How to ship from Australia to Canada

29 September 2022 3 Mins Read

Are you thinking about selling internationally? If you want to expand your customer base or diversify your revenue streams, here’s what you need to start exporting goods into countries like Canada.

If you're in the business of selling products, there's a good chance that you'll consider international shipping at some point. This can be a great place for your business to start tapping into a global expansion to reach customers worldwide. In fact, there are now several options available to companies looking to ship their goods around the globe. With global express delivery providers, it is even possible to send packages from almost anywhere in the world within 24 hours.

But before you get to this stage, there are some requirements to meet before you can ship goods across borders. Depending on the country of destination, you may need to provide export documentation or pay certain taxes and fees. To get started, here’s what you need to know if you are interested in shipping from Australia to Canada.

How to export or import into Canada

1. Know what products can be shipped into Canada

When you are exporting commercial goods into Canada from Australia, you must first understand what items can be shipped. Canadian Customs requires that certain items be declared before entering the country. These include certain types of root vegetables, tobacco products and alcohol.

Other items may also require special permits and licenses. For instance, some foods require certification from Health Canada. Some pharmaceutical drugs also require approval from Health Canada before they can enter the country.

2. Determine which items are prohibited

That being said, there are also some items that cannot be legally imported into Canada. These include live animals, fraudulent or counterfeit products, and items like coins, prison-made goods and certain firearms.

Some items are prohibited due to health concerns. For example, raw milk is banned in Canada. Certain medications and medical devices are also restricted.

3. Obtain a business number

Besides knowing what items are legal to export to Canada, you must obtain a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This unique BN will be required in your commercial invoice, which is part of the documents you’ll need to prepare as per export requirements. You can create your account for free at CRA Business Registration Online.

4. Calculate the relevant duties and taxes

Additionally, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) calculates duties and taxes on items that come from other countries. There may be duties charged on commercial goods imported into Canada. These rates are set by the Department of Finance Canada and can change depending on the current state of trade agreements between Canada and its trading partners.

When you are sending parcels to Canada from Australia, you may also face additional charges for the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Starting from 5% GST, tax rates will vary depending on the province. The goods that you are shipping to Canada from Australia may also be subjected to the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) and Harmonised Sales Tax (HST). As such, be sure to factor in the total cost of duties and taxes as you prepare your goods for international shipping.

Export to Canada with DHL Express

With DHL Express, you will have a reliable trade partner that can take your business far. With a variety of delivery services available to fulfil international customers’ orders, you can fully focus on taking your business online and establishing your business as a leader in your industry.

For more information about how DHL Express can be beneficial to your business, create an account with us and start sending parcels to Canada from Australia today. Besides importing commercial goods into Canada, you can also learn more about exporting to Korea as well as China’s export procedures and documentation.