Sending a cross-stitch embroidery that took months of careful work, or a treasured oil painting, to Canada as a gift always makes senders nervous. Paintings crease, go mouldy or smudge easily if packed the wrong way. On top of that, if the declaration isn’t handled well at the Canadian border, customs may treat the parcel as commercial artwork and charge high duties.
This article shows you how to protect the painted surface, pack the work rolled around a PVC pipe and declare it to customs so your loved ones receive it intact, without unexpected charges.
Comparing costs and characteristics of oil paintings and embroidery
Each type of artwork uses different materials, which leads to clear differences in packed size and how shipping is charged.
Cross-stitch and diamond paintings
- Characteristics: Thick canvas with embroidery thread or plastic beads glued on. Beads can fall off and thread can get dirty with heavy friction.
- Best handling: Remove the wooden frame and send only the fabric. Roll it with the embroidered or beaded side facing outwards, so the beads and threads aren’t pressed together, peeled or creased.
- Shipping cost: Once unframed and rolled, these are very light, usually just 0.5 kg to 2 kg. For small rolls under 2 kg, you can use our dedicated ePacket service from just $8.50 CAD per parcel to save money.
Oil and acrylic paintings
- Characteristics: The paint layer is thick and can stick or crack in high heat or when pressed directly.
- Best handling: Never fold it. Lay a non-stick layer (such as PE film or purpose-made wax paper) over the surface before rolling.
- Shipping cost: Large oil paintings are usually longer than embroideries once rolled. With duties-included air freight by weight, prices start at $16/kg. Average transit time from Vietnam to Canada is 7–14 business days.
How to roll a painting without creasing or cracking it
The biggest mistake many people make is rolling the painting with the image facing inwards, thinking it protects the paint or embroidery. In fact, rolling inwards compresses the surface, which can bunch the fabric, crack oil paint or loosen beads.
To protect the painting throughout the 7–14 day journey, pack it yourself like this:
- Prepare a core: Use a PVC (water) pipe 6 cm to 10 cm in diameter, depending on the painting’s size. Avoid soft cardboard tubes, which dent easily under heavy cargo.
- Add a protective layer: Lay clean PE film or wax paper on a table and place the painting on top.
- Roll with the image facing out: Place the pipe at one end and slowly roll the painting around it, so the painted or beaded side faces outwards. The protective film sits between the layers to stop paint or beads sticking to the back of the canvas.
- Secure and wrap: Lightly tape both ends (never directly onto the painting). Wrap a few layers of bubble wrap around the roll to absorb shocks.
- Put it in a protective tube: Slide the whole roll into a larger PVC pipe or a rigid triangular or square cardboard tube. Seal both ends with waterproof tape.
Note on surcharges: At Soleil Transportation, shipments to Canada include basic packing in an ordinary carton. However, if your painting is oversized, extremely valuable or needs an outer wooden frame for protection, a crating surcharge applies based on its actual size.
How to declare paintings to customs
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) controls imports very closely. A vague or inconsistent declaration for artwork can lead customs to hold the parcel to assess its value, with complicated procedures to prove its origin.
To minimise the risk of a hold, follow these declaration principles:
- Purpose of the shipment: State clearly that it is a “Personal Gift” or “Personal Effects”. Soleil Transportation’s Vietnam–Canada service includes import duties in the all-in rate for ordinary gifts, so the recipient won’t have to pay extra charges in Canada.
- A detailed but simple description: Instead of just “Painting”, describe the material: “Hand-stitched embroidery – personal gift” or “Unframed canvas painting for personal decoration”.
- Declared value: Declare the item’s real value honestly. Gifts worth $60 CAD or less are generally exempt from duty and tax, and an honest, consistent declaration is the fastest way through customs.
How to ship a painting to Canada with Soleil Transportation
To send a painting from Vietnam to Canada, just follow these simple steps:
- Step 1: Get advice: Send a photo of the painting with its size (length and width) and estimated weight to our team by phone or email.
- Step 2: Get a quote: We’ll recommend the best option. Small, light paintings can go by ePacket from just $8.50 CAD per parcel. Large paintings go by duties-included air freight from $16/kg.
- Step 3: Send it to our warehouse: Bring the painting in person or send it by domestic courier to our consolidation office in Vietnam. Staff will check how it’s rolled and reinforce it with a rigid tube if needed.
- Step 4: Track your order: Once it flies, you’ll get a tracking number to follow it online from the warehouse to the recipient in Canada.
Before shipping, lay the painting flat and take a clear photo for reference in case it’s needed. For advice on the right tube size for your painting, contact Soleil Transportation on +1 888-998-5199 or at info@soleiltransportation.com.
