{"id":3880,"date":"2026-09-07T07:25:28","date_gmt":"2026-09-07T11:25:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/expertshipping.ca\/expedier-vers-la-chine-depuis-le-canada-2026\/"},"modified":"2026-09-07T07:25:28","modified_gmt":"2026-09-07T11:25:28","slug":"ship-to-china-from-canada-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/expertshipping.ca\/en\/expedier-vers-la-chine-depuis-le-canada-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Shipping to China from Canada: 2026 Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

China is Canada\u2019s second-largest trading partner, and yet shipping to China from Canada remains one of the most daunting international shipping challenges for a small business or an individual. Between shipping rates that can vary by as much as threefold, Chinese customs known for being strict, and a list of prohibited items that\u2019s longer than anywhere else, many people either give up or end up paying too much.<\/p>\n

Good news: With the right combination of service, packaging, and documentation, a package weighing 1 to 2 kg can be shipped from Montreal or Toronto and arrive in Shanghai or Shenzhen in 3 to 12 days\u2014with no unpleasant surprises. This 2026 guide compares practical options, explains the pitfalls of Chinese customs, and gives you tips to keep costs down.<\/p>\n

The prices listed are for reference only (Canadian dollars, September 2026) and vary depending on the agreement, service, region, and applicable surcharges.<\/em><\/p>\n

Which carrier should I use to ship to China from Canada?<\/h2>\n

Four major categories of services cover mainland China from Canada: Canada Post (mail service, handed over to China Post upon arrival), integrated express carriers (FedEx, UPS, DHL Express), Purolator International (which relies on partners), and consolidators. The right choice depends primarily on three factors: weight, urgency, and declared value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Local Convenience<\/th>\nEstimated timeframe<\/th>\n1-kg package (approximate)<\/th>\n5-kg package (approximate)<\/th>\nFollow-up<\/th>\nIdeal for<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Canada Post \u2013 International Small Package by Air<\/td>\n2 to 4 weeks<\/td>\n30 to 40 $<\/td>\nNot included (max 2 kg)<\/td>\nPartial<\/td>\nSmall, non-urgent shipments of low value<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Canada Post \u2013 International Air Parcels<\/td>\n7 to 14 days<\/td>\n60 to 75 $<\/td>\n130 to 160 $<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nGifts, samples, general merchandise<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Canada Post \u2013 XpressPost International<\/td>\n6 to 10 days<\/td>\n85 to 100 $<\/td>\n170 to 200 $<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nDocuments and small packages with guaranteed delivery times<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
UPS Worldwide Expedited \/ FedEx International Economy<\/td>\n4 to 7 days<\/td>\n110 to 160 $<\/td>\n190 to 260 $<\/td>\nFull<\/td>\nStandard SMEs, B2B<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
DHL Express Worldwide<\/td>\n3 to 5 days<\/td>\n120 to 180 $<\/td>\n210 to 300 $<\/td>\nFull<\/td>\nUrgent shipments, valuable packages, smooth customs clearance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rates negotiated through Expert Shipping<\/td>\n3 to 7 days<\/td>\nUp to 50 % less than the counter price<\/td>\nUp to 60 % less<\/td>\nFull<\/td>\nAny small or medium-sized business that ships more than once a month<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Keep this general rule in mind: for packages under 2 kg and non-urgent shipments, Canada Post is unbeatable; for packages over 2 kg or for business customers who require precise tracking and fast customs clearance, a negotiated-rate express carrier is often cheaper per kilogram<\/strong> than the postal service, especially with a business account.<\/p>\n

Understanding Chinese Customs in 2026<\/h2>\n

China applies different rules depending on whether the recipient is an individual or a business. This is something most Canadian shippers are unaware of, and it\u2019s the reason why the most packages are held up.<\/p>\n

Shipments to Individuals: The \u00abPersonal Items\u00bb Rule\u00bb<\/h3>\n

Packages sent to an individual are taxed according to a flat-rate schedule (the \u00abpostal tax,\u00bb, xing you shui<\/em>) of 13 %, 20 %, or 50 %, depending on the product category. An exemption applies when the calculated tax is less than 50 RMB (approximately 9.50 $ CA). For packages valued at over approximately 1,000 RMB (about 190 $ CA), customs may require commercial clearance and may return or refuse the package if the recipient does not have an import license. Tip: Split up large personal shipments and declare the actual value\u2014no more, no less.<\/p>\n

Shipping to a Business: Commercial Invoice and HS Codes<\/h3>\n

For a business customer, prepare a commercial invoice in English (in triplicate), including a detailed description, the 6- or 8-digit HS code, country of origin (\u00abMade in Canada\u00bb), unit and total value, and the Incoterm. The Chinese recipient must provide their customs registration number (USCI). Import duties in China range from 0 to 20 % depending on the product, plus a 13 % VAT (9 % for certain agri-food products). Without an HS code, your package will be subject to \u00abmanual inspection,\u00bb which typically adds 3 to 10 days to the process.<\/p>\n

The recipient's identification number<\/h3>\n

For several years now, Chinese customs officials have been increasingly requiring the ID number of the individual recipient in order to release a package. Be sure to ask for it in advance and include it on the customs declaration: this is the leading cause of packages being held up upon arrival for mail shipments.<\/p>\n

Prohibited or Restricted Items: The List You Need to Know<\/h2>\n

China has stricter restrictions than most destinations. Before shipping to China from Canada, check this list, because prohibited items will be destroyed or returned at your expense (often an additional 60 to 120 $).<\/p>\n