Items you can never ship to Canada

When you ship to Canada, some items are banned on every route, and they cannot go into your box under any circumstances:

• Drugs and stimulants: Narcotics and psychotropic substances are completely prohibited under the laws of both countries.
• Cash: Banknotes, coins and any documents with a cash-equivalent value may not be sent in personal or commercial parcels.
• Dangerous goods: Explosives, flammable items (such as gas aerosol cans, high-proof alcohol, lighters and nail polish), toxic chemicals, weapons and replica weapons.
• Cremated remains: Human or animal ashes cannot be sent as regular cargo.

If any of these items are deliberately mixed into a shipment, the parcel can be confiscated without compensation, and the sender may also face serious legal trouble with the authorities.

Restricted items that come with strict conditions

Unlike the prohibited list, restricted goods can still clear customs if you follow the current rules and prepare the right paperwork. These are the categories people get wrong most often:

Packaged food and agricultural products

Canada enforces very strict biosecurity controls to protect its native ecosystems. Products made from meat, eggs or dairy (such as beef jerky, pork floss, mooncakes with salted egg yolk and Chinese sausage) are almost always refused when sent as personal gifts or regular parcels. Dried seafood such as dried squid, dried shrimp and dried fish, as well as tea, coffee and cashews, must carry clear manufacturer labels listing the ingredients and the expiry date, and must show no sign of mould.

Electronics and lithium batteries

Lithium batteries (power banks, phone batteries, laptop batteries) are subject to very strict rules that vary by air route because of the fire risk in flight. Loose batteries are not allowed in your box. If you send a device with a built-in battery (such as a smartwatch or wireless earbuds), it must be fully switched off and packed with shock protection so it cannot switch on during transit.

Liquid and cream cosmetics

Lipstick, moisturiser, spray perfume and serums should be packed separately and wrapped in bubble wrap so they cannot leak onto other parcels. The volume of each bottle is usually capped, and products must not contain high-proof alcohol.

Important changes under the latest regulations

For small businesses and online shops selling across borders, keeping up with new rules is what keeps goods moving:

• Tighter certificate-of-origin rules from August 1: The rules on which authority accepts certificate-of-origin applications were tightened on August 1. If a business prepares its own origin documents and files them with the wrong office, its goods may run into confusion and clearance delays at the Canadian border, or even lose tariff preferences they are entitled to.
• New goods classification rules from July 30, 2026: Vietnam’s new rules on classifying export goods took effect on July 30, 2026. Shippers now have to assign codes and declare their goods in much more detail and much more accurately, so vague product names will no longer be accepted. Get into the habit of describing every item clearly and in English starting today.

These tighter rules show that cross-border trade is being regulated more and more closely. Clear invoices and documents that prove where your goods come from are the only way to make sure your shipment reaches your customers in Canada safely.

Smart packing and customs declaration tips

To avoid getting stuck at the border and to keep costs down while freight rates keep moving, use these tips when you ship to Canada:

• Be specific in your declaration: Instead of writing “gift” or “household items”, write exactly what is inside, for example “100% cotton handmade sweater” or “Dried green tea package”. This makes it easy for customs to check your parcel and clear it quickly.
• Use ePacket for small items: If you are only sending small gifts or light personal items under 2 kg, Soleil Transportation’s ePacket option is very affordable, starting at just $8.50 CAD per parcel.
• Fulfillment in Canada: If you run an online shop that sells to North America over the long term, sending every order separately from Vietnam gets expensive. Instead, you can ship your stock in bulk to our warehouse in Canada and use our fulfillment service (storage, packing and fast domestic delivery) from just $5 CAD per order. This shields you from spikes in international freight rates.
• Understand duties and packing: At Soleil Transportation, our two-way Vietnam–Canada air shipping service (7–14 days to Canada and 10–21 days back to Vietnam, about 7–12 business days on average) starts at a very competitive $16/kg. That price includes import duties, so the recipient in Canada doesn’t have to worry about extra charges when the parcel arrives at their door. Basic packing in a cardboard box is also free. Heavy or oversized parcels, or those that need a wooden pallet for protection, are charged a surcharge based on actual cost. Cargo insurance is not usually included in the standard rate, but we can help you buy extra coverage for high-value shipments.

How Soleil Transportation checks and accepts your shipment

To make sure your parcel is fully compliant before it flies, Soleil Transportation follows a strict but fast checking process:

1. Advice and classification: Just send us photos and a detailed list of the items you want to ship via Zalo, SMS or email.
2. Proper packing: Your goods are brought to our warehouse, where our staff reinforce them, wrap them in bubble wrap and pack them in a standard carton for free.
3. Customs declaration: Our specialists help you complete a detailed declaration and assign the correct classification codes so your goods clear customs as quickly as possible.
4. Shipment tracking: Once your parcel is in the air, you can track it online with your order or booking number. Status updates are sent by email, SMS or Zalo until the parcel is in the recipient’s hands.

Act now to protect your shipment

Don’t let small mistakes in your paperwork or packing hold up your delivery. Before you start packing, take five minutes to go through your item list against this guide.

If you are still unsure whether an item is restricted or needs a special permit, contact Soleil Transportation on +1 888-998-5199 or email the details to info@soleiltransportation.com and our team will check it for free. You can also bring your goods to our warehouse at 2446 Cawthra Road, B1U8, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5A 3K6, where our staff will advise you, sort your items and pack them properly on the spot. We accept bank transfer, credit card, Interac e-Transfer and cash, so shipping to Canada is as convenient as possible.

This article walks you through checking for CSA certification, preparing documents and packing against impact so your parcel clears customs smoothly and reaches the recipient intact.

Why are hair dryers and diffusers hard to ship to Canada?

Unlike clothing or books, hair dryers and essential oil diffusers plug directly into the mains or use rechargeable batteries. Canadian customs (CBSA) controls them very closely for two main reasons:

• Fire and electric shock safety: Electrical devices of unknown origin that haven’t passed safety testing carry a high fire risk.
• Essential oils: If you send liquid essential oils with a diffuser, they may be classed as dangerous goods (flammable liquids) and refused for air transport.

So before shipping, work out which group your device falls into so you can prepare accordingly.

How to check for CSA and FCC certification

To be sold and used legally in Canada, household electronics need recognised safety certifications.

What is CSA (Canadian Standards Association) certification?

This is Canada’s official electrical safety certification. A device with the CSA mark (often with “C” and “US” beside the CSA logo) has been tested and meets all Canadian safety standards.

How to check the device:

1. Find the rating label: Turn the hair dryer or diffuser over to the bottom or back.
2. Look for the mark: Find the “CSA” symbol in a circle or with a small mark beside it. Besides CSA, Canada also accepts equivalent certifications such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or ETL with a small “c” at the lower left (showing testing to Canadian standards).
3. FCC or CE labels: For USB-powered or rechargeable diffusers, an FCC label (a US standard widely recognised in Canada) is also a big plus that helps your declaration get approved faster.

Genuine products from major brands such as Dyson, Panasonic and Philips have these marks printed on the body or the power cord. For unbranded hair dryers made in Vietnam or China without these certification marks, the risk of being held or destroyed by customs is very high.

Comparing costs for shipping hair dryers and diffusers to Canada

Soleil Transportation offers two main air shipping options depending on your needs and the size of your parcel:

Note: Rates include import duties on the Vietnam to Canada route. The recipient in Canada won’t pay any extra tax charges on delivery.

How to pack against impact to air freight standards

Hair dryers have plastic casings that crack under pressure, while diffusers often have ceramic cores or rigid plastic water tanks that break easily if thrown around during sorting at airport warehouses. Follow these packing steps:

Step 1: Protect the body and cord

• Wrap at least 3 to 4 layers of bubble wrap around the device.
• Tape joints and the dryer nozzle firmly in place.
• Coil the hair dryer’s cord neatly and secure it with an elastic band or twist tie. Never wrap the cord too tightly around the body, as this can break the copper wires inside.

Step 2: Prepare diffusers that hold liquid

• Dry the diffuser’s water tank completely.
• Don’t send liquid essential oils without a safety data sheet (MSDS) approved in advance by the carrier. If you want to include them, call us for specific instructions.

Step 3: Box it and fill the gaps

• Place the wrapped device in a sturdy, well-fitting carton. Customers shipping to Canada with Soleil Transportation get free basic packing in a standard carton.
• Fill every gap in the box with foam, packing peanuts or crumpled newspaper. Make sure that when you shake the box hard, the device inside doesn’t move at all.
• Seal all edges of the carton with tape in an H pattern.

How to ship with Soleil Transportation

To send a hair dryer or essential oil diffuser from Vietnam to Canada, just follow these simple steps:

1. Get advice: Send us a photo of the device’s rating label via Zalo or our hotline so our staff can check that it is compliant.
2. Send it to our warehouse: Bring it in person or send it by domestic courier to our warehouse.
3. Packing and measuring: We repack it in a flight-standard carton and measure its actual volume for an accurate price.
4. Payment: Pay by Vietnamese bank transfer, credit card, cash or Interac e-Transfer in Canada.
5. Tracking: Get a tracking number to follow its journey online from take-off to delivery to the recipient in Canada.

Before packing, call +1 888-998-5199 or email your product details to info@soleiltransportation.com, and our team will check the device’s power specifications and safety standards for you completely free of charge.

Spices you can and can’t send to Canada

Not every spice packet clears customs smoothly. Here is a practical breakdown based on Canada’s import rules:

Spices that clear customs easily

• Dried whole spices: Star anise, cinnamon sticks, black cardamom, coriander seeds and cloves (the core ingredients of a pho spice pack). They must be completely sun-dried or dried by machine and sealed in clearly labelled packaging.
• Ground spices: Turmeric, chilli powder, garlic powder, ginger powder and five-spice powder. These are processed and finely ground, so they almost always clear.
• Vegetarian sauces and soup bases: Vegetarian concentrated soup bases, satay chilli oil, soy sauce and fish sauce in glass or rigid plastic bottles with a clear brand and expiry date.

Spices likely to be confiscated or destroyed

• Soup bases containing animal meat extracts: Beef or chicken stock cubes and beef pho bases containing beef fat, meat powder or bone broth extract. Canada prohibits importing meat products from countries with livestock or poultry disease outbreaks unless they pass strict quarantine checks.
• Live seeds: Seeds that aren’t fully dried and can still germinate. Customs is concerned they may carry pathogens or become invasive.
• Homemade shrimp salt or garlic salt: Home-mixed salts in unbranded plastic tubs are easily held because their contents can’t be verified.

Comparing costs and shipping options for spices to Canada

Depending on how much you want to send, costs and delivery times differ considerably. Here is a comparison of Soleil Transportation’s two most popular services:

How to prepare and pack pho spices

To make sure the parcel doesn’t tear, leak oil or let out smells that affect other parcels during the 7–12 business day flight, follow this packing process:

Step 1: Check the product labels

• Only choose spices and soup bases with ingredients printed clearly in English or Vietnamese on the packaging. Avoid unlabelled products in self-sealed plastic bags.
• Check the expiry date carefully. It should be at least 3 months after the shipping date.

Step 2: Vacuum-seal and add cushioning

• For dried spices such as cinnamon, star anise and cardamom: Put them in thick zip bags or vacuum-seal them to stop their distinctive aroma escaping. A very strong smell can attract airport detector dogs, so the parcel gets opened for manual inspection and delivery is delayed.
• For jars of soup base, bottles of caramel sauce or satay chilli oil: Wrap the cap tightly with cling film to prevent leaks under cabin pressure. Then wrap 2–3 layers of bubble wrap around the bottle.

Step 3: Pack the carton

• Put heavy jars and glass bottles at the bottom and light spice packs and bags of dried spices on top.
• Fill the gaps with old newspaper or foam so bottles and jars don’t knock together in transit.

Key tips for customs declarations

The declaration on your shipping form decides about 90% of whether a spice parcel clears customs. Remember two core principles:

• Declare honestly and in detail: Instead of a vague “food” or “spices”, write “dry pho spices” or “vegetarian soup base”. This helps customs officers see that the product contains no prohibited animal ingredients.
• Never hide anything: Some people deliberately hide beef soup base under clothing at the bottom of the box. Airport scanners clearly show liquids and organic matter. Deliberate concealment can get the whole parcel confiscated, and the recipient in Canada may even be flagged for stricter checks on future parcels.

When you ship with Soleil Transportation, our warehouse staff help you check the ingredients of each spice pack, show you how to label them and complete the customs declaration to minimise the risk.

To start preparing your parcel for Canada, bring your goods to our warehouse at 2446 Cawthra Road, B1U8, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5A 3K6, or call +1 888-998-5199 or email info@soleiltransportation.com for advice on the fastest route and how to consolidate goods from Vietnam.

This article explains in detail how to prepare documents, pack and declare seeds sent from Vietnam to Canada for gardening.

Which seeds can be sent to Canada?

Not every type of seed is allowed into Canada. CBSA and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) group seeds by the risk that they carry pests or become invasive:

• Lower-risk seeds: Common flowers such as marigolds and sunflowers, and popular leafy vegetables (water spinach, choy sum, lettuce). These usually clear customs easily if their origin is clear.
• Restricted or prohibited seeds: Seeds of woody fruit trees, citrus seeds and plants that could harm Canadian agriculture.

To be sure whether your seeds can be imported, check CFIA’s Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) or contact your carrier before you buy.

How to get a phytosanitary certificate in Vietnam

This is the most important document in whether your seeds clear customs in Canada. Without a phytosanitary certificate, Canadian customs will confiscate the parcel immediately.

Step 1: Prepare a seed sample

Prepare a sample of the seeds in the manufacturer’s original labelled packaging. The label must show the scientific name in Latin (both genus and species, for example Tagetes patula for French marigold).

Step 2: Submit an application to the Plant Quarantine Sub-Department

Take the sample to your nearest regional Plant Quarantine Sub-Department (for example, in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi). The application includes:

• A plant quarantine registration form (official template).
• The seed sample for inspection.
• A copy of the sender’s ID.

Step 3: Receive the result

The quarantine authority runs laboratory tests to check whether the seeds carry fungi, bacteria or harmful insect eggs. If they pass, you will receive an original Phytosanitary Certificate to send with the parcel.

How to pack seeds to export standards

Seeds are very sensitive to humidity and temperature during air transport. To keep them from going mouldy and make customs inspection easy, pack them as follows:

• Keep the commercial packaging: Never repack seeds in unlabelled, self-sealed plastic bags. Keep them in the manufacturer’s original packaging with the brand, expiry date, sowing instructions and especially the Latin scientific name clearly printed.
• Use moisture-proof bags: Put the seed packets in a sealed zip bag, with a small desiccant pack if possible, to protect them from condensation caused by temperature changes in flight.
• Pack in a sturdy carton: Place the bags in a small carton. Soleil Transportation’s air shipping service to Canada includes basic packing in a carton so the goods aren’t crushed during the flight.

Customs declarations and common mistakes

When filling in the shipping invoice, transparency is decisive.

• Name the goods clearly: Don’t just write “gift” or “personal effects”. Write, for example, “Flower seeds for planting (Tagetes patula)” or “Vegetable seeds (herbs)”.
• Attach the documents: The original Phytosanitary Certificate must be attached to the outside of the box, next to the shipping label, so customs officers can easily check it without tearing the box open.

Ship to Canada safely with Soleil Transportation

If you are looking for a way to send seeds, gifts or household items to family in Canada, Soleil Transportation is always ready to help:

• Fast air transport: Average transit time from Vietnam to Canada is 7–12 business days (7–14 days depending on the location).
• Great rates: Door-to-door air shipping to Canada is very competitive, from just $16/kg. For small, light gifts and personal items, you can choose ePacket from just $8.50 CAD per parcel.
• Dedicated support: We help you classify your goods, check the prohibited import lists and prepare the necessary documents to minimise the risk of holds at the border.

Before buying seeds to send to Canada for planting, put together a list of the seed varieties (with English or scientific names if possible). Contact Soleil Transportation on +1 888-998-5199 or at info@soleiltransportation.com and our team will check whether they can be shipped and advise you on the best option.

This article explains how to handle an incorrect duty charge yourself and how to file a B2 form to request a refund of Canadian customs duties.

Why were your goods charged the wrong duty?

Canadian customs handles millions of parcels a day, so mistakes are unavoidable. The most common reasons for incorrect duty charges are:

• Wrong valuation: The officer suspects the value on the declaration is too low and applies a much higher market value.
• Wrong tariff classification (HS code): Your goods are ordinary clothing but are classified as luxury goods or in a category with a high duty rate.
• Exemption not applied: Gifts from one individual to another in Canada worth less than $60 CAD are usually exempt. However, the officer may miss this and charge duty as if the goods were commercial.

How to file a B2 Adjustment Request for a refund

To get back overcharged duty, you need to request an adjustment by filing Form B2 (B2 Adjustment Request) with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The process is as follows:

Step 1: Gather supporting documents

Canadian customs works only on paper and clear evidence. Collect all of the following:

• The original customs declaration (usually on the box or provided by the carrier).
• The purchase invoice or payment receipt: The strongest evidence of what you actually paid for the goods.
• Bank or credit card statement: Showing a transaction that matches the amount on the invoice.
• Photos of the goods: To show the material and use of the product so the correct HS code can be determined.
• Receipt for the duty paid: You must pay the incorrect duty first to receive the goods, and then apply for the refund.

Step 2: Complete CBSA Form B2

Download Form B2 from the official Government of Canada website. On the form, fill in:

• The importer’s details (name and address in Canada).
• The original transaction number shown on the customs declaration.
• The adjustment requested: specify which duty line was wrong, what the correct rate should be and the difference you want refunded.
• The reason for the adjustment (for example, incorrect HS classification or incorrect value applied).

Step 3: Send the file to the CBSA processing centre

Once the B2 form is complete and attached to the documents from Step 1, mail everything to the CBSA processing centre indicated in the B2 instructions for your province.

Refund requests usually take 30 to 90 business days to process. If approved, CBSA will mail you a refund cheque.

Key tips to avoid incorrect duty charges

Claiming money back from a government agency always takes time and effort. Prevention is better than cure, so keep these tips in mind when packing and declaring your goods:

• Declare honestly and in detail: Don’t write a vague “clothing” or “food”. Write “cotton T-shirt” or “ready-to-eat dried squid”.
• Attach the invoice to the outside of the box: Put the purchase invoice in a clear plastic pouch on the outside of the carton so customs officers can check it without guessing the value.
• Use a duties-included shipping service: The safest and easiest option for individuals and small shop owners is a service that includes import duties.

Soleil Transportation offers two-way Vietnam–Canada air shipping with an average transit time of just 7–12 business days. Our Vietnam to Canada service (from $16/kg) includes all import duties. Customers receive their goods at home in Canada without worrying about extra charges or complicated duty disputes with customs.

For small parcels and gifts under 2 kg for family, Soleil Transportation’s ePacket service from just $8.50 CAD per parcel is the best choice, helping your goods clear quickly with a minimal chance of inspection holds.

For more advice on declaring goods safely or help checking an order, visit the Soleil Transportation office at 2446 Cawthra Road, B1U8, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5A 3K6. Call our toll-free line +1 888-998-5199 or email info@soleiltransportation.com and our team will guide you through your case.

Sort your nail supplies before shipping to Canada

Nail products shipped to Canada usually fall into three main groups. Each group has different controls and handling under the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA):

Metal tools and sharp items

This group includes cuticle nippers, nail clippers, tweezers, cuticle pushers and trimming scissors. Because they have sharp points and blades, Canadian customs checks them very carefully for transport safety. If they are packed carelessly and a nipper tip pierces the outer carton, the parcel will be returned immediately.

Consumables and dry cosmetic products

This group includes nail files (buffers), brushes, false nails, decorative stones, nail stickers and acrylic powder. It is relatively low-risk, clears customs easily and doesn’t need complicated chemical documentation.

Liquid chemicals and gels

This is the most sensitive group, including gel polish, regular polish, thinner, monomer and gel cleanser (acetone). Because they contain alcohol or volatile, flammable substances, they are tightly controlled under dangerous goods rules. You can’t send them freely and must declare their ingredients clearly.

How to pack nail supplies against impact and damage

To make sure your goods reach the recipient in Canada intact, without dents or breakage, follow this strict packing process:

How to pack nippers and sharp tools

• Step 1: Always use plastic caps to protect nipper tips and scissor points. If you don’t have caps, use rubber bands or wrap the points tightly in several layers of bubble wrap.
• Step 2: Group the wrapped nippers together and wrap the whole bundle in another large layer of bubble wrap.
• Step 3: Place the bundle in the middle of the carton and fill the corners tightly with foam or scrunched-up newspaper so the box contents can’t move when shaken.

How to pack glass bottles (gel polish, base coat)

• Step 1: Screw the caps on tightly. Wrap clear tape around each cap so it can’t loosen with the pressure changes in flight.
• Step 2: Wrap each bottle separately in bubble wrap. Never let glass bottles touch each other, as knocks in transit will crack them.
• Step 3: Stand the bottles upright in the box and hold them firmly in place with cardboard dividers or foam.

The outer carton

Soleil Transportation offers free basic packing in a carton for customers shipping to Canada. For heavy or oversized parcels, we will advise on extra reinforcement or palletising to keep them completely safe in flight.

How to declare nail chemicals in line with CBSA rules

Canadian customs (CBSA) applies very high standards to imported cosmetics and chemicals. To avoid your goods being held for inspection or destroyed, keep in mind:

• Declare the product list honestly: Write the English name of each product on the declaration (for example, Nail gel polish, Acrylic powder, Emery board). Don’t write a vague “nail supplies” or “cosmetics”.
• Monomer and acetone: These are highly volatile and flammable liquids. Contact Soleil Transportation in advance to check whether their concentration and volume are within the limits allowed for air transport.
• Declare a reasonable customs value: Declare the true value of the shipment so import duties are calculated correctly. Soleil Transportation’s two-way Vietnam–Canada air service includes import duties, so you won’t face hidden costs when the goods arrive.

Time and cost to ship nail supplies to Canada

With Soleil Transportation, you can choose the shipping option that fits the size of your shipment:

• ePacket: Ideal for small parcels, personal gifts or nail supply samples for customers. Prices start at just $8.50 CAD per parcel.
• Dedicated air freight: For commercial shipments of nail supplies and large wholesale orders. Prices start at $16/kg with door-to-door delivery across all Canadian provinces.
• Transit time: From Vietnam to Canada takes 7 to 14 days on average (about 7–12 business days depending on whether the address is in a central or remote area).

Common mistakes that get nail shipments held at customs

• Forgetting to cover nipper tips: The tip pierces the carton and the carrier refuses to load it onto the plane for safety reasons.
• Overfilled polish bottles: Air pressure changes at altitude make caps pop off, leaking chemicals onto surrounding parcels.
• Wrong item description: Declaring “plastic items” when the box contains chemical gel polish. When the scanner detects it, the whole shipment is confiscated and the sender may be fined.

To make sure your nail supplies clear customs quickly and safely, prepare a detailed list of quantities and product types and contact Soleil Transportation on +1 888-998-5199 or at info@soleiltransportation.com. Our team at the Mississauga warehouse (2446 Cawthra Road, B1U8, Mississauga, Ontario) is always ready to advise you on the best way to pack and declare your goods.

This article shows you how to prepare, pack and declare cleaned bird’s nest so your shipment goes smoothly.

Canada’s rules on importing bird’s nest for personal use

To bring or send bird’s nest into Canada as a personal gift, the product must meet strict disease-safety standards:

• Only fully cleaned bird’s nest is accepted: The nest must be cleaned of feathers, dirt and organic matter. Raw nests with feathers are strictly prohibited because of the risk of carrying avian influenza.
• Commercially packaged with clear labels: Bird’s nest should be in the packaging of a reputable producer, with the brand, expiry date and ingredients clearly stated in English or French. This makes it easy for customs officers to verify its origin.
• Non-commercial purpose: The parcel must clearly be a personal gift, in a modest quantity, not for resale.

How to pack bird’s nest so it doesn’t break in air transit

Bird’s nest is very brittle and can crumble under pressure during loading and air transport. To keep each nest whole, pack it as follows:

Step 1: Protect each nest

Place each nest in a moulded plastic tray or wrap it in a thin layer of food-grade PE cling film. This stops the nests knocking against each other and chipping.

Step 2: Use a foam box or rigid plastic box

Put the wrapped nests inside a purpose-made plastic box or a small foam box. Fill the gaps with medical cotton wool or packing peanuts so the nests can’t move when the box is shaken.

Step 3: Pack in an outer carton

Put the plastic boxes inside a sturdy carton. Soleil Transportation’s shipping service to Canada includes basic packing in a standard carton for maximum protection.

How to declare it accurately so it isn’t held

The declaration is the most important step in getting your parcel cleared. Even a small mistake in describing the goods can make customs suspicious and hold the parcel for inspection.

• Describe it in detail and honestly: On the customs declaration, don’t write a vague “food” or “gift”. Write in English: “Cleaned Edible Bird’s Nest (For personal consumption/Gift)”.
• Declare the real value: Don’t declare a value far below what the bird’s nest is really worth, because Canadian customs checks values very closely. A false value can lead to administrative fines for fraud.

Send bird’s nest safely to Canada with Soleil Transportation

If you are still worried about complicated paperwork or your goods being lost or damaged, let Soleil Transportation help. We offer fast, professional two-way Vietnam–Canada air shipping.

• Great rates: Air shipping from Vietnam to Canada with door delivery from just $16/kg. For small gift parcels, you can choose ePacket from just $8.50 CAD per parcel.
• Fast transit: Just 7–14 days from Vietnam to the recipient in Canada (7–12 business days on average, depending on the location).
• Import duties included: Soleil Transportation’s Vietnam–Canada service includes import duties, so the recipient in Canada doesn’t need to worry about extra charges on delivery.
• Easy tracking: Track your order online anytime with your order or booking number. The system sends automatic status updates by email, SMS or Zalo for complete peace of mind.

Before packing bird’s nest to send, contact us on +1 888-998-5199 or email info@soleiltransportation.com. The Soleil Transportation team at our Mississauga office (2446 Cawthra Road, B1U8, Mississauga, Ontario, L5A 3K6) is always ready to advise you on packing and to check whether your shipment meets Canada’s latest customs requirements.

This article walks you through the process of dealing with CBSA yourself so you can receive your gift from home in full.

Why are you charged brokerage fees, and when should you self-clear?

When goods from Vietnam arrive at a Canadian airport, couriers declare them to customs on your behalf by default and charge for this service. For small gifts and personal items sent by ePacket (from just $8.50 CAD per parcel) or ordinary air shipments, paying an extra $20 to $50 CAD in brokerage fees to a major courier is an unnecessary cost.

You have every right to refuse this brokerage service and do it yourself. However, it is only practical if:

• You live near a CBSA office that offers clearance services to the public (an inland CBSA office).
• You have time to travel there during business hours.
• The parcel hasn’t been delivered yet (you must ask the courier to hold it at their warehouse).

5 steps to self-clear at a CBSA office

Step 1: Decline the courier’s brokerage service

When you receive an email, text or call saying the goods have arrived in Canada and asking you to pay duties and fees for delivery, reply immediately. Say clearly: “I want to self-clear this shipment. Please provide the manifest and invoice so I can pay the duties directly to CBSA.”

The courier must give you two key documents: the Cargo Control Document (also called the manifest, with a barcode) and the commercial invoice or other proof of the goods’ value from the sender in Vietnam.

Step 2: Prepare your documents

Before going to the CBSA office, print and bring:

• The Cargo Control Document (CCD) from the courier.
• The purchase invoice or the gift value declaration prepared by the sender in Vietnam.
• Government-issued photo ID (driver’s licence, photo card or passport).
• Proof that you live at the delivery address (if the address on your ID doesn’t match, bring a utility bill or lease).

Step 3: Find the right CBSA office

Not every CBSA office handles self-clearance for individuals. Check the official CBSA website for locations marked “Inland Office” or “Low Value Shipment (LVS)”. For example, if you live in Mississauga or Toronto, look for offices near the airport or major logistics centres.

Step 4: Declare and pay duties at the CBSA counter

At the CBSA office, show your documents to the customs officer. They will check them and ask you a few simple questions about the item (what it is, what it’s used for, whether it’s a gift) to apply the correct tariff code.

A note on gift taxes: in Canada, gifts sent by relatives abroad to an individual are usually duty- and tax-free if worth less than $60 CAD. If the gift is worth more than $60 CAD, you only pay on the amount above that.

Once the officer has calculated the amount, you pay at the counter by cash, credit card or debit. CBSA will give you an official receipt, Form B15 (Casual Goods Accounting Document), stamped “PAID”.

Step 5: Send the receipt to the courier to get your parcel

Photograph or scan the stamped B15 and email it to the courier as proof that you have paid. The courier will update the tracking status and deliver to your home without charging any further customs fees.

Common mistakes when self-clearing with CBSA

• Asking to self-clear after delivery: Once the courier has delivered and you have signed for the parcel, you have accepted their terms, and getting the brokerage fee back is very difficult.
• Not preparing proof of value: If customs suspects the declared value is too low, they can reassess it themselves. Have screenshots of the transaction or equivalent prices in Vietnam ready to explain.
• Sending prohibited goods: Drugs, cash, dangerous goods and cremated remains are banned on every route. Food and items with lithium batteries are subject to strict CBSA inspection rules, which self-clearance can’t get around without a permit.

If you regularly send and receive goods between Vietnam and Canada and want to avoid this paperwork, a duties-included shipping service is the best solution. Soleil Transportation’s two-way Vietnam–Canada air service (7–12 business days on average) starts at just $16/kg and includes all import duties and customs procedures at both ends, so you can simply wait for delivery at home.

For more advice on shipping rules and customs clearance for specific items, visit the Soleil Transportation office at 2446 Cawthra Road, B1U8, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5A 3K6, call +1 888-998-5199 or email info@soleiltransportation.com.

Canadian customs rules for duty-free gifts

When you send gifts to Canada, the Canadian government allows gifts worth $60 CAD or less per gift to enter duty- and tax-free. However, this comes with specific conditions:

• The gift must be sent by an individual abroad to an individual in Canada.
• The parcel must include a card or a clear note stating that it is a gift.
• Alcohol, beer, tobacco and advertising materials never count as gifts for the exemption.

If your gift is worth more than $60 CAD, the amount above $60 CAD is subject to import duty and GST/HST according to the rules of the recipient’s province.

How GST/HST is calculated on gifts over $60 CAD

Say you send a designer jacket worth $100 CAD from Vietnam to Toronto (Ontario). Canadian customs calculates the tax like this:

1. Deduct the exemption: $100 CAD (gift value) – $60 CAD (maximum exemption) = $40 CAD.
2. Calculate the tax: Customs only charges import duty and GST/HST on this $40 CAD difference.

The GST/HST rate depends on the delivery address. For example, Ontario charges 13% HST, while Alberta charges only 5% GST. If the item is also subject to Canadian import duty, the preferential or standard duty rate is added before GST/HST is calculated.

Steps to declare a gift sent to Canada

To prevent the parcel from being delayed or returned, senders in Vietnam need to declare it accurately:

Step 1: Prepare an invoice and a detailed description

On the customs declaration (usually form CN22 or CN23), describe each item inside. Instead of a vague “Gift”, write something specific like “Knitted wool sweater as a gift”. State the actual value of each item in CAD or USD.

Step 2: Pack to standard

Goods sent to Canada should be packed securely in a cardboard box. At Soleil Transportation, the shipping price includes basic packing in a carton to keep your gift safe throughout its 7 to 14 day journey.

Step 3: Declare who pays the tax

Decide clearly who is responsible for paying any tax on the value above $60 CAD. The recipient can pay on delivery (door-to-door), or you can use a duties-included service from a professional carrier.

Common mistakes that get gifts held at the border

Many people who send parcels through the post on their own run into these problems:

• Under-declaring the value: Declaring a lower value (for example, declaring $30 CAD for a $200 CAD item) to avoid tax. Canadian customs compares declared values with market prices very strictly. If they find a false declaration, they will hold the goods, ask for the purchase invoice or apply a much higher value themselves.
• Undeclared prohibited goods: Food containing meat, eggs or dairy, and seeds, are strictly banned from entering Canada as personal gifts. Make sure your gift is not on the prohibited list.

Send gifts to Canada safely with Soleil Transportation’s all-in-one service

If you don’t want your family in Canada to deal with customs or worry about complicated taxes, the best solution is Soleil Transportation’s dedicated route service.

We offer Vietnam–Canada air shipping with an average transit time of 7 to 12 business days. Rates start from just $16/kg and include all import duties, so the recipient in Canada simply receives the parcel at home without paying any extra charges at the border.

For small gifts and personal souvenirs under 2 kg, you can choose ePacket from just $8.50 CAD per parcel, with a tracking number so you and the recipient can follow its journey online from drop-off in Vietnam to delivery in Canada.

When you want to send a gift to your loved ones, call us on +1 888-998-5199 or email the details to info@soleiltransportation.com. Our staff will advise you on the most accurate customs declaration so your gift arrives safely and on time.

From June 12, 2026, CBSA officially applied new rules extending the operational measures that support fast release of commercial goods under this program. Understanding who benefits and how the process works will help you plan better when shipping goods into Canada.

What is the CBSA CLVS program?

The CLVS (Courier Low Value Shipment) program of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is designed for low-value shipments carried by authorised couriers. Its goal is to simplify reporting and clearance so that commercial parcels are released quickly at the border.

However, note that this mechanism does not automatically apply to every ordinary personal parcel. According to the official CBSA notice, the parties that take part in and operate this process are:

• Commercial importers.
• Customs brokers.
• Authorized CLVS participants (couriers licensed to take part in the program).

What’s new from June 12, 2026

From June 12, 2026, CBSA issued guidance extending the operational measures that support fast release of commercial goods under CLVS. This maintains continuity and reduces congestion at clearance warehouses.

For small shop owners in Vietnam and individuals shipping business goods to Canada, this means that professional carriers with the right partnerships, such as Soleil Transportation, have a clear legal basis to process clearance faster, as long as your goods meet all declaration standards and the maximum value allowed.

How to get your goods cleared quickly

To take advantage of fast release by Canadian customs, senders in Vietnam must strictly follow these packing and declaration principles:

1. Declare clear and honest information

Canadian customs checks the information on labels and invoices very closely. Product names must be specific (for example, “Cotton T-shirt” rather than a vague “Clothing” or “Personal items”). The value must be declared accurately to avoid inspection holds and fines.

2. Use a dedicated route carrier

Because the CLVS program only applies to carriers licensed by CBSA, choosing a reputable consolidation and shipping service is decisive. Soleil Transportation offers a range of shipping solutions from Vietnam to Canada:

• ePacket: For small parcels, gifts and personal items, from just $8.50 CAD per parcel.
• Two-way Vietnam–Canada shipping: Door-to-door air freight from $16/kg. Average transit time from Vietnam to Canada is 7–14 days (7–12 business days on average, depending on the delivery location).
• Standard packing: Our shipping rate to Canada includes basic packing in a cardboard box to protect your goods throughout the journey.

3. Understand import duties

On Soleil Transportation’s Vietnam to Canada route, the price we quote includes all import duties. This means recipients in Canada won’t run into any duty issues when the goods arrive at their door.

Items prohibited from entering Canada

To protect your entire shipment and speed up clearance, never send any of the following prohibited items:

• Drugs and stimulants.
• Cash and securities with a cash value.
• Dangerous goods and flammable or explosive substances.
• Cremated remains.
• Fresh food, food containing meat, eggs or dairy, or products with lithium batteries outside the airline’s permitted limits.

To check whether your commercial goods qualify for fast clearance, contact the Soleil Transportation team on +1 888-998-5199 or email the details to info@soleiltransportation.com. We will show you how to prepare documents, label and declare your goods correctly so they move quickly and safely.