As Canada's biggest trade partner, it's no surprise that shipping packages to the United States (U.S.) is something that is important to Canadians. Secureship has helped Canadians and Canadian businesses ship everything from gifts, samples, food, and ecommerce products. Providing cheap shipping rates to the USA that is also free of customs problems is something that Secureship has become an expert in.
To help you with your shipping needs to the United States from Canada, Secureship has put together this shipping guide. As cheap shipping to the U.S. is only half the battle, this guide will help you understand the customs rules of shipping to the USA.
Secureship Offers Cheap Shipping Rates to the U.S.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to the United States through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to the USA. Whether you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to the United States
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Apr 3, 2023
8:49 am
San Francisco, CA, US
Delivered
Apr 2, 2023
7:18 am
Las Vegas, NV, US
In transit
Apr 1, 2023
9:03 pm
Dallas, TX, US
International Clearance
Apr 1, 2023
8:14 am
New York, NY, US
In transit
Apr 1, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Mar 31, 2023
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Disclaimer!
While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is
important to consult a licensed broker in the United States before shipping any goods.
Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different
paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
Low Value Shipments (LVS) vs High Value Shipments (HVS) to the United States
Low Value Shipments - Shipment valued under $2,500 USD
A Low Value Shipment (LVS) destined for the US undergoes Informal Entry or Informal Custom Clearance Process. It is designed to provide the courier
industry with an expedited release of your package(s) when shipments are value at less than $2,500 USD.
Faster customs clearance process
HS Code is not required (but still recommended)
Goods may be for personal or commercial use
Duties and taxes may have to be paid before the items are released. Customs may decide to process such informal shipments as formal entries at their discretion.
Grouping of items on the Commercial Invoice is permitted but a detailed description is still highly recommended
High Value Shipment - Shipment valued at $2,500 USD or more
A High Value Shipment (HVS) destined for the United States undergoes a Formal Entry or Formal Customs Clearance Process when the value of the shipment is $2,500 USD or more.
Formal Entries/Clearance are different than Informal Entries/Clearance. The process is typically longer and meant for commercial shipments. Here are some key differences:
Each line item on the Commercial Invoice must describe each item within your shipment (grouping of goods is not allowed)
You must include an HS Code for each line item on your Commercial Invoice
Goods are used for commercial selling purposes (i.e. not eligible for duty-free exemption)
Customs requires a bond to ensure the payment of the duties
CBP Form 7501 must be filed for the release of the goods
NOTE: The most common reason for export shipments having trouble entering the United States (US) is due to inaccurate information or incomplete documentation.
Shipping documents to the United States (US) is very simple and only requires a shipping label (no commercial invoice required).
Document shipments enter the country duty and tax free provided they qualify (see Document Type list).
It's important to note that US Customs can perform an examination should they wish which can add a day delay to the transit time however,
this does not happen very often.
Gifts that are valued at $100 USD or less (approximately $130 Canadian Dollars) can be shipped to the United States (US) without having to
pay duties and taxes provided the following conditions
are met:
The words "Gift Shipment" or "Unsolicited Gift" are included on the commercial invoice (see sample)
A detailed description and name of each item is provided on the commercial invoice
Any alcohol, tobacco, and perfume products have a retail value of less than $5
The value of all gifts is $100 USD or less
If the value of the gift exceeds $100 USD or contains dutiable items such as alcohol or tobacco, duties and taxes would be charged on the shipment.
NOTE:
If you are shipping food, chocolate, or candies, you'll also need to review the
Shipping Food
section of this guide.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
Only the above 4 conditions must be met to have your shipment exempt from duties and taxes.
Personal effects can be shipped to the United States fairly easy. It refers to moving your personal belongings cross border.
Just like all non-document packages, your shipment will need to be properly declared and will go through the US Customs clearance process.
Shipping personal effects does require additional paperwork (CBP Form 3299)
and without it, your shipment will be held at customs until one is included.
In order to qualify for duty-free exemption, the following conditions must be met:
Items must be for your use only;
OR
Items must have been used in your household for a minimum of 1 year.
NOTE:
Customs may ask for proof that you have owned the items for at least 1 year. Receipts, invoices and warranties can be used as proof.
Documents Required
A Commercial Invoice clearly declaring that they are Personal effects
Form
CBP3299
for personal effects (in order to avoid paying duties and taxes). Restrictions apply depending on your US citizenship status
A copy of your passport photo page
More information on forms needed for shipping personal effects can be found
here.
NOTE: Custom border patrol may require documents proving your residency status in the US, it is at their discretion.
They may also request a packaging list of the goods shipped.
Smith Family in Chicago James Smith 1 Abbott Street Chicago, IL, 60624
Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
5 Pairs
Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
IN
$40.00
1 Each
Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
CA
$478.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Personal Effects Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Food, Chocolate, Candies
Shipping food into the United States (US) can be a straightforward process. Individual to individual shipments do not require Prior Notice.
If you are a business, you must Submit a Prior Notice with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before shipping if you are a business.
Generally accepted foods:
Unopened or commercially packaged food
Bakery items
Most Cheeses
Condiments
Chocolate
Candies
General Items to Avoid or that Are NOT permitted:
Fruits and Vegetables
Rice (tend to harbor insects)
Meat (regulation varies visit
here and
here
for more information).
Generally, fresh, dried, or canned meats are not permitted into the US (including products prepared with meat)
The prior notice is intended to help protect the United States (US) from things that can hurt or destroy their local economy (such as insects, viruses, or bacteria)
by alerting them that a consumable product will be entering the United States (US). Any items subject to FDA normally incur at least 1-day delay in customs.
How a business can ship Food to the United States?
In order for a business to ship food or anything that requires Prior Notice to the United States, they must:
Check with your carrier before shipping as not all will accept food shipments (or they will but it is considered ship-at-your-own risk)
Ensure you are not shipping a prohibited food item
The PN Number and Receiver's DUNS number are included on the commercial invoice
NOTES:
When an individual ships homemade food as a personal gift, or when an individual ships food or a food gift basket to another individual a Prior Notice is NOT required.
DUNS Number - This is a unique nine-digit identification number,
for each physical location of a business registered with the US federal government. You can simply ask the receiver to provide you with this number
How to Submit a Prior Notice?
Submitting a Prior Notice is quite easy. You simply have to complete an electronic form via the
FDA Web Portal site and normally takes 5 minutes.
NOTE: Any business shipping food, even on behalf of a customer, would need to submit Prior Notice.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
Ship To
Invoice
Smith Family in Alaska James Smith 1 Abbott Street Alaska, AK, 99833
Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent / Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Samples
Commercial samples are goods imported to facilitate the placing of an order and are used only for demonstration purposes only.
Commercial samples can be imported duties and tax free provided the following conditions are met:
The word "Sample - Not for Resale " is stated on the commercial invoice under General Description and Detail Description of Goods
Specify the
HS Code for the sample on the Commercial Invoice
The sample are not resold under an exact duplicate or replica (i.e. knock-offs)
Samples that are marked, defaced, torn, perforated or otherwise treated so that they are unsuitable for sale
Does not contain food to be eaten or consumed. See Food Samples for more info
Additional notes
The sample can be a different size or material than the good it is representing
The sample can be a miniature version or have a cutaway sample revealing the construction of the product (i.e. cut in half showing the inside of the item)
Cloth samples and color cards that display the different colors of merchandise are eligible
Food Samples
Although food samples (and other consumables) may be brought in as "commercial samples"
for display and solicitation of orders, they may not be distributed as samples to be eaten or consumed.
If they are to be eaten (or otherwise consumed in a normal matter), regular entry and duty payment (if any) are required
Smith Family in California James Smith 1 Abbott Street California, CA, 90002
Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Commercial Sample Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Advertising Material
Advertising material can be shipped free of duties and taxes includes promotional material that is given away,
such as flyers and brochures. In order to qualify, the following conditions must be met:
the words "Promotional Material - Not for Resale" is stated on the commercial invoice in the general description of goods
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Smith Family in Texas James Smith 1 Abbott Street Texas, TX, 73301
Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
CA
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Promotional Material Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Repairs
Sending Product for Repair to the United States:
If you're sending your package for repair to the US, then the following is required met in order to obtain duty-free exemption:
The words "REPAIR & RETURN" are stated on the commercial invoice under General Description or Remarks
Serial/Product number must be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section on the commercial invoice
Copy of Repair Contract included with all your export documentation
NOTE: Goods that are no longer under warranty for repair would have to pay any duties and taxes when the shipment returns to Canada.
Returning product after Repairs are Completed:
If your product has been repaired in Canada and is being returned back to the United States,
then the following conditions must be met in order to obtain duty-free exemption:
The words "REPAIR & RETURN" are stated on the commercial invoice under General Description or Remarks
Value of the product INCLUDING the Cost of the Repair must be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section
Original shipping docs or tracking number from when the item was first exported to the US
NOTE: If you don't have the original tracking information or documentation then the recipient may be charged duties and taxes on the shipment.
Smith Family in Georgia James Smith 1 Abbott Street Georgia, GA, 30002
Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
US
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Warranty Repair Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Temporary Imports
If goods are to be temporarily imported for use in the United States,
there are 3 options you can exercise in order to avoid having to pay any import duties or taxes. Your goods must also qualify for temporary imports.
More information here.
Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following methods requires you to complete a Commercial Invoice (CI).
Option #
Temporary Import Method
Risk of paying Duties and taxes
1
Commercial Invoice Only (no other documentation is provided)
High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily
2
Commercial Invoice + Temporary Import under Bond (TIB)
Very Low
3
Commercial Invoice
+
ATA Carnet
Very Low
1. Complete a Commercial Invoice (CI) only
This is the simplest and quickest option. See example.
NOTE: You should be aware that shipping using this method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty/tax free.
Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS, FedEx, DHL) nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any duties and taxes.
2. Commercial Invoice (CI) + Temporary Importation under Bond (TIB)
When completing a TIB in addition to a Commercial Invoice (CI), goods can enter the US free of duty and taxes provided:
The goods are not being sold once they enter the US
The importer agrees to export the goods or destroy the goods within a certain time frame (one year)
or to pay damages, which are generally equal to twice the usual customs duty
TIB's have the capability of being extended up one year at a time, to a maximum of three years.
It is also highly recommended to include a TIB for any shipments valued at $2500 USD or over.
Completing an ATA Carnet is great option for items that frequently travel in and out of the country.
It's also great because once you have an ATA Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application process a one-time thing.
In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary nature.
ATA Carnets are beyond the scope of the article however, you can find more information here:
http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/
NOTE: It is highly recommended to get an ATA Carnet for items that frequently
travel in and out of the country and especially so when it is valued over $2500 USD
In addition to 1 of the 3 items above, the following conditions must also be met:
the goods leave the United States within one (1) year (potential extension available if you include a TIB)
the goods remain in the same condition as they were imported.
the words "Temporary Import/Not for Resale" are stated on the commercial invoice under General Description.
the words "Temporary Import" and the anticipated return date are stated on the commercial invoice under the Detail Description of Goods
(for all applicable items)
customs broker selected can clear goods of temporary nature
include the original tracking number and the import date if the product is returning
NOTE: If the above conditions are not followed, duties and taxes will be charged as though the goods have been imported permanently.
Smith Family in Santa Fe James Smith 1 Abbott Street Santa Fe, NM, 87501
Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 box
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
CA
$1032.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Temporary Imports Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Permanent/Sold Goods
All products sold that enter the United States (US) are subject to duties unless they fall under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
The NAFTA agreement was designed to improve trade between Canada, Mexico,
and the United States and is designed to reduce or eliminate Duties on a number of different items.
Thanks to NAFTA, the e-commerce industry continues to grow increasing jobs,
wages, investment and reducing costs of such items as oil hence cheaper gas prices.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Smith Family in Washington James Smith 1 Abbott Street Washington, WA, 98004
Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
15 Each
Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
CA
$132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent/Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Required Documents
Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming.
So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.
Document Type
When?
Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading
Always required
This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice
Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels).
These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.
When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.
B13a
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with the United States. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into the United States, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise,
it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and
ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.
The list of restricted and prohibited items changes often, so it's always best to check the official customs page prior to sending your packages.
The United States (US) has a list of goods which are either prohibited or restricted.
Prohibited
Soil
Plants & seeds
Animal skins, ivory, furs
Drug paraphernalia
Marijuana (including medicinal and synthetic)
Any item that is an illegal substance
Lottery tickets
Dangerous toys (i.e. Kinder Surprise Eggs)
Switchblades
Any item from an embargoed or US sanctioned country
Restricted
A restricted item is something that requires a special license or permit from a federal agency before the item is allowed to enter the country. There are heavy restrictions on a lot of items, especially exports of food to the US,
it is essential that you check the
official customs advice
to ensure you comply with local laws.
Alcohol
Tobacco Products
Seeds
Pets
Medication
Firearms
Ammunition
Explosives
NOTE:
Carriers will refuse to accept any parcels containing prohibited goods
Falsely declaring good on your exportation documents can lead to your products being seized and even criminal prosecution.
Import duty and taxes in the United States are calculated based on the FOB price, which in other words means the Declared Customs Value indicated on your commercial invoice.
FOB Price = Declared Customs Value
Using the FOB Price, you can predict how much Duty & Tax the recipient would have to pay the US government to receive their goods.
Thresholds
Some countries provide a Duty & Tax Threshold (i.e. de minimis) which means that below a certain amount, no Duties or no Taxes are charged on the import of that shipment.
Currency
American Dollar (USD)
Sales Tax (highest)
7.25%
Duty Exemption
(De minimis Value)
$800 USD *
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
$800 USD *
Threshold Method
FOB
Tax & Duty Calc Method
FOB
* excluding Alcohol & Tobacco
Duties on Imports
Candy 0 - 12.2%
Chocolate > 2 kg, 0 - 5%
<= 2.0 kg, 5.6 - 8.5%
Spirits and Wines0 - 19.8¢ / liter
Tobacco $9.92/kg + 25%
(could go up to 350%)
Books0%
Documents0%
Video Games & Consoles 0%
Computers & Laptops 0 or 35%
Tablets 0 or 35%
Mobiles 0 or 35%
Cameras 0 - 3.9%
Accessories for Electronics0 - 12.5%
Coats 0 - 28.2%
Beauty Products & Cosmetics 0 - 6%
Jewellery 0 - 10.5%
Shirts & Pants 0 - 28.2%
Home Appliances 0 - 15%
Toys 0%
Sports Equipment 0 - 9.2%
NOTES:
Taxes may apply depending on the state and product you are shipping.
Please keep in mind that we do make an effort to keep the numbers above updated but if exact numbers are needed, please consult a
customs broker at the destination country.
You can purchase
insurance
through Secureship and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn’t meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
Personal belongings
Antiques
Artwork
Liquids (including alcohol)
Televisions
Jewellery in excess of $500
Perishable goods
Glass or Ceramic
And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
The costs to send a box to the US will vary based on the weight, size, and destination city within the United States. Obtain
real-time quote
for boxes to the US by visiting our shipping calculator
here.
Yes they do. Packages sent through Canada Post are typically handed off to USPS once your shipment crosses the border. A lot of shipper's like to send their
packages through a Courier company instead because they get detailed tracking information.
You can send your packages through Secureship and save up to 50% off the list price of major carriers. Get an Instant Shipping Quote to the United States here.
What is the Cheapest Way to ship a Package from Canada to the United States?
The cheapest way to ship to your packages to the United States (US) will vary based on the size, weight as well as the from and to address. Rather than trying to
figure this out yourself, you're better off using a shipping platform like Secureship. Secureship will help you find all the available shipping options. Plus, you'll
save up to 50% off the list price of the carrier because of their group buying power.
Find the cheapest way to ship to the US here.
Can I ship food to the United States?
You can ship some food to the United States with relative ease but of course, there are some items that you should avoid or that are not permitted.
Note: If you are a business shipping food, you will need to complete a prior notice before shipping your items.
Generally accepted foods include: Unopened or commercially packaged food, Chocolate, Candies, Most Cheeses, Bakery Items, Condiments.
General Items to Avoid or that Are NOT permitted include: Fruits, Vegetables, Rice, Meat.
How long does it take to ship from Canada to the United States?
Delivery times will vary by carrier and service level chosen. Shipments can be delivered by as early as 8 AM the next business day with the
carriers on the Secureship network. Slower and more economical services can take up to 7 business days.
See delivery times for shipments from Canada to the US here.
