International Freight Forwarder and Customs Broker Based in China

Shipping from China to Canada | Sea & Air Freight Rates

Are you looking for transportation and logistics services from China to Canada?

We offer a wide variety of services tailored to your needs.

Whether it’s shipping by air freight or via ocean shipping containers, our team will endeavor to bring you the best and most affordable transport solutions from China to Canada.

This dedicated Canada country guide will give you all the main details related to your shipment from China to Canada: time, rates, processes, duties and taxes…

Table of Contents

What are the Shipping Routes from China to Canada?

Canada Shipping Routes

 

Door to Door shipping from China to Canada

When it comes to DDP shipping, there are 2 main options for you: DDP air freight and DDP sea shipping.

With your authorization, we can pick up the goods from your factory to transport them to the sea port or airport.

Otherwise, the goods you wish to ship need to be sent to our warehouses in Shenzhen, Guangzhou…

 

Door-to-door quotes include the above, as well as: 

  • Customs clearance fees. If customs require a further inspection of your cargo, additional fees may be charged.
  • Trucking fees
  • Cargo insurance (this is a must have. Don’t ship your products without getting them covered!)

 

DDP air freight

  • First Leg: Air freight
  • Shipping Type: LCL Shipping
  • Shipping Time: 10-15 days
  • Export Declaration: Your factory is not the exporter to declare.
  • Destination: We can send to your business or private address, as well as Amazon FBA warehouses.

 

DDP sea shipping

  • First Leg: Sea
  • Shipping Type: LCL Shipping, check for FCL availability.
  • Shipping Time: 30-35 days
  • Export Declaration: Your factory is not be the exporter to declare
  • Destination: We can send to your business or private address, as well as Amazon FBA warehouses.

 

Sea Freight & Container Shipping From China To Canada

Container China Canada

Transport by sea is one of the most popular options for shipping and this is a key means for goods coming to the United States from China. 

Ocean freight will be the best deal for you if :

  • Your suppliers are located near a major Chinese port
  • Your goods are bigger than 2 CBM
  • You’re not in a hurry to receive them

In China we can make sure your goods are exported from all major ports such as ShanghaiQingdao, ShenzhenGuangzhouDalianTianjin, Xiamen, Macao, and Hong Kong.

We offer a variety of services from full door-to door, to door-to-port, and port-to-port.

With a door-to-door service, your goods will be in our hands from the factory/retailer in China all the way to your address in Canada.

Goods coming into China arrive at Canada’s premier ports, such as Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Montréal, Halifax, Saint John.

Transit from China to Canada via ocean container shipping takes around 20 to 30 days from port to port.

This time varies according to certain factors, such as the ports of departure and arrival and seasonal sailing schedules.

 

FCL and LCL shipping

You can transport your goods by both FCL and LCL shipping. 

There are many factors you need to consider when shipping from China to Canada.

A standard 40 foot container can accommodate 22 standard pallets, with a 20 foot container holding 10 pallets.

If you’re shipping large volumes and can fill a container, it makes sense to choose FCL (Full Container Load). 

The other advantage of Full container load is that your items are kept separate from other importers.

On the other hand, LCL (Less than a Container Load) refers to shipping where your goods share space within a container with other goods.

If you’re OK with that, then LCL shipping (also known as groupage) offers a more economical way to ship smaller quantities that make up less than half of the volume of a full container.

 

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL shipping means your goods will share space with goods from other companies.

This also means that your delivery might take a little bit longer, because of both the packing and unpacking processes. 

Before departure, your goods will be stored in a consolidation warehouse in China until departure, and then on arrival they will be held in a de-consolidation warehouse in Canada before they are delivered to your address.

 

Considerations for FCL Freight Shipping

FCL shipping means renting an entire container for your shipment.

If you have a large enough cargo to occupy a container, or even most of a container, FCL shipping may make the most economical sense.

It’s also quicker than LCL shipping as there is no need to consolidate or deconsolidate your items from others.

Your container will also remain sealed throughout the journey, and unless customs officials select it for inspection, it will be sealed until it arrives at your address or chosen destination.

 

Air Freight From China To Canada

We have developed a vast network of carriers that specialize in air cargo transportation, offering daily and weekly departures from China’s main airports to any air destination in the globe.

Air freight will be the most efficient solution if :

  • Your goods are smaller than 2 CBM and 200 kg
  • You’re in a hurry to receive/send the goods

Our SINO Shipping air freight service from China to Canada provides safe and reliable solutions for all your air transportation needs including time sensitive and high value commodities.

Our shipping options include airport-to-airport, door-to-door, airport-to-door and door-to-airport services, among others.

With our service, we’ll take care of each step of the journey, making sure that your goods arrive at your destination when you need them.

The normal transit time for air freight from China to Canada is around 3 to 7 days.

This can vary owing to seasonal demands and traffic in the freight market at certain times of year. Our years of experience can bring expert knowledge to your logistical needs in this respect.

The charter service offers you peace of mind and bespoke services as well as a long list of goods that are possible to ship. We can arrange this service for you and ship goods such as:

  • Consumer goods
  • High-value goods
  • Sensitive cargo such as hazardous, fresh, or perishable goods
  • Time-critical freight
  • Medical supply & humanitarian relief aid
  • Heavy load & oversized equipment
  • Car, Aircraft and ships spare parts

When it comes to weight, we offer options from 10,000lb (5000kgs) to 45,000lb (22,000 kgs) which can be transported in crates or boxes, on pallets, or as bulk.

Our part charter and full charter options range from 10.000 lbs (5.000 kgs) to 45.000 lbs (22.000 kgs), loadable in pallets, skids, crates or simply bulk.

Hit that contact button right now to receive an air freight quotation in less than 24hours!

What are the Shipping Costs from China to Canada?

FCL Container freight rates from China to Canada (updated July 2023)

LCL Consolidation sea freight rates from China to Canada (updated July 2023)

Air freight rates from China to Canada (updated July 2023)

How long is shipping from China to Canada right now?

Ocean Sea, Air & Express Transit Times

What is the cheapest way of shipping from China to Canada?

The most affordable option to ship from China to Canada, regardless of the shipping method you choose, is through a reputed China Freight Forwarder like SINO Shipping.

We at SINO Shipping are able to pass along our high-volume shipping rates in addition to providing a best rate guarantee on all modes of transportation. Start now and get a shipping estimate from China.

How to ship container and import from China to Canada

Step 1: Check trade laws in China and Canada

Each country has its own specific laws and regulations when it comes to importing and exporting.

When you’re importing from China to Canada, this means being aware, or at the very least working with a logistic partner that is aware of the regulations in both countries.

Staying informed is crucial to your business, as breaking the law could be a huge legal headache, not to mention potentially causing financial difficulties for your business. 

When it comes to importing, having the right documents ready every time is of the utmost importance.

 

Step 2: Decide what you are importing

 For each business, being aware of the market is crucial for success.

While you may find a commodity that you like, be sure to check that there is enough demand for it and that in cases where there are other suppliers, you are serving a need they aren’t providing.

 

Step 3: Choose a viable shipping method

Depending on your volume and regularity of shipping, choosing the right method of transportation could be crucial for your business.

While obviously air freight is going to be more expensive, it also offers advantages in speed, which could mean that it is an economically viable option.

 

Step 4: Find a supplier

Locating and ordering from a supplier is, of course, a vital step.

When you start to regularly ship, you may start building a relationship with your supplier, one that can have mutually-beneficial outcomes for both sides.

The ideal scenario is getting quality goods while your supplier gets regular business.

Chinese suppliers can be found via a variety of means.

For example, there are very famous websites that act as a portal for Chinese businesses, and you can find websites that offer business-to-business and business-to-client services. Another option may be to visit Chinese trade fairs.

While this takes a lot more planning, seeing products in person and getting to speak to their representatives can be well worth the time and money it takes to travel.

Your freight forwarding agents may also be a great source of information. Their jobs involve logistical planning of goods and cargo, so it’s very likely they’ll have a lot of contacts already in the Chinese industry.

Feel free to get in contact with us and let us know your business, and we can do our best to find you a suitable partner.

Finally, specialist Chinese sourcing companies may be an option, as they provide a service based on sourcing what you need from China and save the hassle of going through long lists of suppliers. 

As a company with a long history of freight logistics, we have experience in this field, so if you are looking for help with price negotiation or transportation logistics, then let us know and we’ll help you get the best price and arrangement for your business.

 

Step 5: Check and estimate your tax liability.

Each country has its own tax and customs regime, and if you’re importing from China to Canada, you’ll need to be aware of Canada’s.

Canada’s customs rates vary from 0 to 37.5 percent, with a typical duty rate of about 5.63 percent.

Make sure you know ahead of time what the fees will be, as this will affect your business plan.

 

Step 6: Define your incoterms

International Trade- know your incoterms

Incoterms refers to the internationally recognized rules governing global trade. 

These rules refer to the various responsibilities along supply chains.

 Such rules could say who is responsible for monitoring shipments or making payments at certain stages in the process. 

Make sure you’re familiar with them.

 

Step 7: Customs clearance from China to Canada

Customs clearance can be frustrating, but it’s a necessary part of doing business internationally.

Make sure you are aware of all the stages, including declaration, obtaining permits, warehousing (if needed), and exiting the goods.

 

Step 8: Hiring a freight forwarder

Transporting goods is a complex procedure, which is why businesses of all sizes choose to use freight forwarders to help them get their goods from A to B.

 Experienced freight forwarders such as ourselves know exactly what it takes to ship goods from one country to another, and we can handle your goods from door-to-door, port-to-port, or anything in-between.

 Hiring a freight forwarder to handle the bureaucracy and logistics of international trade can be a very economical decision. Get in contact with us today, and we’ll arrange a quote for you.

Do I have to pay customs duties for a package sent from China to Canada?

You will be required to pay customs duty and GST when importing from China to Canada before your products are published in the country. Those costs may be substantial.

Investigating your expenses early can prevent you from getting caught by accident.

The Foreign Investment Protection Agreement among Canada and China is a Bilateral Investment Treaty that came into force on October 1, 2014, referred to in the DFAIT as the Canada-China Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments Agreement (CCPRPIA). It gives significant security to Chinese and Canadians putting resources into the other nation, and is a foundation of China’s remote combination strategy.

Partners and organizations

All nations also enjoy successful working relationships in international organizations, like the G20, the United Nations, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, and the World Trade Organization, in pursuit of world peace, security, and prosperity.

Customs clearance in Canada

Remark SINO : Even if we are living in a digital era, paperwork and shipping documents are still mandatory in the world of international shipping. Let’s have a closer look at the shipping documents you need to be in possession of when entering the American territory.

 

Necessary documents

Bill of Lading

This is the most important shipping document, as it is used to specify the shipping company, the seller, the buyer, the type of cargo, the volume, the incoterm which applies to the shipment, etc.

1 = Shipper

2 = Consignee

3 = Notify party

4 = Vessel No.

5 = Port of loading / discharge

6 = Place of receipt / delivery

7 = Containers No.

8 = Goods description

9 = Net weight

10 = Dimensions / volume

 

According to the terms of payment agreed between the supplier and the buyer, the bill of lading can serve as a document:

  1. Confirm the release of a letter of credit (L / C)
  2. Or, serves as proof of shipping, which requires the buyer to transfer payment of the balance.

*The second option is common when paying by telegraphic transfer (T / T).

 

Commercial Invoice

This invoice is used to proceed to customs clearance and calculations of customs duties and other fees like GST.

 

Packing list

Certificate of Origin / Form A

A document mentioning the origin of the goods. This document can also help to determine customs duties (as some countries benefit from exemptions or preferential duties), but also for statistics and enforcement of embargoes.

Import Licenses

In most cases, there is no need to provide any Import license when importing into the United States.

However, here are some exceptions:

  • Medicines
  • Specific types of chemicals
  • Animals and plants
  • Foodstuff products

SINO Advice : You have a borderline product ? You are not sure if you need an import license or not ? Feel free to contact our SINO Expert to have further information about your shipment and any related requirements.

 

Customs contact in China

china customs import

Official name: General Administration of Customs of China

Official Website: Chinese Customs Website

 

 

Customs contact in Canada

canada-customs

Official name: General department of Canada Customs

Official Website: Canada Customs Website

 

 

How the Customs Process Works

At the point when products land at port, traditions authorities will initially check to ensure all your administrative work is all together, and afterward figure the measure of obligations owed and gather installment. After installation, products will be discharged.

 

To deal with customs leeway, you can procure your own representative, or utilize the financing provided by your cargo forwarder. On the off chance that you book on Sino-Shipping, you can utilize our financier benefits also.

SINO Shipping’s Freight Storage and Warehousing services

We offer a warehousing service for all your logistic needs.

When transporting goods, you might want to temporarily store them in a warehouse, especially if you are sourcing your cargo from many different outlets.

Warehousing means you can collect and consolidate your goods, which can save you money in the long run, especially if it means you can collect enough to make a full container economically viable.

Our facilities provide all the standard services when it comes to warehouse logistics, such as loading, unloading, crating, palletizing, and temporary storage.

Does Alibaba Ship to Canada?

Alibaba offers shipping to Canada. Yes. In actuality, a large number of Alibaba suppliers have prior experience shipping to Canada. You have the option of shipping freight by air or by sea.

But using a specialist China freight forwarder such as SINO Shipping will allow you not to be ripped off with hidden costs and also pay less for your freight with better rates. Logistics is not the job of your suppliers. Never forget that.

What goods are imported into Canada?

Some of the top goods are:

  • Electrical machinery,
  • Machinery
  • Vehicles
  • Computers
  • Mineral fuels
  • Plastics, plastic articles
  • Optical, technical, medical apparatus
  • Iron, steel
  • Articles of iron or steel
  • Organic chemicals
  • Aluminium

What items cannot be sent to Canada?

Every country has its own list of items that are prohibited. Canada is no exception, and we list below some of the key items that are prohibited.

It’s important to know this as being aware of the law when it comes to importing is vital to making your business a success. If in any doubt at all, then make sure you contact your freight forwarder, who will be able to properly assess whether the goods you want to import are feasible and legal.

Failure to do so could result in a nasty surprise when it comes to customs, and as the importer, you’ll be responsible. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to importing, so get in contact with us.

 

Restricted and prohibited goods for importing into Canada:

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SINO Shipping – Freight Forwarder China to Canada

Who we are

SINO Shipping by FS International has become one of the most trusted names in global logistics and transportation in both its region and the world.

 

When we start

SINO Shipping by FS International was established in Hong Kong in September 1989.

 

What we do

SINO Shipping provides a full range of logistics and transportation services with particular emphasis on efficiency and reliability at a competitive rate and, of course, the assurance of personal service. Our tactical services include import/export freight-forwarding, ocean and air transportation, overland transportation, custom brokerage and regulatory compliance, project cargo services, warehousing and distribution, supply chain management and information management.

 

Where we are

Headquartered in Hong Kong , the company has branch offices in major cities in the Far East. Together with our agents in over 50 countries worldwide, we are able to extend our logistics, know-how and experience in serving our clients.

 

How we do it

Through recognition of consolidated strengths to benefit our global client, SINO Shipping by FS International founded together with its long years business partners an international network, namely EUROPE ASIA ALLIANCE (EAA) back in 2007. Over the years, EAA has grown to a medium sized freight forwarding network with remarkable success due to its binding rule “exclusivity” which is the key to making ourselves distinctive from the other networks.

 

Why we do it

SINO Shipping’s business philosophy focuses on the principles of honesty, integrity, and complete dedication to our clients. Our operations and management staff adhere to these principles with much enthusiasm and professionalism. In addition to providing superb customer services to our clients, we commit ourselves to knowing what matters most to them by listening, learning, comprehending, and delivering tailored solutions. Cross-functional teams of professionals from every unit in our organization work with every one of our clients closely, continuously seeking opportunities for process improvement and savings. Ready to deliver with attention to every detail, on every shipment, every time—that is our promise.

Our intense customer focus is well complimented by a strong, mature global network of agents that enable us to meet our clients’ most complicated shipping challenges, delivering even greater bottom-line value to their supply chain.

At SINO Shipping, we’ve been helping customers grow for years by never losing sight of two basic values: We care. And we keep our promises.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are goods transported from China to Canada?

from China to Canada across the sea. The primary means of transportation for international import and export firms is the sea. Most Canadian importers prefer ocean transportation due to its low costs, high volume loading, full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL) possibilities, and other benefits.

How long is shipping from China to Canada?

Shipping goods by sea from China to Canada might take between 15 and 35 days. The port of origin in China and any export regulations in China will both have an impact on how long it takes for your shipment to arrive.

When is it cheaper to ship from China to Canada?

If you ship sea freight during the off-peak season, the cost of shipping from China to Canada will decrease. The cost of shipping a 40-foot equivalent container from the Chinese port of Ningbo to the Canadian port of Vancouver is around $3000 in December 2022.

What route do ships take from China to Canada?

Two main shipping routes connect China with Canada, with ships passing through both countries. The Pacific route and the Atlantic route are them. The ship departs from any seaport in the east of China for the Pacific route, sailing off the coast of Japan to link the west of Canada and the US.

Express Shipping from China to Canada

Whether it’s DHL, UPS, or TNT, using an overseas courier is typically more dependable and efficient than using the mail. Express freight is generally the least expensive shipping option for packages or small items up to 150 kg, costing roughly $5 per kilo.

Is China close to Canada?

China and Canada are separated by 9,410 kilometers. There are 5,847 miles in this distance flown by plane. Between Canada to China, the shortest route by air (bird flight) is 9,410 kilometers (5,847 miles).

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