predetermined rate per container that is determined by the type of container used and the shipping firms who offer it.

Tariff surcharges

Maritime tariff surcharges are costs that carriers collect in addition to the base tariff and are based on the circumstances.

BAF : Bunker Adjustment Factor
This tariff fee is a percentage based on freight that corresponds to variations in crude oil prices. Following the first oil shock in 1973, shipping firms began to use it. Since then, it has maintained on the agenda.

CAF : Currency Adjustment Factor
This tariff fee is also a percentage that is applied to it based on freight + BAF and correlates to dollar rate changes. Because the great majority of ocean freight rates are determined in US dollars, corporations use this fee to hedge against currency risks.

THC : Terminal Handling Charge
THC stands for terminal handling charges. In the situation of a container (price per container), the value can be constant, but in the event of groupage, the amount can be changeable (price per number of tonnes or m3).

ORC : Origin Receipt Charge
Only Chinese ports are exposed to this fee. It allows for the very fast growth of Chinese ports to be financed.

Port Congestion
When a ship arrives at a congested port, it may have to wait many days before it can unload its cargo. As a result, the firms impose a fee to compensate for this "revenue loss."

Demurrage

When the loading and/or unloading time exceeds the period specified in the trip contract, the charterer is required to pay demurrage to the shipowner. In the case of a strike or port congestion, for example, whether this overrun is dependent on his will. By extrapolation, shipping firms term “demurrage” the cost of renting a container while it is parked in a port in containerized marine trade.

As you can see, there are a variety of elements that influence delivery costs. Fill out our online form to speak with one of our experts right now. For more information about this kind of transportation, see our website devoted to marine freight: Sea freight

Classic or express air freight

Although 90% of items are carried by sea, there are times when importers need to transfer high-value, seasonal commodities, clothing, gadgets, and/or products to Canada swiftly and reliably. They utilize air freight since they are more delicate and have a higher danger of degradation at sea. It will just take a few days for your goods to travel from a plant in China to your target in metropolitan Canada using this approach.

Air transport has two options: classic air freight and express air freight.

It's critical to distinguish between the two, both in terms of pricing and service:

Air Canada, Air China, Qatar Airways,Emirates utilize the capacity available for commercial flights on normal routes for conventional air freight.
DHL, FedEx, TNT, UPS, and other "courier firms" that provide door-to-door solutions operate express air freight.Express shipping from China is a fast and efficient method to quickly deliver goods to your destination.

Your item may be hand delivered anywhere in the globe within a week using rapid courier services. There is no need to manually approve low-value goods because this is an "all-inclusive" service. Furthermore, shipping costs for tiny amounts less than 1m3 may be reduced, making it even more cost-effective than LCL sea shipping.

What are the advantages of air transport?

1. The fastest shipping method
Without a question, air freight is a superior option than ocean freight or rail transport when your items need to be moved swiftly. Especially in certain circumstances, in a speciality firm, obtaining your product on time may be a huge benefit.

2. Very reliable arrival and departure times
Airlines are notorious for being well ahead of schedule, thus flight arrival and departure timings are quite trustworthy. Even missing a flight wouldn't create much of a delay because planes are generally scheduled every hour.

3. Send your freight almost anywhere
Many airlines provide a vast network of locations that spans nearly the whole globe. As a result, you may transfer your package to nearly any location.

4. A low insurance premium saves a lot of money
The insurance price is reduced since air freight transportation takes such a short period. Even though air freight is costly, it saves money in the long run due to cheaper insurance expenses.

5. A high level of security and a reduced risk of theft and damage
Air transportation has the benefit of providing a high level of security; severe procedures at airport gates limit cargo from any possible robbery.

6. Less need for storage and fewer items in stock
Because of the shorter travel periods of shipments by air, you may transport in few amounts and more frequently, eliminating the need for a big storage place.

7. Less packaging needed
Air shipments, for example, often demand a lighter weight packing than ocean ones. This means you'll save both time and cash by skipping the use of a packaging provider.

8. The follow-up
Many organizations, including couriers, have an app that enables you to follow the current situation of your package from leaving to arrival.

Note: The "supply chain" is made up of many links, with air freight. Also, to the principal mode of transportation, you will need export and import services, as well as airport fees and transport to the ultimate destination, which DocShipper can provide!

How much does air freight transport between China and Canada cost?

The expense of air transport is determined by the weight/volume ratio, and it is calculated by multiplying the taxable weight by the cost per kilo.

The cost of air freight is usually calculated based on the weight of the cargo, in kilograms. The freight rate may also vary depending on the type of service requested, such as standard transport or express transport.

In general, the average cost of air freight between China and Canada ranges from 3.5 to 7 USD per kilogram for standard transport, while the cost of express transport can be higher, ranging from 7 to 15 USD/kilogram.

Depending on the volume, the IATA charge, may be reduced. It is a price per weight range that is continually dropping and varies by nation. Small shipments are subject to a low tax.

Despite the higher fixed charges, the pricing per kg of traditional air freight is significantly lower than that of courier firms. Finally, whether for traditional airlines or express businesses, the greatest value between the gross weight(on the scale) and the volumetric weight(depending on the dimensions) will be used to calculate the price of air transport.

Customs clearance in Canada for goods imported from China

We'll show you how to complete the customs process in this section, which is a necessary step when importing items from China to Canada. As a result, it's critical to be aware of the regulations and duties that are applicable for the Canadian soil.

Here you'll discover all the procedures in this process, including which items are allowed to be imported, how tariffs and taxes are determinate, and how much it will cost you.

Find out if the goods can be imported into Canada

We frequently assist new importers in finding their way to double-check the eligibility of the imported items. As a result, knowing what may be brought into Canada should be the first step.

As a start, you have to:

Make a detailed list of the things you want to import or export.
Determine the items' producer and exporter in China.
Check to see if the items you intend to import are approved in Canada. Import limits are in place in Canada for a variety of products. These items are listed on The Import Control List (ICL).

Canada utilizes supply management systems such as production quotas, producer marketing boards that regulate pricing and supply, and tariff rate quotas to defend its borders (TRQs). Certain items may be subject to inter-provincial transportation limitations, and each state regulates them differently.

Customs procedure

Canadian customs clearance is a mandatory step for all goods imported into the country, which must be verified and authorized by customs authorities.

For customs declaration You'll need a specific business number like, imports and exports, product and service tax payment, and corporate tax.

The Canada import duty is a tariff imposed on goods imported into the country and can vary depending on the type of product and its origin.

The next step is to figure out which the CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) office your items will be discharged from. In Canada, there are currently over 1,200 points of entry, including land border offices, international mail processing facilities, airports, storage facilities, and a variety of other service locations. The most convenient option is to pick a customs clearing office based on the arrival; nevertheless, it is acceptable to demand a different customs clearance bureau. Then you'll have to disclose your items. Regardless of mode of transit, all commercial items must be reported to the CBSA.

Calculate customs duties with the HS Code

After you've identified the right tariff classification number, you'll need to figure out the tariff treatment your products will receive before figuring out the duty rate. Two columns on the right side of the customs tariff schedule are labelled "Most Favoured Nation Tariff (MFN)" and "Preferential Tariffs Applicable."

Most Favoured Nation Tariff (MFN)
The tariff rate displayed in this column is applicable to products originating in all countries except North Korea.
Preferential rates applicable
This table represents the tariff rates for commodities that have been decreased as a result of trade agreements, such as: North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA): United States Tariff (UST), Mexico Tariff (MT), Tariff Mexico-United States (MUST)… or tariff prices determined by specific tariff clauses, such as: General Preferential Tariff (GPT); The Least Developed Country Tariff (TPMA); Commonwealth Caribbean Country Tariff (CCTC)…

Then you must figure out whether your items are subject to the GST, excise tax, or excise duty.

Part IX, Section III of the Excise Duty Act, 5% GST is charged on most items.

Prescription medications, medical and assistive equipment, essential consumables, agricultural and fishery goods, and others are exempt from taxation. They are included in the Excise Duty Law's Annex VI and VII.

You must include the tax exemption code on your import paperwork if your items are tax-exempt (the Canada Customs B3 coding form).

Determine customs duties step by step

We'll run a scenario while maintaining the item example from the HS Code : Pineapple - 0804 30

To begin, go to the Canadian Customs website by clicking here: Canada Border Services Agency

Once you've arrived at the URL, click the following link:

When you go to the Customs Tariff page, click on the most recent tariff, as seen below.

You've arrived at a page that lists all the sections and chapters. It may be found at the following address: Customs and the HS Code in Canada

You want to go to the part that relates to your product, in our example is:: Section II: Vegetable Products and Chapter 8 - Edible fruit and nuts

Depending on the link you choose, you may get the prices on the internet or in PDF format. Then you click, seeking for your product's precise HS Code.

Continuing with the pineapple example, the HS Code 0804 30 is as follows:

Does Docshipper charge customs duties?

We will not take any commission on your customs duties. We will return the documents issued by European customs to you to prove it to you. Customs clearance costs will only correspond to the constitution of an administrative declaration file. These customs clearance costs will of course be collected by DocShipper because we will constitute the file for you, while the costs of customs duties and taxes will be collected by the government.

Customs procedure and contact

Necessary documents

The following documents are required to continue with the customs clearance of imported goods:

Canadian customs invoice (CCI) or commercial invoice (original invoice)

The commercial invoice is the fundamental document that the seller uses to pay exporter. The commercial invoice serves a dual purpose in the case of imports: it allows the exporter to claim his money while also assisting the importer in clearing the items.

Bill of Lading

The bill of lading is an evidence of transportation document. It attests that the exporter has delivered the items indicated. It's a legal document that outlines the conditions of an agreement between the shipper and the transportation firm in charge of the commodities. The bill of lading is a legally binding document that contains all the information needed to handle and charge the freight cargo accurately. An LTA (Air Waybill) for air freight can be used.

A B3 coding form

This is a "tax" declaration that all importers must fill out in order to disclose what they are bringing into Canada. It calculates how much duty and tax an importer should give to Canadian customs based on the import activity. This form must be assigned on the official customs website, you will find it here.

Loading manifest

A manifest is a description of the elements of a cargo generated by the transporter and information given by you, the shipper, to be presented to customs officials for clearance. Cargo Control Document is another title for the manifesto (CCD).
A cargo control number is a unique identification for a manifest or CCD. A cargo control number, often known as a CCD, is a unique identifier for a manifest. This form must be completed on the official customs website.

Are there any agreements between China and Canada?

In international organizations such as the United Nations, the G20, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, and the World Trade Organization, they have international relations.

There is currently no trade agreement between China and Canada, except a bilateral agreement on the promotion and protection of foreign investments (FIPA), which went into force in 2014.The signing of a free trade deal has been discussed for a long time, but it appears to have stopped since a diplomatic crisis in Vancouver in 2018 following the arrest of Huawei's chief financial officer.

Top 7 freight forwarders in the Canada” and list of 7 companies

DocShipper
DHL Global Forwarding Canada Inc.
Expeditors Canada Inc.
Kuehne + Nagel Ltd.
DB Schenker
UPS Supply Chain Solutions
Agility Logistics Ltd.

Other logistics services

Warehousing and storage

Our storage facilities are ideally placed near China's main cities. As a result, we can wait your item for as long as you need it before delivering it to France for example.If you wish to combine items from various suppliers to fill a container, or if you already have a full container and want to break it up at the port of entry and distribute to multiple locations. We are able to supply you with this service!

You may find more information on our dedicated page:: Warehousing services

Transport insurance

Apply this calculation : premium rate x declared amount

The cost of insurance varies depending on the mode of shipping, the nature of the products, and the insurer... It is possible to raise the reported value by a maximum of 20% to cover, in addition to the products, any losses incurred. The subscriber specifies the worth of the products as well as the costs of the primary transportation. It's quite simple to perform this calculation once you know the premium rate.

Visit our page: Transport Insurance

Supplier management in China

We can also contact your supplier ahead of time to offer you a full service. We'll ask you specific questions regarding your product's features. Not only that, but we'll make sure the supplier has all the necessary paperwork (Certificates of Conformity, etc.) and go over all the details, such as condition and packing, to ensure that your products arrive securely and in the right packaging. We'll also double-check the measurements and validate the HS code.

For more details click here: Sourcing services

3PL service

Orders / packaging and labelling: The supply chain also includes orders and distribution. We have a storage in Camporosso, northern Italy, where we can keep your goods and arrange all of your orders to save you time. We can accept all of your shipments from China and provide all the services you require.

Last mile delivery: All of your B2C E-Commerce orders will be transported to any location in the world. We will send to all of your clients within 48 hours of receiving your order, thanks to our strategic position in the heart of Europe.

Do not hesitate to visit our page for more information: 3PL Services

FAQ - Freight between China and Canada

What is the cheapest method of transportation between China and Canada?

Because the volume and weight of your cargo are critical pieces of information, we propose focusing on the following niches: If you have less than 0.5 m3, ordinary air freight between 0.5 m3 and 1.5 / 2 m3, and lastly, sea freight in groupage (LCL) for a volume between 2 m3 and 13/14 m3, the whole container will be a preferable alternative for a greater volume.

What information do I need to provide to get a freight quote quickly?

Dimensions, weight, volume, preferred shipment date, requested services, pick-up and delivery addresses, and type of the products All of these information will be required in order to receive a precise and appropriate quote.

Can DocShipper group my shipments from multiple suppliers?

Years of expertise in the international transportation industry have taught us how to deal with a wide range of requirements, including groupage. We will gather your items in our warehouses in a methodical manner, coordinating various suppliers to minimize long-term storage.

What are the transportation times between China and Canada by freight method?

Shipping your goods between China and Canada may be done in a variety of ways. If you pick an expedited option (DHL, TNT, FedEx, etc. ), expect a delivery time of less than a week. Traditional air freight will take a few days longer, with a delay of 7 to 9 days. Shipping by ocean might take anywhere from 35 to 40 days.

How does DocShipper manage my product from A to Z?

Our understanding of logistics extends beyond transportation, and our aim to provide a variety of services has prompted us to provide additional services. Our sourcing department supports you with product purchase and quality management from your Chinese vendors. Following shipment, our distribution centre (3PL services) in Italy will be able to continue your E-logistics Commerce's operations, from stock management until B2C transportation, involving product labelling and order preparation for your consumers.

How much does it cost to ship a container from China to Canada?

The average shipping cost for a standard 20ft container (TEU) from China to Canada is around 1,500 to 3,500 USD. However, the cost may vary depending on different factors such as cargo size and weight, distance between shipping and destination ports, seasonality, taxes, handling charges and other incidental charges.

	Vancouver	Montreal	Prince Rupert	Halifax	St John
Shangaï	21	43	22	21	16
Shenzhen	22	43	23	22	17
Guangzhou	24	43	25	24	19
Qingdao	22	43	23	22	17
Tianjin	22	44	23	22	17
Ningbo	22	43	23	22	17
Dalian	22	43	23	22	17

Freight Shipping between China and Canada | Rates – Transit times – Duties & Taxes – Advices

What is the best method of transportation between China and Canada?

Sea freight from China to Canada

Ocean cargo between China and Canada

The main shipping seaports in Canada

Port Metro Vancouver (Vancouver)

Port of Montreal (Montreal)

Port of Prince Rupert (Prince Rupert)

Port of Halifax

Port of Saint John

How much time does it take to ship freight from China to Canada?

What container can I choose for shipment from China to Canada?

LCL: Less than Container Load

FCL: Full Container Load

Advantages of LCL

Disadvantages of LCL

Advantages of FCL

Disadvantages of FCL