Trucks delivering imported cargo inland across Canada

Importer Guide

Import from China to Canada

A complete guide to the China-to-Canada import process: supplier sourcing, freight modes, customs clearance, duties, and inland logistics.

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Importing from China to Canada involves seven stages: vetting and sourcing a supplier, agreeing on Incoterms, setting up a CRA import/export account, classifying goods with an HS tariff code, booking freight (ocean FCL/LCL or air), clearing customs at CBSA, and arranging final inland delivery. Eztrans Logistics manages freight booking, customs clearance, and inland delivery as an integrated freight forwarding service.

Import Process

How to import products from China to Canada

Vet and source a supplier in China

Start by identifying manufacturers or trading companies through platforms like Alibaba or Global Sources, or through industry trade shows and referrals. Before committing to a purchase order, verify that the supplier is a legitimate, operating business — check business registration details, ask for factory photos or a live video walkthrough, and where possible arrange a third-party factory audit or an in-person visit. Request a sample order before placing a bulk order so you can confirm materials, workmanship, and packaging match what was quoted. Ask for a realistic production lead time up front, since manufacturing schedules vary with order complexity, factory capacity, and seasonal demand, and build that timeline into your overall shipping plan so it doesn't collide with your own sales or project deadlines.

Agree on Incoterms with your supplier

Incoterms are standardized trade terms that define who arranges and pays for freight, insurance, and export clearance, and at what point risk transfers from seller to buyer. Under EXW (Ex Works), the buyer takes responsibility from the supplier's factory door onward, including export formalities — this gives an importer maximum control but also maximum responsibility. Under FOB (Free On Board), the supplier handles export clearance and loading at the origin port, and the buyer arranges and pays for ocean or air freight from that point forward; this is the most common arrangement for first-time importers because it splits responsibility at a clear, easily verified milestone. Under CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight), the supplier arranges and pays for freight and insurance to the destination port, which can look simpler on paper but often means less visibility into carrier selection, routing, and true freight cost, since those costs are bundled into the supplier's price. For a first-time importer, understanding these differences matters because the wrong term can mean paying for freight twice, losing insight into transit timing, or discovering too late that nobody arranged marine insurance.

Set up your business to import commercially

Most commercial importers do not need a special 'import license.' What is typically required is a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) with an import/export (RM) program account added to it. This account is what identifies your business to the Canada Border Services Agency on customs declarations and lets your customs broker file entries on your behalf. Setting this up is generally a straightforward administrative step handled through the CRA, ideally arranged before your first shipment leaves China rather than scrambled together while cargo is already in transit. Certain product categories carry additional regulatory requirements administered by other agencies, but for the large majority of general commercial goods, the BN with an RM account is the core piece of administrative setup an importer needs.

Classify your goods with an HS tariff code

Every product entering Canada is assigned a Harmonized System (HS) tariff classification code, and getting this right matters well before the shipment ever reaches the border. The HS code determines the rate of duty that applies to the goods, and it can also determine whether the product needs a specific permit, certificate, or clearance from another government department before it is allowed to enter — for example, products regulated for health, safety, or consumer protection reasons. Working out the correct classification early, ideally before the supplier finalizes production and shipping documents, helps avoid delays, corrected paperwork, or unexpected clearance issues once the cargo is already en route. A freight forwarder or customs broker can help confirm classification and flag whether any additional permits will be needed for a given product category.

Choose ocean or air freight for the shipment

The right freight mode depends on how urgent the shipment is, how cost-sensitive the shipper is, and how much cargo is moving. Ocean freight, whether a full container (FCL) or a shared, consolidated container (LCL), is generally the most cost-efficient option for larger or heavier shipments where transit time is not the primary constraint. Air freight moves much faster and suits urgent, high-value, or time-sensitive cargo, but freight cost scales more directly with weight and volume, so it tends to make more sense for smaller or lighter shipments than for bulk cargo. Express courier services sit at the small-parcel end of the spectrum, prioritizing speed and simplicity for low-volume shipments. A freight forwarder can help weigh these trade-offs against a shipment's size, urgency, and budget to recommend the most practical mode.

Clear customs at the Canadian border

Once the shipment arrives in Canada, it must clear the Canada Border Services Agency before it can be released for delivery. This generally involves submitting the customs entry along with supporting documentation — commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and the HS classification — either in advance of arrival or on arrival, depending on the mode of transport. CBSA reviews the documentation for accuracy and completeness and may select a shipment for further examination before granting release. Once CBSA is satisfied that the declaration is accurate and any applicable duties, taxes, and permit requirements are in order, the shipment is released and can continue on to its next destination in Canada.

Arrange final inland delivery

The last leg of the journey moves the cargo from the Canadian port of entry — commonly Vancouver, Prince Rupert, or Montreal — inland to its final destination by truck or rail. Depending on the importer's needs, this can mean direct delivery to a warehouse or distribution center, transfer into a bonded warehouse for staged release, or transloading from an ocean container onto domestic trailers for onward trucking. Coordinating this leg alongside customs clearance, rather than treating it as a separate afterthought, helps keep the overall door-to-door timeline predictable and avoids storage delays at the port or rail ramp.

Freight Modes

Shipping methods from China to Canada

Method	Best For	Transit Time
Ocean Freight (FCL)	Large shipments (full container)	12–35 days
Ocean Freight (LCL)	Smaller shipments (shared container)	18–40 days
Air Freight	Urgent or high-value cargo	2–5 days
Express Courier	Small packages under 100 kg	2–4 days

Related services

Ocean Freight →Air Freight →Customs Brokerage →Vancouver Transloading →

FAQ

Import from China — Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers for Canadian importers evaluating freight forwarding, China–Canada shipping, and integrated logistics options.

Is importing from China legal in Canada?

Yes. Canadian companies can import goods from China as long as they comply with CBSA regulations, import documentation requirements, and any product-specific restrictions (CFIA, Health Canada, etc.).

Do I need a business license to import from China?

Most importers need a Business Number (BN) with an import/export account, issued by the Canada Revenue Agency. Most goods do not require a specific import license — see our import license guide for exceptions.

What products are commonly imported from China?

Common imports include furniture, electronics, solar panels, machinery, textiles, and consumer goods. Duty rates vary by product and HS code.

Do I need a freight forwarder to import goods?

Freight forwarders manage international logistics, carrier booking, documentation, customs clearance, and inland delivery. Most businesses use a forwarder to simplify the import process and reduce risk.

Ready to import from China?

Eztrans handles freight booking, customs clearance, and inland delivery for Canadian importers. Contact us to plan your next shipment.

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