Jules
3 min read
Jun 17, 2019

Key Points:

  • Copyright works, currency, dead animals, and diamonds are restricted from being imported into Canada
  • The Canada Border Services Agency has this great resource that lists every step needed to import commercial goods into Canada
  • Visit Easyship's dedicated country page for Canada for information related to shipping to Canada

According to Statista, 37 percent of Canadian online shoppers prefer to only buy from domestic merchants, but 56 percent still prefer to shop from both domestic and cross-border online retailers.

Due to this demand, eCommerce SMBs can consider shipping to Canada to increase their revenues.

But before you start shipping internationally to Canada, it’s best to check and make sure that your product is not restricted or prohibited for import.

Importing to Canada: Restricted Items

If an item is restricted, it means that certain documentation must be provided before Canadian customs can release your parcel to its final destination. This may include, but are not limited to, proof of a license or certificate, and any required forms.

The following goods are currently on the restricted list:

  • copyright works
  • currency
  • dead animals, including wild birds or their parts
  • diamonds (rough)
  • drugs and other controlled substances
  • eggs, milk and other dairy products
  • films
  • fish, game, meat, poultry, fruit, vegetables and their products
  • intoxicating liquors
  • liquids, liquefiable substances and powders
  • live chicks, parasites, leeches, bees and bees' wax
  • medical material, including specimens
  • plants, seeds, fruits, bark, plant parts and soil
  • seed potatoes, onions and other raw root crops
  • tobacco
  • wheat, straw, bran, chaff, barley and their products

You can visit the Canada Border Services Agency website for a complete and updated list of restricted items.

Note the following for these items:

Alcohol

Importing alcohol (including wine) is strictly prohibited unless it is being mailed to a Provincial Liquor Board or Commission, or to a manufacturer or distributor that is allowed to handle such beverages in Canada.

Cannabis

While cannabis is legal in Canada, it is strictly regulated. Importing cannabis in any form (including CBD oil) requires a permit or exemption from Health Canada, and these are issued under very limited circumstances and for limited purposes: medical, scientific, or industrial hemp. Cannabis imports will also be subjected to duty payments.

For more information, this Health Canada bulletin is useful, in addition to this official website on cannabis in Canada provided by the government.

Vaping Products

There are specific requirements to import vaping products into Canada, and they depend on the ingredients and/or purpose of the products. You can see this customs notice or visit Health Canada for more information.

Importing to Canada: Prohibited Items

If an item is prohibited, it means it is strictly not allowed to be imported into Canada. Prohibited items that arrive in customs may not be returned – Canadian customs has the right to seize and destroy the item.

The following goods are prohibited for import, and should never be shipped to Canada:

  • beekeeping apparatus, used
  • chain letters and other literature pertaining to fraudulent schemes
  • contraceptive devices and literature
  • corrosives, nuclear substances or oxidizing substances
  • counterfeit or imitation coins
  • firearms, weapons and ammunition
  • gold bullion, gold dust or non-manufactured metals
  • hate propaganda
  • live animals
  • manufactured goods bearing insufficient markings or origin
  • margarine or butter substitutes
  • metallic labels
  • obscene, immoral, indecent or scurrilous matter
  • poisonous or infectious substances
  • prison-made goods
  • unlawful lottery tickets and advertising

For more details on items prohibited for import in Canada, visit the Canada Border Services Agency.

USPS Shipping Restrictions to Canada

There are USPS shipping restrictions for international shipments.

Restricted international items include:

  • Cigars
  • Medical devices
  • Lithium batteries
  • Medicine or drugs

Prohibited international items include:

  • Aerosols
  • Airbags
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Ammunition
  • Cigarettes
  • Dry Ice
  • Explosives
  • Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
  • Gasoline
  • Marijuana (medical or otherwise)
  • Nail Polish
  • Perfumes (containing alcohol)
  • Poison

Visit USPS’ Shipping Restrictions page for the most updated information.

As for USPS-specific shipping restrictions to Canada, the following should be noted:

  • Certain items cannot be insured. This includes bees, postage stamps and albums where they are mounted, and parcels addressed to Canadian military post offices.
  • A local telephone number may be required. If you are shipping a parcel to a post office box address using the Priority Mail Express International service, a local telephone number for the addressee MUST be provided. However, if it’s being sent to a street address, providing a local phone number is not required but would be helpful.

For additional details on USPS shipping restrictions to Canada, visit their Country Conditions for Mailing site.

UPS Shipping Restrictions to Canada

Here are some UPS shipping restrictions to be aware of if you plan on using their services to ship to Canada.

  • UPS cannot deliver to a PO Box address.
  • Paintball markers/paintball guns and airsoft guns are prohibited by UPS for importation unless you have been approved through the International Special Commodity (ISC) program as a Special Exception.
  • Products made in Iran are prohibited by UPS due to a current embargo.
  • The maximum weight per parcel is 150 lbs (70 kg).
  • The maximum length per parcel is 107.9 inches (274 cm).
  • Maximum dimensions per parcel is 165 inches (419 cm) - length and girth combined

Note that the above applies to shipments coming from the United States and may not apply to other origin countries. For specific restrictions from a different origin country, visit UPS’ Import/Export Country Regulations page.

FedEx Shipping Restrictions to Canada

Here are some FedEx shipping restrictions to be aware of if you plan on using their services to ship to Canada.

  • Personal shipments of alcohol and tobacco
  • Hemp products such as cosmetics, clothing, food, etc. containing Tetrahydrocannabinols (THC)
  • Ammunition of any kind
  • Animals that have been mounted
  • Dangerous Goods
  • Furs
  • Cut flowers
  • Perishables
  • Shipments that may cause damage to, or delay of, equipment, personnel, or other shipments
  • Shipments that require any special license or permit for transportation, importation, or exportation
  • Electronic Cigarettes that contain nicotine, propylene glycol and other chemicals listed on the Canadian Food and Drug controlled substance list

Visit FedEx’s Canada Prohibited and Restricted Items for the full list of items.

Managing Shipping Restrictions to Canada

If your business is selling a restricted item on Canada’s import list, it’s still possible to import as long as you’re willing to get the right licenses and permits and submit the required paperwork for each shipment.

The Canada Border Services Agency has this great resource that lists every step needed to import commercial goods into Canada. You also have the option of hiring a customs broker, a professional that stays up-to-date with all import regulations, and can help you clear your goods through customs.

For additional information on shipping to Canada, visit our dedicated country page for Canada. Our blog post can also learn more about the Canadian eCommerce landscape and the best shipping and mailing services to Canada.

Shipping Restrictions to Canada FAQ

Why do US companies restrict shipping to Canada?

The seller/shipper may not have the right to sell the item in Canada. There may be a local supplier in Canada that has these rights or the US government restricts the particular item.

What do shipping restrictions mean?

If an item is restricted, it means that your shipment must meet courier requirements and must follow all federal, state, and local laws before it's shipped.

What are commonly prohibited items for Canada?

Fresh fruit, firewood, most types of weapons, and propaganda are all prohibited items for Canada.

Key Points:

  • Copyright works, currency, dead animals, and diamonds are restricted from being imported into Canada
  • The Canada Border Services Agency has this great resource that lists every step needed to import commercial goods into Canada
  • Visit Easyship's dedicated country page for Canada for information related to shipping to Canada
Get Your Ship Together.

By submitting the form, you agree to receive marketing emails from Easyship.

Save up to 91% on Shipping. Try for free.

Effortlessly compare 550+ courier services with one global account. Instant discounts. Start in minutes.

Shipping Internationally? Unsure What Tariffs or Duties Apply?
Try our FREE Tax & Duty Calculator

Trying to stay up to date on the latest cross-border shipping and import requirements? Get an instant estimate of all applicable taxes and duties for every country across 220+ global destinations or sign up and take advantage of our in-built HS Code lookup tool.

Calculate Tax & Duties Instantly (Free Tool)
Ready to Stop Overpaying for Shipping?
Try our FREE Shipping Rate Calculator

Looking for the cheapest way to ship a package? Get an instant shipping quote and compare rates from 550+ courier services across the United States, Canada, UK, Australia, and more. Simply add your package size and delivery location, and you'll find the best deal in seconds.

Calculate Rates Instantly (Free Tool)
Planning Your Campaign?

Get in touch with us now and our shipping consultants can give you a detailed quote and additional info to help with your campaign.

Get in touch
The Cheapest Shipping from USPS, UPS & FedEx

Find the guaranteed cheapest rates for any courier in seconds with Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator. Compare discount rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 250+ couriers at a glance.

GET RATE QUOTES FREE
The Cheapest Shipping from USPS, UPS & FedEx

Find the guaranteed cheapest rates for any courier in seconds with Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator. Compare discount rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 250+ couriers at a glance.

GET RATE QUOTES FREE
Get in touch with our fulfillment experts!

We believe simple pricing is the best pricing. Get a quote with a simplified pricing structure and no hidden fees.

Contact us
Need help fulfilling your crowdfunding campaign?

We provide the necessary tools needed to keep you on budget for shipping and to safely deliver your product to backers around the world.

Learn more
Try our duty & tax calculator!

Need to estimate your shipping duties & taxes? Our calculator can give you an idea of what to expect.

TRY IT NOW
Save up to 91% on Shipping. Try for free.

Compare 550+ courier services with one global account. Start in minutes.

GET STARTED FOR FREE
Get a Free Quote for Your Campaign

Receive a personal cost estimate for your crowdfunding campaign from our trusted global fulfillment partners. Easyship is a certified Indiegogo partner.

GET FREE QUOTE
Looking for great rates from a top courier?

Save up to 74% on UPS shipping rates by shipping with Easyship. You can run a quote and generate your first shipments in literally minutes!

SHIP WITH UPS TODAY
The cheapest way to ship for eCommerce

Get instant access with volume-discounted shipping rates. Save up to 89% off on USPS, UPS, FedEx, and more. Easyship is free for 50 shipments each month.

SIGN UP FREE TO SAVE
Find your perfect fulfillment partner with expert help

Let Easyship connect you to the largest shipping and fulfillment network on Earth. You’ll find trusted partners for all things logistics. Guidance is free from our global shipping experts.

ASK AN EXPERT
Don’t miss our money and time-saving features!

Explore the powerful features that 100K+ merchants use to ship smarter, not harder. Shipping automation, live rates at checkout, live duty and tax – all free to try with Easyship.

EXPLORE ALL FEATURES
Start saving on shipping in seconds

Create your free Easyship account to streamline shipping and save with discounted rates. No hidden fees. No minimums. Just savings.

CREATE YOUR FREE ACCOUNT
Create Your Shipping Policy Free

Use our guided walk-through to build the perfect shipping policy for your eCommerce business.

CREATE YOUR POLICY FREE
Looking to intergrate your Shopify store?

With 550+ pre-negotiated shipping services available with discounts of up to 91%, you can save time & money today when you integrate your Shopify store with Easyship

REGISTER FOR FREE
Use Easyship Free Every Month

Easyship is free to use for 50 shipments every month. You’ll save big on our discounted shipping rates up to 91% off, and save time with smart automation. Signup is fast and free.

CREATE YOUR FREE ACCOUNT
Don’t miss the key steps to fulfillment success

Follow the easy path to fulfillment success. Easyship’s free fulfillment checklist provides a proven step-by-step so you can ship at scale without the guesswork.

VIEW THE CHECKLIST
Ship for less with any courier, guaranteed

Save up to 89% off all shipping rates. Easyship offers the guaranteed cheapest volume-discounted rates on the market from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 250+ global couriers.

SIGN UP TO SAVE
Don’t miss all our money and time-saving features!

Explore the innovative features that 100K+ merchants use to ship smarter, not harder. Shipping automation, live rates at checkout, live duty and tax – all free to try with Easyship.

EXPLORE FEATURES
Want the cheapest rates?

Register for an Easyship account today and you will gain access to the cheapest rates, instantly.

REGISTER FOR FREE
Watch out for international duty and tax!

What exactly does it cost to ship cross-border? Use the free duty and tax calculator from Easyship to view accurate import costs for any shipment to anywhere.

USE FREE
Protect Your Crowdfunding Budget from Cost Creep

Prices are rising, deliveries are slowing. Get up to speed on the state of crowdfunding shipping with expert Easyship analysis and keep your campaign on budget.

LEARN MORE
Discover the Cheapest Shipping from USPS, UPS & FedEx

Find the guaranteed cheapest rates for any courier in seconds with Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator. Compare discount rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 550+ courier services at a glance.

GET A FREE QUOTE
Discover Your Cheapest Way to Ship

Find the guaranteed cheapest shipping in seconds with Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator. Compare discounted rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 250+ global couriers at a glance.

COMPARE RATES FREE
Compare the best rates in seconds

Get an instant estimate of the cheapest shipping rates with our free calculator tool.

GET FREE RATE QUOTES
Save money on every shipment

Save up to 91% off shipping with Easyship’s discount courier rates. Create your free account to save instantly on 550+ courier services, including USPS.

CREATE YOUR FREE ACCOUNT
Ready to ship internationally?

Get help from our global shipping experts on warehousing, global shipping and to connect with our network of trusted 3PLs.

GET FREE SHIPPING TIPS
How’s Your Covid Shipping Policy?

Use our free shipping policy generator to formulate your safest, most customer-friendly shipping policy in seconds.

GET YOUR SHIPPING POLICY
Try Pre-generated Return Labels For Free

Register for an Easyship account today and get 30-days access to a Premier plan with access to Pre-generated Return Labels.

Generate Return Labels Today
Discover the Cheapest Shipping from USPS, UPS® & FedEx

Find the guaranteed cheapest rates for any courier in seconds with Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator. Compare discount rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 250+ couriers at a glance.

GET RATE QUOTES FREE
Get Up to Speed On Covid Shipping

Explore our Covid shipping resources to make sure your shipment arrives on time and in good condition.

LEARN MORE
Free Shipping for the Holidays 101

Learn how the leading brands offer free shipping, calculate costs, and ship on a budget for the holidays in our free shipping guidebook.

LEARN MORE
Your Perfect Shipping Policy, Ready in Minutes

Use Easyship’s free shipping policy generator to formulate your perfect holiday shipping policy for returns, tracking, and more. Just follow the prompts and you’re done!

GET YOUR SHIPPING POLICY
Scale Your Growth Internationally With Pro Tips

Learn how to ship internationally without missing a step. Our case studies show you proven tactics for shipping worldwide from Easyship users who did it right.

READ CASE STUDIES
No items found.
Share on:

Related Articles

No items found.