Useful information for sending a parcel to Canada
Despite being one of the largest countries in the world, Canada has a surprisingly small population. In fact, the population density in Canada is one of the smallest in the world, with only 3.3 people per square kilometre. While Canada has very close ties to its nearest neighbour, the US, they are still closely connected with the UK, making shipping to the country favorable. Though the country is mostly an independent nation, they still claim the current British monarch as their official Head-of-state. Canada's government is a melding of a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. While the United Kingdom claims an interest in the country, a significant portion of Canada's citizens are heavily influenced by their French heritage, and both English and French are official languages.
Canada has a very strong economy. While its largest trading partner is still the United States, the currency conversion, as of 2011, is in Canada's favour after decades of the US having the upper hand. Canada is considered to be one of the world's most prosperous countries. Canada supports free and open trade in general, ranking even higher than America in economic freedom. The country has steadily moved more toward an industrial economic base, with strong manufacturing sectors. They also excel at mining and have a strong service industry. Canada produces an excess of energy and is also still a major player in agricultural production.
Import Restrictions
While importing to Canada isn't particularly difficult, it can be hard to find an easily-digestible
list of requirements, rules and regulations. Some items and products will be
entirely prohibited from importation into Canada. This can include obvious items like
asbestos products and dangerous chemicals. Some unexpected inclusions are:
- baby walkers,
- unsafe children's jewellery and toys,
- and children's clothing that does not meet Canadian safety standards.
A full listing of imports covered by the
Hazardous Products Act.
Most other issues will deal with restricted items. Restricted items span many different product categories and, minimally, must be accompanied by proper licensing, permits or declarations. Some examples of restricted items include:
- firearms,
- fireworks,
- plant products,
- animals,
- prescription drugs
- and antiques.
Some clothing and furniture items also have applicable restrictions. More detailed information can be found through the
Canada Border Services Agency.
Useful Information
The Canadian customs department is likely to closely inspect packages. It will not be uncommon for a Canadian customer to notice that a package has been opened and inspected, so expect that when importing to this country. To avoid this, always ensure that the required
custom's declaration form is filled out fully and is as detailed as possible. It's also best to be honest, especially when it comes to the value of your package. If your package holds a value of $20CDN or less, no duty will be assessed to the recipient unless the shipment includes alcohol and tobacco products. Gifts of under $60CDN are also not subject to import tax, though this exception is applicable only to private shipments and should not be used by business or commercial entities.
We can offer cheap parcel delivery to Canada, including all of the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland-Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Québec (Quebec), Saskatchewan, Yukon; the major cities of Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Mississauga, Vancouver, London, Ottawa, Hamilton, Laval, Surrey, Brampton, Windsor, Saskatoon, Burnaby, Kitchener, Markham, Regina, Quebec, Richmond, Burlington, Oshawa, Vaughan, Saint Catharines, Oakville as well as all points between the Atlantic and the North Pacific Ocean between 1 and three days from collection.
