A complete step-by-step guide for Canadian SMEs on importing products from China — covering supplier vetting, shipping, CBSA clearance, duties, and CARM registration in 2026.
If you're a Canadian SME owner thinking about importing products from China to Canada, you're in good company. China remains Canada's second-largest trading partner, supplying everything from consumer electronics and apparel to industrial equipment and promotional products. But in 2026, the landscape has shifted — new tariffs, CARM (the Canada Border Services Agency Assessment and Revenue Management system), and evolving shipping routes mean the process looks a little different than it did even two years ago.
This guide walks you through exactly how to import from China to Canada, step by step — from finding a supplier to clearing customs and getting your goods to your warehouse. No fluff, no vague advice. Just what you actually need to know.
Before you do anything else, you need to identify the Harmonized System (HS) code for your product. This six-to-ten digit code determines how your product is classified by CBSA, which directly affects what duties and taxes you'll pay at the border.
You can look up HS codes using the Canada Border Services Agency's tariff schedule or through a customs broker. Getting this wrong is one of the most common (and costly) mistakes new importers make — a misclassified product can result in penalties, delayed shipments, or surprise duty bills.
Once you have your HS code, you'll know:
The most common starting point for Canadian buyers is Alibaba, but knowing how to use it effectively makes all the difference. Filter for "Verified Suppliers" and "Gold Suppliers" with at least 3 years of activity. Look for suppliers with Canadian or North American export experience — they'll be more familiar with your compliance requirements.
Key things to check before committing to any supplier:
Alternatively, working with a sourcing agent like Epic Sourcing Canada means you have boots on the ground — someone who can physically visit factories, negotiate in Mandarin, and verify supplier claims before your money moves.
Once you've selected a supplier and approved samples, you'll negotiate the commercial terms. The key document here is your purchase order (PO) or sales contract, which should specify:
Never rely on a verbal agreement or a WeChat message. A proper written contract — even a simple one — protects you if things go wrong.
A note on Incoterms: FOB (Free On Board) is the most common arrangement for Canadian importers sourcing from China. Under FOB, the supplier covers costs to get the goods onto the ship at the Chinese port; you take responsibility from there. This gives you control over shipping and insurance costs, but means you need to book your own freight forwarder.
Most Canadian SMEs importing from China use sea freight for large orders (LCL for part-loads, FCL for full containers) and air freight for smaller, time-sensitive shipments. Courier services like DHL or FedEx work for samples and small parcels.
You'll need a freight forwarder — a company that books cargo space, handles export documentation in China, and coordinates delivery to Canada. Look for forwarders with Canadian import experience and a presence in both China and Canada.
Key documents your freight forwarder will need:
Transit times: Sea freight from major Chinese ports (Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo) to Vancouver typically runs 15–20 days. To Toronto via the Trans-Pacific and then overland, expect 25–35 days. Air freight cuts this to 5–10 days but costs 4–6x more per kg.
This is the step most new importers underestimate. When your shipment arrives in Canada, it needs to be cleared by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Unless you're shipping via courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS handle clearance for small packages), you'll need a licensed customs broker to file your import declaration.
In 2024 and 2025, Canada rolled out CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management) — a new online platform that changes how duties and taxes are calculated, posted, and paid. As an importer, you need a CARM Client Portal account and a Release Prior to Payment (RPP) privilege if you want your goods released from the border before the duty bill is settled.
Key costs to account for at the border:
Learn more about how CARM affects Canadian importers in our dedicated guide.
Once cleared, your goods need to move from the port of entry (Vancouver, Montreal, Halifax) to your final destination. If you're shipping to an Amazon FBA warehouse, coordinate directly with your freight forwarder to use Amazon's partnered carrier programs or arrange a final-mile carrier.
For your own warehouse, drayage (port to warehouse trucking) is typically arranged by your freight forwarder or a local trucking company. Build in 3–7 business days for inland delivery after customs clearance.
This step is best done before your goods leave China — not after they arrive in Canada. A pre-shipment inspection (PSI) by a third-party quality control firm (or by your sourcing agent) checks that:
Skipping the inspection to save $200–$400 is a false economy. One bad container of defective goods can cost tens of thousands of dollars and months of delay.
Canadian tariffs on goods from China depend on the product's HS code. Canada does not have a free trade agreement with China, so MFN rates apply. These range from 0% (many electronics, raw materials) to 20%+ (some apparel, footwear). In addition, Canada has applied specific surtaxes on certain products:
Always confirm your duty rate with a licensed customs broker before you finalize your sourcing decision. What looks like a great unit price can become uncompetitive once duties are factored in.
After working with hundreds of Canadian importers, here's what trips people up most often:
Getting your payment terms right is one of the most important risk management decisions you'll make as an importer. Here's how the most common structures work:
T/T (Telegraphic Transfer / Bank Wire): The most common payment method for Chinese suppliers. Typically structured as 30% deposit upfront, with the remaining 70% paid after the supplier sends you proof of shipment (bill of lading copy). Never pay 100% upfront to a new supplier — if anything goes wrong, you have zero leverage.
Letter of Credit (L/C): A bank-issued guarantee that payment will be made once specific conditions are met (usually presentation of shipping documents). L/Cs provide strong protection but are complex, expensive to set up, and typically only used for large orders (USD $50,000+).
Alibaba Trade Assurance: A payment escrow service built into the Alibaba platform that protects your deposit if the supplier fails to ship on time or deliver goods as described. A practical option for first-time buyers purchasing through Alibaba.
Canada has strict labelling requirements for many product categories — and your Chinese supplier almost certainly won't know them automatically. It's your responsibility as the Canadian importer to ensure your product arrives with compliant labelling.
Key requirements include:
One of the most common mistakes new importers make is comparing product cost without accounting for landed cost — the true total cost of getting the product into your Canadian warehouse. Here's a basic landed cost formula:
Landed cost = Unit price + Freight cost per unit + Customs duties + GST + Broker fees + Drayage + Insurance
For example, a product with a factory price of $10 CAD per unit might have a landed cost of $14–$16 per unit once you add sea freight, duties (say 12%), GST, and logistics costs. Knowing this number before you commit to a supplier lets you price your product correctly and protect your margins from day one.
Importing from China to Canada is entirely doable for Canadian SMEs — but it involves a lot of moving parts. At Epic Sourcing Canada, we handle the entire process on your behalf: from identifying verified factories and negotiating MOQs, to pre-shipment inspections and documentation. We work with Canadian importers across every product category and can help you source confidently, compliantly, and cost-effectively.
Ready to get started? Talk to our team today — no obligation, just a real conversation about your product and goals.
Yes. To import commercially, you need a Business Number (BN) with an import/export account from the CRA. Registration is free and can be done online in minutes.
LCL (Less than Container Load) sea freight is the most cost-effective option for orders between 1–15 CBM. For very small orders, air freight or express courier may be more practical despite higher per-kg rates.
Sea freight from China to the West Coast of Canada takes 15–20 days. Add 7–14 days for production, plus 5–7 days for customs and inland delivery. Plan for 6–10 weeks total from order placement to goods in your warehouse.
For commercial shipments, yes — a licensed customs broker is strongly recommended. They ensure your import declaration is filed correctly, help you classify products, and can navigate CARM on your behalf.
Yes. Certain products require permits, licences, or certifications before they can enter Canada — food and health products (Health Canada), electrical goods (CSA/cUL), children's toys (CCPSA compliance), and more. Always check regulatory requirements for your specific product before ordering.
