Why are household appliances shipped to Canada easily damaged or charged high duties?

Appliances with motors or heating elements usually have rigid plastic casings that crack under hard knocks. Internal parts such as juicing augers, strainers and frying baskets also knock against each other if left loose, causing scratches or breakage during air transport.

For customs, if you declare a vague “electronics” or “kitchenware” without the brand, power rating or purpose (personal gift or commercial goods), Canadian customs (CBSA) may hold the goods for physical inspection, delaying delivery.

How to dismantle and pack each type of appliance safely

To keep your appliance completely safe on its flight from Vietnam to Canada, follow these professional packing steps.

Step 1: Remove and wrap each accessory separately

Never put the fully assembled appliance in the box. Vibration on the plane can break the joints.

• Slow juicers: Remove the lid, feed chute, auger, strainer and juice cup completely. Wrap each part separately in 2 to 3 layers of bubble wrap and tape it securely.
• Air fryers: Take out the basket and the frying tray. Place a thin piece of cardboard or bubble wrap between the tray and the basket to stop them rubbing and damaging the non-stick coating. Then wrap bubble wrap around the whole basket.

Step 2: Protect the main unit and secure the cord

The main unit with the motor is the heaviest and most important part.

• Coil the power cord neatly and secure it to the unit with a cable tie or tape. Don’t let the plug knock freely against the casing and crack the plastic.
• Wrap the unit once in PE stretch film to protect the finish. Then wrap at least 3 layers of thick bubble wrap around it, paying close attention to the corners and edges.

Step 3: Pack the carton and fill the gaps

• Choose a sturdy carton that fits, not too big and not too tight. Soleil Transportation’s air shipping service to Canada includes basic packing in a purpose-made carton.
• Lay about 5 cm of bubble wrap or foam padding on the bottom of the box.
• Place the main unit (the heaviest part) in the centre of the box.
• Arrange the wrapped accessories around the main unit.
• Fill all gaps with bubble wrap, foam or scrunched-up newspaper. Make sure that when you shake the box hard, nothing inside moves.

How to declare motorised household appliances to customs

When declaring household appliances, give clear information so the right duty treatment applies. With Soleil Transportation’s Vietnam to Canada service, rates from $16/kg include all import duties, so you don’t have to worry about charges on delivery.

On the declaration, you still need to state:

• The detailed product name in English (for example, Air Fryer or Slow Juicer).
• The brand (for example, Philips, Panasonic or Tefal).
• The condition: brand new (New) or used (Used/Personal effects).
• A note on voltage: Vietnamese appliances usually run on 220V, while Canada uses 110V. Prepare a voltage converter before using the appliance in Canada.

Important tips before shipping

• Check for lithium batteries: Some smart handheld appliances have built-in rechargeable batteries (such as portable mini blenders). These are subject to strict air transport rules, so tell our staff in advance for advice.
• Clean used appliances thoroughly: If you send a used appliance, you must clean it completely, with no food residue, grease or odour. Canadian customs is very strict about food safety and biosecurity for used items.

Ship household appliances safely with Soleil Transportation

Soleil Transportation offers two-way Vietnam–Canada air shipping with an average transit time of 7 to 12 business days (7–14 days on the route to Canada). We check, pack and reinforce household appliances for free to keep them as safe as possible throughout the journey.

Just prepare your appliance and contact us on +1 888-998-5199 or at info@soleiltransportation.com. Our team at the Mississauga office (2446 Cawthra Road, B1U8, Mississauga, Ontario) is always ready to show you how to measure your parcel and work out the best rate.

Why are wooden children’s toys often refused or damaged on the way to Canada?

Wooden ride-on toys and balance bikes are usually bulky, with many protruding parts such as handlebars, wheels and seats. If they are just put in an ordinary carton without proper padding, their corners can pierce the box or knock against each other, scratching the paint and cracking the wood.

Canadian customs (CBSA) also controls children’s toys very closely for physical and chemical safety. Common mistakes that get orders held or destroyed include:

• No age range stated on the outer packaging.
• No warning about small parts that could cause choking.
• Wood that hasn’t been treated against pests, or paint containing harmful chemicals.

5 steps to pack wooden ride-on toys without scratches

To keep them completely safe on the 7 to 14 day journey from Vietnam to Canada, follow these packing steps:

Step 1: Remove the main parts

Never ship the toy fully assembled. It increases the size of the carton (and the shipping cost) and makes it easy to snap the handlebars or wheel axles. Use an Allen key or screwdriver to remove the handlebars, wheels, seat and pedals (if any). Put all screws and washers in a small zip bag and tape it firmly to the frame with clear tape.

Step 2: Wrap each part in bubble wrap

Wrap the wooden frame in 2 to 3 layers of bubble wrap, paying special attention to sharp corners and metal axle ends. Wrap the handlebars and wheels separately so they don’t rub directly against the wooden frame and scratch the paint.

Step 3: Secure the parts inside the carton

Choose a sturdy 5-ply carton that fits the dismantled parts. Put the frame in first, then fit the small parts into the gaps. Fill every gap with bubble wrap or packing paper. Shake the box once packed. If you hear or feel anything moving inside, add more packing paper.

Step 4: Protect the box corners

Air cargo is usually stacked. Use rigid cardboard corner guards or moulded foam on all 8 corners of the carton before sealing it. This stops the box denting or tearing under pressure.

Step 5: Add warning labels and seal

Cover every seam of the box with wide tape. Add a “Fragile” label on the outside so handlers take care throughout the journey.

Age labelling rules when shipping toys to Canada

When shipping toys to Canada, labels aren’t just for reference. They are required for clearance. Prepare labels in English, or bilingual English and French, to stick directly on the outer box with the following information:

• Age recommendation: State the suitable age range clearly. For example, “Suitable for children aged 18 months to 5 years”, or a red crossed-out circle symbol with the age (for example, 0–3).
• Choking hazard warning: For toys that need assembly with small screws, this warning is required: “WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD – Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.”
• Origin information: The name of the manufacturer or distributor, along with “Made in Vietnam”.

Ship toys to Canada safely with Soleil Transportation

If you don’t have time to pack them yourself or are worried about the complicated customs procedures for wooden toys, Soleil Transportation can help from start to finish. We offer the right solution for every shipment:

• Personal gifts or small parcels: ePacket from just $8.50 CAD per parcel, ideal for small, light toys.
• Professional air shipping: From $16/kg, with door-to-door delivery in Canada in 7–14 days. Rates include import duties, so there are no extra costs.
• Packing support: We provide free cartons and help reinforce and pack your goods against scratches to air freight standards.
• Continuous tracking: Easily follow your gift’s journey with an online tracking number, updated continuously by email or Zalo.

For detailed advice on volumetric carton sizes and Canada’s latest import rules for wooden toys, call +1 888-998-5199 or email your product details to info@soleiltransportation.com. The Soleil Transportation team is always ready to help you pack correctly and ship quickly.

To make sure your stainless steel moulds reach the recipient in Canada intact, follow these packing and customs declaration guidelines.

1. Common risks when shipping stainless steel moulds long distances

Pork roll and banh chung moulds are usually hollow, with thin stainless steel sheets welded or clipped together. In air transport, goods go through several sorting and loading stages and are squeezed by other boxes in the aircraft hold.

The most common types of damage are:

• The round body dents, so the press lid no longer fits.
• Pins, clamps or handles snap at the weld from a direct knock.
• Sharp corners pierce the outer carton, so small parts such as screws and press bars get lost.

2. How to pack pork roll moulds to export standards

To protect stainless steel moulds as much as possible, don’t just put them in a box and ship them. Reinforce them with these steps:

Step 1: Stuff the inside of the mould

Because stainless steel moulds are hollow, they crush easily under outside pressure. Stuff old newspaper, rolled-up cardboard or bubble wrap tightly inside the mould. This creates an internal support that keeps the mould perfectly round.

Step 2: Protect corners and protruding parts

Handles, wing nuts and locking pins break most easily. Wrap several layers of bubble wrap around these parts. For the sharp corners of square banh chung moulds, cover them with rigid cardboard so they can’t pierce the outer box.

Step 3: Wrap the whole mould

Once the details are protected, wrap the whole mould in 3 to 4 layers of bubble wrap. Tape it firmly so the layers can’t shift.

Step 4: Pack the carton and fill the gaps

Choose a carton at least 3- to 5-ply thick and sized to fit the number of moulds you’re sending. Don’t use a box that is too big, so the moulds knock around inside, or too small, so the sides tear.

Once the moulds are in, fill all remaining space with bubble wrap or packing peanuts. When you shake the box hard and hear nothing moving, it’s done.

At Soleil Transportation, we offer free basic packing in standard cartons for parcels to Canada. For heavy or large shipments of industrial moulds that need a wooden crate or pallet for safety, we will recommend a suitable option with a surcharge based on actual cost.

3. How to declare stainless steel moulds to customs

Stainless steel pork roll and banh chung moulds are ordinary kitchenware and are not prohibited or restricted imports in Canada. However, for fast clearance, the information on the label and the declaration must be accurate.

• A clear product name: Declare in English or French. Avoid a vague “household items” or “gift”. Write clearly: “Stainless steel pork roll mold” or “Stainless steel cake mold”.
• Quantity: State the exact number of moulds in the box and their actual weight.
• Value: Declare the real value of the products in Canadian dollars (CAD) or US dollars (USD). Declaring a value far below the real one may lead customs to hold them for inspection and revaluation.

When you ship with Soleil Transportation, the Vietnam–Canada rate includes all import duties, so you don’t have to worry about annoying customs charges at the destination.

4. Reliable shipping to Canada with Soleil Transportation

If you are looking for a safe, fast way to send pork roll moulds and other kitchenware to Canada, Soleil Transportation is the right choice:

• Fast air shipping: Transit from Vietnam to Canada takes just 7–14 days (7–12 business days on average depending on the delivery location in Canada).
• Competitive rates: Door-to-door air shipping from just $16/kg. For small parcels and personal gifts sent by ePacket, prices start at just $8.50 CAD per parcel.
• Easy tracking: Check your order’s journey online with your order or booking number. Our system also sends automatic updates by email, SMS or Zalo so you always know what’s happening.
• Flexible payment: Pay by bank transfer, credit card, Interac e-Transfer or cash.

Before shipping, check the moulds’ locking pins and wipe off any industrial grease on new stainless steel moulds from the factory so it doesn’t stain the box.

For an accurate quote and detailed guidance for your stainless steel moulds, contact Soleil Transportation on +1 888-998-5199 or at info@soleiltransportation.com. Our team is always ready to help at our warehouse at 2446 Cawthra Road, B1U8, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5A 3K6.

Sort your baking tools before packing

Handmade baking tools come in many materials. To make sure they reach the recipient in Canada intact, sort them clearly before boxing:

• Metal (piping tips, aluminium moulds, dough cutters, whisks): Very sensitive to moisture. Sudden temperature changes in the aircraft hold can cause condensation and rust.
• Wood (wooden rolling pins, wooden mooncake moulds): Can go mouldy or crack if the environment is too dry or too humid. Canadian customs (CBSA) also checks wooden items closely for pests.
• Silicone and plastic (spatulas, silicone moulds, piping bags): Flexible and hard to break, but they can dent or deform under heavy items.

How to pack each type to prevent rust and damage

Metal tools

To keep piping tips and moulds from rusting, never let them come into direct contact with humid air:

• Step 1: Dry every piece completely. You can use a hair dryer to make sure no water spots remain.
• Step 2: Wrap each item in 2 to 3 layers of PE cling film. This keeps air and moisture away from the metal.
• Step 3: Put small pieces such as piping tips in a zip bag with 1–2 silica gel desiccant packs before sealing it.

Rolling pins and wooden tools

• Step 1: Make sure the wood is completely dry. Damp wooden items are easily refused by Canadian customs because of mould concerns.
• Step 2: Wrap the rolling pin in kraft paper or clean newspaper to absorb moisture naturally, then wrap it in PE film.
• Step 3: Don’t pack wooden items right next to sharp metal objects, so the wood doesn’t get scratched.

Spatulas and silicone tools

• Step 1: Lay them flat and straight so the spatula heads don’t bend.
• Step 2: Wrap them in bubble wrap to create a flexible cushion against the weight of other boxes.

Once each group is wrapped, pack everything in a thick carton. At Soleil Transportation, basic packing in a carton is included in the service, saving you preparation costs.

Declaring household goods to Canadian customs

When declaring handmade baking tools, a clear description is the key to fast clearance. Avoid vague terms such as “household goods” or “baking tools”.

How to label and describe them in detail

List the English name of each item with its quantity:

• Wooden rolling pin: “Wooden rolling pin for baking” (state that the wood is treated).
• Piping tips: “Stainless steel icing piping nozzles”.
• Silicone spatula: “Silicone spatula for cake decorating”.

Note on origin

Canadian customs favours products with clear brands and labels. For handmade or unbranded items, make sure they are brand new, unused and free of dirt or dust.

Shipping baking tools to Canada with Soleil Transportation

Soleil Transportation offers a range of shipping options for every baking tool shipment:

• Small parcels (ePacket): Ideal for individuals sending a few sets of piping tips or spatulas as gifts to family. From just $8.50 CAD per parcel.
• Dedicated air freight: Ideal for shop owners sending large quantities of baking tools from Vietnam to Canada. Very competitive prices from $16/kg, with fast door-to-door air delivery in about 7–14 business days.
• Import duties included: Our shipping rates include all Canadian import duties, so there are no unexpected costs on delivery.

To get started, just prepare a list of the baking tools you plan to send and contact us for guidance on preparing the right declaration invoice. Every shipment can be tracked online with a tracking number that is updated continuously by email or Zalo.

For more advice on moisture-proof packing for metal baking moulds or an accurate quote for your shipment, 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, L5A 3K6) is always ready to help.

To help workshops and individuals ship plastic moulds to Canada intact, here is a professional 5-step packing process based on the hands-on experience of warehouse technicians.

1. Clean the moulds and check their surface

Before packing, make sure the moulds are completely dry and free of dust. Grains of sand or bits of plastic left on silicone can leave permanent marks when the moulds are pressed together in the box.

For flexible silicone moulds, dust the surface lightly with talcum powder so the silicone doesn’t stick together because of temperature and pressure changes in the aircraft hold.

2. Nest the moulds to prevent deformation

This is the most important step in keeping the moulds in their original shape.

• Flexible silicone moulds: Never fold or roll them up to save space. Fill the inside of each mould with old newspaper, bubble wrap or soft foam. This keeps it fully rounded so it doesn’t collapse or dent under pressure.
• Rigid composite plastic moulds: You can stack moulds of the same size inside each other (nesting). However, put a sheet of thick cardboard or foam between each layer to avoid scratching the surface and stop them sticking together under air pressure.

3. Wrap in stretch film and bubble wrap

Once the inside of the mould is supported, wrap PE stretch film around it to hold the filling in place. Then wrap at least 2 to 3 layers of bubble wrap around the outside.

Tape the corners firmly so the bubble wrap doesn’t come loose. For plastic moulds with protruding lugs or sharp corners, cut small pieces of cardboard to cover those corners separately, so they don’t pierce the outer carton or scratch other moulds.

4. Choose a strong carton and fill the gaps

Use a sturdy 5-ply or 7-ply carton instead of an ordinary thin box.

• Put the heaviest, largest moulds at the bottom and the smaller, lighter ones on top.
• Fill all remaining space in the box with packing peanuts or shredded paper. When the box is sealed, shake it gently. If you can’t hear anything moving inside, it’s packed properly.
• Seal the top and bottom of the box with tape in an H pattern for extra strength.

5. Declare to customs and apply shipping labels

When shipping plastic moulds to Canada, an accurate customs declaration helps your order clear quickly at CBSA. On the declaration, describe the product clearly in English: “Plastic molds for flower pots” or “Silicone molds for concrete crafting”.

Avoid a vague “plastic items”, which can easily lead to an inspection hold. Also add “Fragile” or “This Side Up” labels on the outside of the box so handlers take care when moving it.

Shipping plastic moulds to Canada with Soleil Transportation

If you are looking for a safe, fast and affordable way to ship from Vietnam to Canada, Soleil Transportation is a partner you can trust. We offer:

• Competitive rates: Door-to-door air shipping to Canada from just $16/kg. For small parcels of moulds, you can choose ePacket from just $8.50 CAD per parcel.
• Fast transit: Goods fly direct, with an average transit time of 7–12 business days depending on the location.
• Import duties included: Our Vietnam to Canada service includes import duties, so the recipient in Canada doesn’t face customs hassles.
• Professional packing support: Basic packing in a carton is included in the service fee. For heavy industrial mould shipments that need a pallet, we offer wooden crating.

Before shipping, check the size and weight of your mould parcel. Contact Soleil Transportation on +1 888-998-5199 or email the box dimensions to info@soleiltransportation.com for the most accurate quote and help setting up online tracking for your order.

Step 1: Clean and secure the small parts

On a chess or Chinese chess board, the pieces are easily lost and can scratch the board if they knock against it. Never leave the pieces on the board and box it up as it is.

• Collect all the pieces: Put them in a soft cloth bag or a separate zip bag.
• Wrap each piece (for stone or finely carved wooden pieces): Wrap each piece in bubble wrap before putting it in the bag so the pieces don’t knock against each other in transit.
• Secure the piece box: If the set has its own wooden box for the pieces, pad the inside with cotton wool or soft foam so the pieces can’t move.

Step 2: Protect the board against scratches and cracks

The board has the largest surface area and takes the most force.

• Wooden boards: Wrap the board in 2 to 3 layers of PE cling film to prevent mould and protect the lacquer or gloss finish from scratches.
• Stone boards: Stone is heavy and very brittle under bending forces. Cut two pieces of rigid cardboard or flat foam the same size as the board, press them firmly against the front and back, then wrap them tightly in PE film to hold everything in place.
• Bubble wrap: After the PE film, wrap at least 3 to 4 layers of bubble wrap around the whole board. Take extra care with the corners and edges, which chip most easily in a collision.

Step 3: Choose the box and fill the gaps

Choosing the right carton accounts for about half of a handicraft’s safety.

• Choose a sturdy 5-ply or 7-ply carton that is 5 to 7 cm larger than the wrapped board on each side.
• Lay about 3 to 5 cm of foam on the bottom of the box.
• Place the board and the bag of pieces in the middle of the box.
• Fill all the gaps tightly with packing peanuts, foam or compressed paper. Shake the box gently afterwards. If you can still hear or feel anything moving, add more foam. Soleil Transportation’s shipping service to Canada includes basic packing in a carton.
• Special note: For very heavy or large stone boards, an ordinary carton isn’t safe enough. These heavy items need an extra wooden frame or pallet for safe lifting and unloading, which carries a specialist packing surcharge.

Step 4: Declare to customs and prepare documents

When shipping handicrafts to Canada, an accurate customs declaration helps your order clear quickly at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

• Describe the goods in detail: Instead of a vague “gift” or “handicraft”, write “Wooden chess set” or “Stone Chinese chess set”.
• Declare an honest value: Declare the set’s real value. Our flights on the Vietnam–Canada route include all import duties, so you don’t have to worry about tax charges at the destination.
• Note on wood: Canada controls natural wood products very strictly to keep out termites and plant diseases. Wooden chess boards must be made of treated wood and be finished with lacquer or kiln-dried. Avoid sending rare woods on the CITES list without a permit.

Step 5: Choose a shipping service and track your order

Once fully packed, choosing a reliable carrier with insurance options and a transparent route is the last step to shipping with peace of mind.

Soleil Transportation offers professional air shipping from Vietnam to Canada with an average transit time of 7 to 12 business days (7–14 days depending on the delivery province). All-inclusive door-to-door air freight starts at just $16/kg.

After shipping, you’ll receive a tracking number to check online easily. Status updates are also sent by email, SMS or Zalo so you and the recipient in Canada can follow along.

If you aren’t confident packing stone or wooden items yourself, bring the chess set in person or send it by domestic courier to our office, and our staff will reinforce it to flight safety standards. For more advice on size and weight rules and an accurate quote for your chess set, call +1 888-998-5199 or email the details to info@soleiltransportation.com.

How is the cost of shipping a stroller to Canada calculated?

In air freight, airlines always use two measures: the actual weight and the volumetric weight (based on the packed box size). A fully assembled stroller takes up a lot of space, which pushes the price up.

Soleil Transportation’s two-way Vietnam–Canada door-to-door air service starts at $16/kg. To get the best rate, you must make the box as small as possible. Our rates include all import duties, so there are no hidden costs when the goods reach the recipient in Canada.

3 steps to dismantle and pack a stroller at home

To protect the stroller from scratches and broken joints and make the box as small as possible, pack it yourself using these 3 steps:

Step 1: Remove the moving parts

• Remove the wheels: Most modern strollers (such as Aprica, Combi and Uppababy) have push buttons to remove all four wheels easily. Removing them significantly reduces the stroller’s width and height.
• Remove the accessories: Take off the canopy, snack tray, under-seat basket and front bumper bar. Put all screws and small pins in a separate zip bag and tape it firmly to the frame so nothing gets lost.

Step 2: Fold the frame and wrap it in 3 layers

• Secure the frame: Fold the stroller as small as it will go. Use cable ties or tape to secure the folding joints so the frame doesn’t spring open in transit.
• Wrap in 3 layers:
• Layer 1 (bubble wrap): Carefully wrap sharp edges, handlebars and fragile plastic parts.
• Layer 2 (PE stretch film): Wrap at least 3 times tightly around the whole folded stroller. This stops parts rubbing together and scratching the paint, and keeps out moisture.
• Layer 3 (carton): Put the stroller and the separately wrapped accessories in a sturdy carton. Fill the gaps tightly with bubble wrap or foam so it can’t move inside the box.

How to declare it to customs and avoid consumption taxes

Strollers sent to Canada are usually the family’s used items or gifts. When filling in the customs declaration, keep in mind:

• State the purpose clearly: Write “Used baby stroller” or “Baby stroller – gift for personal use”.
• Declared value: Declare its real remaining value. Don’t inflate it, or Canadian customs may apply consumption taxes or ask to inspect the original purchase documents.
• Attach the invoice: If it’s a newly bought stroller given as a gift, keep the purchase invoice in case it needs to be checked.

How to ship a stroller with Soleil Transportation

When you ship a stroller to Canada with Soleil Transportation, we support you from pickup to delivery:

1. Drop-off and inspection: Bring the stroller to the warehouse or send it to us by domestic courier.
2. Packing support: Our team checks the packing and reinforces the carton for free to make it safe to fly.
3. Fast shipping: Average transit time from Vietnam to Canada is 7–12 business days (about 7–14 days depending on the province).
4. Tracking: Track the journey online with your order number or receive automatic status updates by email, SMS or Zalo.

Before you box up your stroller, contact Soleil Transportation on +1 888-998-5199 or at info@soleiltransportation.com. Our staff will help you work out the volumetric weight and give you the most accurate quote for your parcel.

Step 1: Inspect the device and photograph its condition

Before you start packing, clean the device and check the whole surface carefully. Plug it in to make sure the TV still works properly, with no lines or colour blotches.

• Take detailed photos of all four sides, the front, the back and the serial number on the back.
• Record a short video of about 30 seconds clearly showing the screen working.
• Remove all accessories such as the stand, plastic clips, power cable, remote control and batteries. Never leave batteries in the remote, as they can leak or catch fire during the flight.

These photos and videos are the strongest evidence when dealing with an insurer or carrier if the device is accidentally damaged.

Step 2: Pack the inner layer with bubble wrap and shock-absorbing foam

TV screens are very sensitive to pressure. The first layer of protection absorbs direct impacts.

• First, wrap 2–3 layers of PE stretch film lightly around the device to protect the casing and screen from scratches.
• Next, cut a piece of rigid cardboard to cover the front of the screen as a direct shield.
• Wrap at least 3–4 layers of bubble wrap around the whole TV. Reinforce the four corners, which take the most force when knocked.
• If possible, use a PU spray foam (self-expanding foam). Spray the foam into large plastic bags and place them around the corners of the TV inside the first carton. The foam expands to fit the device’s shape exactly, creating a perfect gap-free cushion.

Step 3: Double-box it in a wooden crate for full protection

For large-screen electronics such as TVs, using only an ordinary carton is extremely risky. You must double-box it with an outer wooden frame.

• First layer: Put the wrapped TV in a well-fitting carton and fill the gaps with packing peanuts or foam sheets so it can’t move when shaken.
• Second layer: Measure the packed carton, then build a wooden frame or closed wooden box around it. Leave a gap of about 2–3 cm between the carton and the crate, filled with thick moulded foam sheets.

At Soleil Transportation, basic packing in a carton is free. For special items such as TVs that need a wooden crate, we can advise on and carry out the crating for a surcharge based on the device’s actual size.

Step 4: Declare used electronics to customs

When shipping a used TV to Canada, the customs declaration must be accurate so it isn’t held for long inspections or charged unreasonable duties.

• The declaration must state clearly: Used Electronics, with the brand and screen size (for example, Used Samsung TV 55 inch).
• State its estimated remaining value. Don’t declare far more than a used item is really worth, but don’t declare an unreasonably low value either, as customs may become suspicious and hold it for revaluation.
• Have the device’s basic technical specifications ready in case they are needed.

On our Vietnam to Canada air routes, the shipping rate normally includes all import duties, so the recipient in Canada doesn’t have to handle complicated clearance procedures themselves.

Step 5: Choose a shipping service and track the journey

Once packed, choosing a dedicated Canada carrier with clear tracking is the last step before you can relax and wait for delivery.

• Average air transit time from Vietnam to Canada is 7–14 business days, depending on the delivery location.
• Soleil Transportation’s dedicated air service from Vietnam to Canada starts at $16/kg.
• Right after shipping, you’ll receive a tracking number. You can follow the parcel’s journey online with automatic updates by email, SMS or Zalo.

If you need to send a TV, computer monitor or other personal items to family in Canada, call +1 888-998-5199 or email the size and weight of the device to info@soleiltransportation.com for crating advice and the most accurate quote.

This article walks you step by step through preparing, dismantling, wrapping and crating these items to Canadian customs (CBSA) standards so they arrive intact.

Step 1: Remove moving and sharp parts

Whether it’s a medium-sized model or a larger version, a mini cyclo or rickshaw has parts that bend easily under pressure in an aircraft hold. Before packing, do the following:

• Remove the wheels and handlebars: If they are held on with screws, take off the wheels and handlebars. This makes the parcel smaller and saves on shipping.
• Bag the small parts: Put all screws, washers and small chains in a sealed zip bag and tape it to the frame so nothing gets lost.
• Secure moving parts: For parts that can’t be removed, such as a fabric or plastic canopy or pedals, use cable ties to fasten them tightly to the frame so they can’t move freely in transit.

Step 2: Wrap in PE film and bubble wrap against scratches

The frame is usually powder-coated or lacquered. If it rubs directly against the carton or a wooden crate, the finish will scratch immediately and the decoration will lose its appeal.

• First layer – PE film: Wrap 2–3 layers of PE stretch film around the whole frame, especially the sharp corners and welds. This protects the finish from dust and damp.
• Second layer – bubble wrap: Wrap sensitive parts such as wheel spokes, leather seats and handles thickly in bubble wrap. Tape the edges firmly with wide tape.
• Third layer – corner foam: On the sharp points of the cyclo (such as the mudguard tips or footrests), add thick foam blocks or foam corners so they can’t pierce the carton.

Step 3: Crate it, and the important plant health rules

Because decorative cyclos and rickshaws aren’t box-shaped, an ordinary carton is easily crushed when stacked. The safest option is a wooden crate or a pallet.

However, Canada’s plant health authorities very strictly control imported wood products to keep out foreign pests. Follow these rules:

• Crate materials: Never use raw, untreated natural wood for the crate frame or padding. Use plywood or pressed wood instead. These have been heat- and chemically treated, so they are exempt from quarantine in Canada.
• Treating natural wood: If you must use pine or other natural wood for the crate, it must be fumigated and stamped to ISPM 15 standards (with a clear IPPC mark on the wood). Without this mark, Canadian customs will refuse clearance and require the goods to be destroyed or returned, at great cost.

Step 4: Measure the parcel and calculate the cost

When shipping to Canada by air, the charge is based on the actual weight or the volumetric weight, whichever is greater. The standard international air freight formula is:

Volumetric weight (kg) = (Length x Width x Height) / 5000 (in cm).

Decorative cyclos are usually light but take up a lot of space. Dismantling them neatly in Step 1 greatly reduces the width and height of the crate, saving you anywhere from tens to hundreds of dollars in shipping.

Soleil Transportation offers door-to-door air shipping to Canada from $16/kg (import duties included). Average transit time from Vietnam to Canada is 7–14 business days.

Mistakes to avoid when shipping handmade decorations to Canada

• Not filling the gaps: Many people put the cyclo in a crate without foam around it. When the plane shakes or the crate is handled, the cyclo knocks against the wooden sides and breaks.
• Declaring the wrong value: Declaring a value far below the real value of a handicraft can make customs hold the goods and ask for the actual purchase invoice.
• Missing recipient details: Make sure the recipient’s phone number in Canada works so the driver can contact them for door-to-door delivery.

Before packing, photograph the cyclo with its three dimensions and send them to Soleil Transportation on +1 888-998-5199 or at info@soleiltransportation.com. Our team at the Mississauga warehouse (2446 Cawthra Road, B1U8, Mississauga, Ontario) will advise you on the best way to crate it and give you an accurate all-in quote.

To make sure your gift for the little one reaches its home in Canada intact, here is how to prepare and pack it.

Step 1: Dismantle the parts to save space

Most automatic baby hammocks today have a steel frame that comes apart with push pins or screws.

• Use a screwdriver to remove the whole steel frame, crossbars and stand.
• Put all screws, washers and small locking pins in a separate zip bag and tape it firmly to one of the large frame bars so nothing gets lost.
• Dismantling makes the carton as small as possible. Because airlines charge by volumetric weight (length x width x height / 5000), a smaller box can save you up to half the shipping cost.

Step 2: Remove the electric motor and deal with the power supply

The motor of an automatic baby hammock is a sensitive part when it goes through airport security scanners.

• Remove the motor unit (the speed control gearbox) from the hammock frame.
• Check carefully whether the motor contains AA or backup lithium batteries. If so, you must take them out. Airlines strictly prohibit undeclared batteries installed in devices.
• Wrap the motor in 3 to 4 layers of bubble wrap to protect its internal circuits from hard knocks.

Step 3: Wrap rattan cradles and hammock fabric in PE film against mould

For rattan or bamboo cradles, the biggest risk on the 7–14 day flight from Vietnam to Canada is sudden humidity changes that make wood and rattan go mouldy.

• Make sure the rattan cradle is completely dry before packing. Put it in gentle sun or use a dryer to dry every gap in the weave.
• Wrap the whole cradle in 3–5 layers of PE stretch film (pallet wrap) to seal it off completely from the outside air.
• Put 2 to 3 large silica gel desiccant packs inside before wrapping to absorb any remaining moisture.
• Wash and dry the cradle fabric and mosquito net, fold them neatly and put them in vacuum bags to reduce their volume.

Step 4: Pack everything in a carton with protective padding

Once each part is wrapped, put everything in a sturdy carton.

• Put the heavy steel frame bars at the bottom as a base.
• Place the rattan cradle or hammock fabric in the middle. Put the bubble-wrapped motor in the centre of the box, away from the sides where it could take direct knocks.
• Fill every gap tightly with foam or scrunched-up newspaper. When you shake the box hard, you shouldn’t hear any parts rubbing or moving inside.
• Tape all the seams of the carton.

Step 5: Declare to customs and choose the right shipping service

When shipping an automatic baby hammock, declaring it under the right name is very important to avoid slow inspections. Declare it clearly as: “Rattan/steel baby hammock (no batteries)”.

Depending on the packed size and weight, you can choose from these Soleil Transportation options:

• Dedicated Vietnam–Canada air service: Average transit time of 7–12 business days (14 days at most), with door-to-door delivery. Prices start at just $16/kg, including all import duties and clearance fees at both ends.
• ePacket for small parcels: If you are only sending a replacement motor or baby cradle accessories under 2 kg, ePacket is the cheapest option, from just $8.50 CAD per parcel.

Before shipping, measure the box’s three dimensions (length x width x height) and weight so our staff can give you the most accurate quote. For any questions about packing rattan cradles or customs procedures for children’s products, call +1 888-998-5199 or email info@soleiltransportation.com for fast support.