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.