Trade between China and Canada remains strong in 2025, driven by steady demand for electronics, furniture, machinery, household goods, automotive parts, and e-commerce replenishment orders. Most shipments move from major Chinese export hubs such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou to Canada’s primary gateways including Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal, supported by both direct and trans-Pacific consolidation routes.

Importers typically choose between sea freight, air freight, DDP services, or express couriers depending on budget, urgency, shipment size, and customs complexity. Sea freight remains the most cost-effective option for bulk cargo, while air freight offers shorter transit times for urgent or high-value goods. DDP is increasingly preferred by SMEs and Amazon sellers looking to simplify the process by outsourcing customs clearance and tax handling.
This pillar page gives you a quick, decision-focused overview of your options, with links to detailed sub-guides for deeper learning.

Key Shipping Highlights

Shipping from China to Canada varies widely depending on the method you choose and the origin–destination pair. In general, sea freight offers the lowest cost, air freight provides faster delivery, and DDP services simplify customs handling for businesses that want an end-to-end solution. Express couriers remain the quickest option for small parcels but come with higher per-kg rates.

The figures below represent realistic public 2025 market averages. Actual pricing may change with seasonality, fuel adjustments, carrier capacity, and Canadian port congestion. For full rate breakdowns and real-world examples, refer to the detailed cost and transit-time guides.

Cost & Time Comparison

Quick Notes

• Sea freight is most cost-effective for cargo above 2 CBM.

• Air freight is ideal for shipments requiring guaranteed schedules.

• DDP is popular for importers who prefer not to handle CBSA clearance.

• Express is suitable for lightweight parcels and business samples.

Sea freight is the most cost-efficient way to ship goods from China to Canada, especially for medium to large volumes. Most shipments depart from major Chinese ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, and Qingdao, arriving at Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Montreal, or Toronto depending on the final destination. Transit times typically range from 18–35 days, with longer lead times during peak seasons or when inland rail connections are required.

When to Choose FCL

Full Container Load shipping is ideal if you have:

• Cargo exceeding 15–18 CBM

• Sensitive or high-value goods that benefit from dedicated space

• Predictable purchasing cycles and stable replenishment plans

FCL offers better cost per unit, fewer handling risks, and more reliable schedules.

When to Choose LCL

Less than Container Load shipping is suitable when:

• Volume is too small for a full container

• You want a low-commitment test shipment

• You’re consolidating cargo from multiple Chinese suppliers

LCL is flexible, but may involve slightly longer lead times due to consolidation and deconsolidation.

Air freight is the preferred option for importers who need fast, predictable delivery from China to Canada. Common routes operate from major airports such as Shanghai (PVG), Shenzhen (SZX), Guangzhou (CAN) and Hong Kong (HKG) to Vancouver (YVR) and Toronto (YYZ), with additional connections through Montreal and Calgary. Transit times typically fall between 3–8 days, depending on cargo availability, routing, and customs inspection speed.

When Air Freight Makes Sense

Air shipping is a strong choice when:

• Your shipment contains high-value, fragile, or time-sensitive goods

• You’re running low on inventory and need rapid replenishment

• You want more predictable schedules than sea freight

• Shipment weight is suitable for air (often below 300–500 kg for cost efficiency)

Cost & Weight Considerations

Air freight pricing is based on the higher of actual weight and chargeable weight. While we mention it here for context, the formula and calculation details are reserved for the dedicated guide to keep this page concise.

Door-to-door services provide a simplified shipping experience for importers who want predictable costs and minimal involvement in customs procedures. For shipments from China to Canada, the two most common options are DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) and DAP (Delivered at Place). Both services offer convenience, but they differ significantly in how customs duties, taxes, and last-mile responsibilities are handled.

When DDP Is the Better Choice

DDP is widely used by SMEs, Amazon sellers, and businesses that prefer a fully managed service. Under DDP:

• The logistics provider handles CBSA clearance, duties, and taxes

• The buyer avoids setting up a business number (BN) solely for importing

• Costs are more predictable, with fewer unexpected charges

• Ideal for lightweight goods, consumer products, and e-commerce inventory

When DAP Makes More Sense

DAP may be preferred when:

• The importer already has a BN and customs broker

• Duties and GST/HST are better handled internally

• Shipments are large or require special declarations

• The buyer wants direct control of the clearance process

DAP offers more transparency for experienced importers but requires active involvement.

Express courier services—primarily DHL, FedEx, UPS, and occasionally Aramex—offer the fastest shipping option from China to Canada. Transit times usually fall between 3–6 days, making express ideal for urgent samples, small parcels, high-value electronics, and lightweight e-commerce replenishment. These services include end-to-end tracking and predictable cut-off times, with simplified customs processes for low-value or sample shipments.

When Express Shipping Is the Best Choice

Express couriers are recommended when:

• Shipment weight is below 20–30 kg

• You need rapid delivery for testing, product launches, or urgent orders

• You want minimal handling and reduced risk of delays

• The value is low enough to benefit from simplified CBSA clearance thresholds

For heavier shipments, express couriers can become significantly more expensive than standard air freight.

Pricing Logic (High-Level)

Express rates are influenced by:

• Chargeable weight (similar to air freight)

• Zone-based delivery region in Canada

• Peak-season surcharges

• Additional services such as signature, insurance, or remote-area delivery

Detailed carrier comparisons and rate structures are covered in the dedicated express guide.

All shipments entering Canada are reviewed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), which assesses documentation, verifies product classifications, and determines duties and taxes. While the clearance process is generally efficient, accuracy in paperwork and HS codes is essential to avoid delays. Most commercial shipments require importers to provide correct information on product descriptions, declared values, and country of origin.

Taxes & Duties (High-Level)

Imported goods may be subject to:

• GST (5%), plus the applicable HST rate for certain provinces

• Customs duties, depending on HS code and trade agreements

• Possible inspection or storage fees if documentation is incomplete

These costs vary widely by product category, so importers should confirm classifications in advance or consult a customs broker.

Required Documents (Summary Only)

Typical paperwork includes:

• Commercial Invoice

• Packing List

• Bill of Lading or Air Waybill

• HS Codes & product descriptions

• Any required certificates (depending on product type)

Full explanations, examples, and compliance checklists are reserved for the detailed import documents guide.

Common Causes of Delay

• Mismatched product descriptions vs. HS codes

• Under-declared values

• Missing certificates or licenses

• Random CBSA examinations

The table below provides a high-level comparison of the main shipping methods from China to Canada. It highlights the typical cost range, transit time, and best-use scenarios to help importers quickly identify the most suitable option. Detailed rate calculations, seasonal variations, and examples are available in the dedicated cost and transit-time guides.

Shipping Method Comparison

Key Notes

• Sea freight offers the lowest landed cost for most commercial shipments.

• Air freight and express provide the fastest replenishment, ideal for maintaining stock continuity.

• DDP services are increasingly popular for sellers who prefer outsourcing CBSA clearance and tax management.

• Heavier shipments (>100–150 kg) typically shift from express to standard air freight for better cost efficiency.

China and Canada are connected through some of the busiest ocean and air trade corridors in the world. Most shipments move through well-established gateway ports and airports that support frequent sailings, competitive carrier options, and efficient customs processes. Choosing the right origin and destination hub can improve transit time, reduce handling costs, and streamline inland delivery.

Major China Export Ports

• Shanghai (CNSHA) – Largest container port; wide carrier options

• Ningbo (CNNGB) – Competitive schedules to West Coast Canada

• Shenzhen (CNSZX / CNYPW) – Ideal for South China manufacturers

• Qingdao (CNQDG) – Strong for machinery, industrial goods

• Xiamen / Guangzhou – Suitable for mixed cargo and consolidation

Major Canada Destination Ports

• Vancouver (CAVAN) – Primary gateway for trans-Pacific cargo

• Prince Rupert (CAPRR) – Fast-growing port with shorter sailing times

• Montreal (CAMTR) – Important hub for Eastern Canada

• Halifax (CAHAL) – Occasional shipments for Atlantic Canada

Major Canada Airports

• Vancouver (YVR) – Main entry point for air cargo from China

• Toronto (YYZ) – High-frequency routes for express & general cargo

• Montreal (YUL) – Strong for EU/Asia transshipment and commercial cargo

Shipping from China to Canada follows a predictable workflow regardless of whether you choose sea freight, air freight, DDP, or express services. The steps below provide a simplified overview to help importers understand the process without diving into operational details, which are covered in the full shipping-process guide.

Step-by-Step Summary

1. Request a Freight Quote

Provide shipment details such as product type, HS codes, dimensions, weight, Incoterms, and destination. Your freight forwarder will recommend the best method based on cost, urgency, and cargo volume.

2. Book Space & Prepare Cargo

Your supplier schedules cargo readiness, prepares export documents, and coordinates with the forwarder for pickup or delivery to the origin warehouse.

3. Export Handling in China

Forwarders manage export customs declarations, cargo consolidation (for LCL), and container loading for sea or air shipments.

4. Main Transportation (Sea, Air, or Express)

Cargo is transported from China to Canada via your selected mode. Transit time varies significantly depending on the route and season.

5. Import Customs Clearance in Canada (CBSA)

CBSA reviews documentation, calculates duties and taxes, and releases cargo once all requirements are met. For DDP shipments, these steps are handled entirely by the forwarder.

6. Final Delivery to Destination

Cargo is delivered to your warehouse, Amazon FBA center, or final address via truck, courier, or local distribution partners.