When shipping packages from China to Canada—especially major cities like Vancouver or Toronto—you need to consider several key factors: the shipping method, delivery time, type of goods, and import duties. This guide summarizes the latest and most relevant information to help you choose the right logistics plan.
What Can and Cannot Be Shipped
- Allowed items include: Daily essentials, household goods, packaged food, cosmetics, items with magnets, batteries, liquids, and powders.
- Prohibited items include: Meat products, counterfeits, chemicals, pressurized containers, flammable or explosive goods, toy guns, lighters, knives, and other aviation-restricted products.
Main Shipping Methods and Delivery Times
1. International Express (DHL, UPS, FedEx)
- Delivery time: 3–5 working days; sometimes as fast as 2–4 days.
- Features: Fast delivery, higher shipping cost, proactive customs declaration, higher duty risk (taxable over CAD $20, with 10–20% tax rate).
2. China Post EMS
- Delivery time: 3–7 days by air (up to 15 days depending on customs), 2–3 months by sea.
- Features: Strong customs clearance, low duty risk, good for sensitive goods like food and medicine.
3. Consolidation Shipping (via GoNest)
- Delivery time: 9–14 days by air, approx. 2 months by sea.
- Features: Accepts sensitive goods, offers parcel collection, customs clearance, and DDP delivery. Ideal for mixed online shopping.
What You Can Ship
General Goods
Clothes, books, and non-sensitive daily items.
Sensitive Goods (Special Channels Required)
- Food: Tea, dried goods, instant noodles (must be dry-packed).
- Medicine: OTC or herbal, no restricted ingredients.
- Cosmetics: Lipstick, face creams, sealed liquids.
Restricted or Prohibited
Dangerous goods, live animals, pirated items, controlled drugs. Avoid meat products and Western medicine due to strict Canadian regulations.
Shipping Fees & Tax Considerations
Freight Calculation
- Express: Based on greater of actual weight or volumetric weight (L × W × H ÷ 5000 or ÷ 12000 depending on service).
- Sea freight: Lowest cost (approx. ¥300/10kg).
- Air freight: Higher cost (approx. ¥800/10kg).
Sample Pricing from GoNest Canada Lines (1.0kg parcel)
| Shipping Line | Delivery Time | Total Cost (1.0kg) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensitive Goods Line (Volumetric ÷ 12000) | 8–12 days | ¥166.50 (was ¥185) | Free insurance, DDP, no surcharges |
| Air Freight Special Goods | 8–12 days | ¥155.25 (was ¥172.50) | Free insurance, DDP, ideal for cosmetics or medicine |
| General Goods Line | 8–15 days | ¥137.70 (was ¥153) | Best for clothes, books, general items |
Duty Minimization Tips
- Use GoNest’s consolidation service to handle customs and taxes.
- Break large orders into smaller parcels.
- Include low-value items to lower duty inspection risk.
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GoNest Shipping Process (Step-by-Step)
- Register at www.gonest.cn to receive a warehouse address.
- Ship items from your online store to the GoNest warehouse.
- Choose the appropriate shipping method based on item type and urgency.
- Submit accurate item declarations and recipient info in English.
- Pay shipping fees and receive your tracking number.
- Track your parcel and wait for delivery in Canada.
Best Shipping Strategies
| Scenario | Recommended Method | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| Urgent documents or small items | DHL / UPS / FedEx | 2–4 days |
| Sensitive goods or tax-sensitive items | GoNest Sensitive or Special Line | 8–12 days |
| Large or non-urgent shipments | Sea freight | 2–3 months |
Cost Tip: For 1kg parcels, general goods shipping starts at only ¥137.70. Sensitive goods lines offer full DDP service at around ¥155–¥166.
Why Choose GoNest for Shipping to Canada?
- Superior Customs Clearance: Licensed for food, medical items, and e-cigarettes. 99% success rate for sensitive goods.
- Fast Delivery: Uses chartered flights and express for < 10 days delivery average.
- Direct Agency Access: Official agent of DHL, UPS, FedEx—stable and discounted rates.
- Powerful Logistics Network: Supports US/EU dedicated lines and processes over 150,000 e-commerce parcels daily.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re sending daily supplies, sensitive products, or large shipments to Canada, GoNest provides the most reliable and cost-effective solution. With transparent pricing, fast delivery, and end-to-end support, your international shipping is handled with confidence.
