A Complete Guide To Shipping From India To Canada

Canada has become a popular destination for Indian students and professionals, leading to a growing demand for Indian products and services in the country. This has created a lucrative market for Indian exporters or SMEs. Moreover, the growing Indian diaspora in Canada has increased the demand for Indian goods, making it an attractive market for Indian exporters.

If you’re an Indian business looking to tap into the Canadian market, understanding the process of shipping from India to Canada is crucial. In this guide, we’ll provide you with essential information about different shipping methods, customs procedures, documentations, and other important factors to consider.

Ship From India To Canada-Step-By-Step Guide

Gather information about your products

It is important to know all the details about your goods. Before clearing your shipments, collect all the essential data.

• You can start by reviewing all the product details. Look for the description, product name, and other specifications. 
• Check the number of items you are shipping. Quantity is essential data required at the time of customs declarations. 
• Remember to check the weight and size of your shipment. Weight and size will help you determine the cost of your shipment, and accurate data can prevent additional charges. 
• Identify who your target audience is. Understand their preferences, needs, and buying habits. 
• Stay updated on industry trends and customer preferences to anticipate demand changes. 
• Analyse sales data, product reviews, and customer engagement on platforms like Amazon seller accounts and Etsy to assess demand.

Check Compliance

After collecting all the information, check that you are meeting all the compliance requirements. For a successful export, you need to fulfil both Indian and Canadian export regulations. India and Canada have different rules and restrictions. For example, some products need permits and licenses for their exportation. 

You must meet the security and safety standards of both countries. You can do this by making proper reports and tests about your product. Generally, compliance-assisting bodies provide certification that proves that your product is eligible for export. These certifications can prevent you from experiencing delayed shipments. Also, these certificates create a reputation for your product. 

Moreover, proper packaging is important to safeguard your products from damage during transportation. Adhere to specific packaging requirements or labelling guidelines that are provided by both countries.

Classification of your product 

Now it’s time to get the HS code. Let’s understand the HS code. HS stands for Harmonized System Code, which uses numerical methods to differentiate traded items. This six-digit code is used worldwide by all logistics and customs authorities.

Importance of HS code

• The HS code will tell you the payable amount of customs duty for your compliance shipment.
• HS code plays a vital role in maintaining International statistics.
• An HS code is required to complete the paperwork and other documentation.

How can you determine HS code?

You can use the Internet to find the HS code based on its description. You can also determine the HS code with the guidance of custom brokers and trade experts.

Check the export control list

There is an export control list that outlines all the items subject to export control. Clearly check the details of your product because you can’t export subject shipments without proper documentation.

Why check the export control list?

• Importing any subject without the surveillance of authorities is considered illegal. 
• You will be charged for violating the regulations of shipping from India to Canada. 
• Also, understand that few items need proper licensing to get exported. 

Please check if your product is on the export control list. Then, you can contact the respective authorities for guidance on exports. You can also seek advice from custom brokers. These two steps, HS code determination and checking of the export control list, can help you ensure smooth customs clearance.

Look for a trusted partner 

A specialised international courier services from India can simplify the complex process of international shipping, ensuring your shipments reach their destination on time and without any issues. Look for a courier service with expertise in international trade, particularly between India and Canada. They should have a deep understanding of customs regulations, documentation requirements, and other procedures involved in cross-border shipments. By partnering with a trusted courier, you can avoid potential delays, penalties, and other complications.

ShipGlobal.in provides seamless international shipping services between India and Canada. Our experienced team handles all the complexities of cross-border trade, including effortless customs clearance, easy documentation, and compliance with regulations. With ShipGlobal, you can avoid any shipping delays, penalties, and other issues that can arise with international shipping from India to Canada.

Understand the significance of custom brokers 

• They know how to follow all the regulations of both countries smoothly. They will navigate all the procedures seamlessly without any delay. They thoroughly go through all the papers and documents to check their accuracy. 

• Custom brokers have been doing this work for a long time, so they know how to arrange paperwork. Documents like bills of lading and custom invoices are essential for completing the paperwork.

• Custom brokers will represent your shadow in front of officials. They can also address any queries or issues on your behalf. They also look for ways to negotiate in case any conflict takes place. 

• Based on the details of your product, custom brokers also cross-check the HS code. They help you analyse the tax payable to the authorities and look for essential deductions in the tax to reduce the financial burden. 

ShipGlobal is your professional guide when it comes to navigating the complexities of international shipping. We know all about the laws and regulations from India to Canada to ensure your products are shipped legally and delivered safely. Moreover, we also handle all the paperwork, like filling out forms and getting necessary permits. Basically, we take care of all the logistics processes so you can focus only on running your business.

Tax and fees involved

No doubt, international shipping services take a good amount of taxes and fees. There are several costs included:

• Shipping costs: These depend on the mode of transport (air, sea, or land), weight, volume, and distance.
• Customs duties: Taxes levied by the importing country based on the product’s classification and value.
• Taxes: Various taxes might apply, such as VAT, GST, or sales tax.
• Brokerage fees: Charges for the services provided by your customs broker.
• Additional fees: This includes handling charges, storage fees, and currency conversion fees. 

But unlike other shipping companies, ShipGlobal believes in upfront and transparent pricing. You will never encounter any hidden fees or surprise charges. Our shipping calculator provides accurate quotes, so you can plan your budget with confidence. You pay what you ship.

Understanding Canada’s Import Restrictions

We all are aware that India prohibits a number of items to export to Canada due to security concerns. If you attempt to send out these things, you need to deal with legal challenges. 

Let us explore the different items which are not to be prohibited to export from India to Canada

Restricted Items 

• India bans the export of fresh fruits and vegetables to prevent the transmission of pests or harmful viruses.
• Several products made from endangered species or their parts are prohibited for export.
• To avoid conflicts, India bans the export of fake or pirated items.
• India bans the export of any material that can promote hatred or discrimination among common people.
• Content that is deemed offensive or inappropriate is prohibited for export.
• India generally restricts the export of all items manufactured in prisons.

Prohibited Items

• Ban on baby walkers due to safety concerns.
• To prevent fire hazards, India prohibits the export of magic candle items.
• To avoid choking hazards, India bans the export of self-feeding devices.
• Ban on yo-yos longer than 20 inches, as they can pose a serious safety risk.
• Due to the presence of harmful toxins, India restricts the export of various types of balloon blowers.
• Restrictions on the import of highly poisonous substances due to safety concerns.
• Chain letters, metallic labels, and some contraceptive devices may be restricted for export.

Documents required for shipping goods from India to Canada

Here are the key documents you’ll need to ship goods from India to Canada:

• Canadian Commercial Invoice (CCI): This tells Canadian customs what you’re shipping and any duties you owe.
• Bill of Lading: This is a contract between you and the carrier, detailing shipping information.
• Certificate of Origin: This identifies where your goods came from.
• Additional Invoices or Documents: You may need other paperwork depending on your shipment.

You’ll also need to provide this information:

• Import or Export Business Number: Get this from the Canada Revenue Agency.
• Tariff Classification Number and Rate of Duty: Find this using the Canadian Customs Tariff.
• Type and Value of Goods: Describe your items and their worth.
• Shipping Method: Specify how you’re transporting the goods.
• Country of Origin: Indicate where the items were made.

By ensuring you have all these documents and information ready, you’ll help your shipment clear Canadian customs smoothly.

Factors Affecting Costs of shipping from India to Canada

Here are the main factors that affect shipping costs from India to Canada:

Weight of Goods: Heavier items cost more to ship.

Size and Shape: Larger or oddly shaped items may require special handling, which can increase costs.

Air Freight: Air freight is generally faster but more expensive than sea freight.

Choosing the Right Shipping Option:

General Cargo: Suitable for consumer products like food.

Express or Special Cargo: Required for items needing specific handling, like animals.

Additional Considerations:

Route Changes: Political or economic events might alter the shipping route, affecting costs.

Currency Conversion: Be aware of exchange rate markups and intermediary bank fees when paying in Indian rupees.

Shipping costs can vary significantly based on these factors. It’s essential to get accurate quotes from different carriers to compare prices and find the most cost-effective option for your shipment.

Conclusion

The procedure for shipping from India to Canada can be a little complex, but here is a complete guide to shipping from India to Canada. All the essential data that you need to collect before shipping is given. The process of customs clearance is described in easy steps. With this information, you can easily understand all the documentation and paperwork you need to complete for customs clearance.

FAQs: Shipping from India to Canada