Over the years, LightningCat has helped thousands of both expats and Chinese citizens move to Canada, shipping their bags, suitcases, clothing, and household items from China to Canada. 🇨🇦 With our extensive experience and networks, we offer comprehensive shipping solutions, ranging from express services to sea freight, and from small parcel shipping to bulk shipment delivery.

How long does it take shipping from China to Canada?

International Express Services:

• Timeframe: Typically, international express services like UPS, DHL, and FedEx deliver packages within 3-5 days. In some cases, deliveries can arrive in just 1-2 days, depending on the destination and flight schedules.
• Customs & Duties: In Canada, customs usually applies import duties on nearly every package. It’s crucial to pay these duties promptly, and for smaller parcels, this can be conveniently done online. LightningCat assists customers by handling all customs documentation, streamlining the process and minimizing delays.

Air Freight + Local Delivery:

• Process: This method involves consolidating and preparing the shipment in China before dispatching it on a scheduled cargo flight to Canada. Once the package clears Canadian customs, it is sent to a local distribution warehouse, and then delivered by local couriers, typically Canada Post or UPS.
• Timeframe: This method generally takes around 10-15 days, depending on flight schedules and the final delivery address in Canada.
• Advantages: While this option is slower than express services, it eliminates the need for customers to handle customs and duties. It’s an excellent choice for non-urgent packages or for customers looking to avoid customs-related hassles. Additionally, this service includes customs duties and offers door-to-door delivery.

Sea Freight + Local Delivery:

• Process: This service is generally slower, taking approximately 40 days to reach Canada. Cargo ships usually dock on Canada’s west coast first, so deliveries to west coast cities might take slightly less time (around 30 days), while deliveries to the east coast will take longer.
• Timeframe: Around 40 days, depending on the final destination.
• Advantages: Like the air freight option, this service also covers customs clearance and import duties, with the final delivery typically handled by UPS or Canada Post. Sea freight is ideal for customers who are not time-sensitive and seek lower costs, especially for large items like suitcases, furniture, bicycles, or other bulky goods.

What is the cost of sending a package from China to Canada?

The cost of sending a package from China to Canada can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the weight, volume, type of goods, delivery address, and the required delivery time. Additionally, shipping rates can fluctuate based on the season.

For personal belongings being shipped to Canada, LightningCat offers a simplified pricing structure for packages weighing over 21 kg, which is common for such shipments:

• International Express Service: ¥120 per kg
• Air Freight + Local Delivery: ¥100 per kg
• Sea Freight + Local Delivery: ¥50 per kg

What are the steps of shipping from China to Canada?

1. Initial Consultation

• Client Inquiry: The process starts when a client provides details about their shipment, including the type of items, destination, weight, dimensions, and any specific requirements.
• Quotation: Based on this information, LightningCat offers an initial quote, outlining different shipping options such as express, air freight, or sea freight.

2. Pick-Up and Collection

• Scheduling Pick-Up: Once the shipping details are confirmed, LightningCat arranges a convenient time for pick-up at the client’s location in China.
• Collection and Consolidation: The items are collected, brought to LightningCat warehouse, consolidated, and prepared for shipment.

3. Measurement and Inspection

• Re-measurement: The items are re-measured to confirm the weight and dimensions after collection.
• Inspection: An inspection ensures that all items comply with shipping regulations and are packed securely.
• Repacking, we will help to repack with more protective materials and care

4. Documentation and Customs Preparation

• Documentation: LightningCat prepares all necessary export documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and customs clearance forms.
• Customs Handling: The documents are prepared according to the requirements of both Chinese export and Canadian import regulations.

5. Payment Process

• Final Quote Confirmation: After re-measurement and inspection, the final shipping cost is confirmed. This may differ from the initial quote based on actual measurements and any additional services required,we make sure that there is no hidden fee or other surprise cost.
• Payment Methods: Clients can make payments via Alipay, WeChat Pay, or bank transfer.
• Payment Confirmation: Once the payment is received, the shipping process moves forward. Both inovice or Fapiao can be issued.

6. Arrival and Final Delivery

• Customs Clearance: LightningCat manages the customs clearance process upon the package’s arrival in the destination country.
• Local Delivery: After customs clearance, the items are handed over to a local courier service (mostly UPS or Canada Post) for final delivery to the specified address.

8. Confirmation and Support

• Delivery Confirmation: Clients receive confirmation once their items have been delivered.
• Post-Delivery Support: LightningCat offers post-delivery support to resolve any issues, ensuring complete client satisfaction.

Items That Cannot Be Shipped

Certain items are prohibited from being shipped internationally due to safety, legal, or regulatory reasons. Common examples include:

1. Hazardous Materials: Items like flammable liquids, explosives, and corrosive substances are strictly prohibited due to the dangers they pose during transportation.
2. Perishable Goods: Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat products are generally not allowed to be shipped due to the risk of spoilage and the strict regulations surrounding food safety.
3. Counterfeit Goods: Any items that violate intellectual property rights, such as fake designer products, are illegal to ship.
4. Restricted Electronics: Certain high-tech devices or items with sensitive technology may be restricted due to export controls.
5. Cultural Artifacts: Items that are considered national treasures or cultural heritage, such as certain antiques or religious artifacts, may be restricted or require special permits.

Items That Can Be Shipped with Proper Precautions

While some items are outright prohibited, many goods can be shipped if they are properly categorized, packaged, and declared. These include:

1. Snacks and Non-Perishable Food: While fresh produce is prohibited, non-perishable food items like snacks can be shipped, provided they are properly packaged and declared according to customs regulations.
2. Electronics: Most consumer electronics, such as phones, laptops, and cameras, can be shipped, but they must be correctly categorized and documented. For high-value or restricted electronics, additional paperwork may be required.
3. Cosmetics: Many cosmetic products can be shipped, but they must be packaged securely to prevent leakage and comply with labeling and content regulations.

Proper classification, packaging, and declaration are key to ensuring that your shipment complies with international shipping regulations and reaches its destination without issues.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to contact our service team.

Do you have to handle the customs clearance？

Yes, we handle the Chinese customs side, from the documents to communication with the Chinese customs. For the Canada side, we will assist our customers to handle, once all the documents are fully prepared and duty paid in time, it is easy to pass the customs in Canada.

Example of delivery