This article walks you step by step through preparing, dismantling, packing and declaring food processing machines shipped from Vietnam to Canada by air.

Step 1: Remove the motor and deal with the oil

This is the most important step in whether the airline accepts your shipment. The motors of meat grinders and bread machines often use lubricating oil or contain strong magnets.

• Drain all oil: Before packing, drain all lubricating oil from the shaft or gearbox. Airports and airlines strictly prohibit flammable liquids. If any leaking oil is found, the whole parcel will be returned immediately.
• Separate the electrical parts: For grinders with separate motors, remove the motor from the frame. This reduces the risk of damage to the shaft and makes it easy to secure the heaviest part at the bottom of the box.
• Clean off residue: Used machines must be cleaned thoroughly, with no meat scraps, flour or grease left on the outside, so Canadian inspectors don’t refuse entry.

Step 2: Prepare labels and check electrical safety

Canadian customs (CBSA) controls imported electrical equipment very closely for fire safety.

• Electrical specifications: Canada uses 110–120V at 60Hz, while most machines made in Vietnam use 220V. Add a label stating the machine’s voltage. If it has a built-in converter, note this on a secondary label.
• Clear labelling: The machine should have a label showing its name, power (W or HP), operating voltage and place of manufacture (Made in Vietnam). Missing technical labels can make customs suspect a homemade, unsafe machine and hold it for longer inspection.

Step 3: Crate the machine for protection

Food machinery usually has stainless steel or steel housings that dent easily or knock the shaft out of alignment if stacked under other cargo. On Soleil Transportation’s dedicated route, ordinary goods include basic packing in a carton. However, for heavy, special items such as machinery, you must use a wooden crate for safety.

• Wrap against scratches: Wrap the machine tightly in at least 3–5 layers of PE stretch film to protect the stainless steel surface.
• Add shock-absorbing foam: Place the machine in the centre of the crate with thick foam sheets on all six sides so it can’t move when lifted.
• Use a slatted or closed wooden crate: For heavy meat grinders or bulky bread machines, use a slatted crate or a closed wooden box. Leave a gap under the wooden base for straps or a forklift. Crating or palletising carries a surcharge based on the actual size.

Step 4: Declare to customs and ship

When shipping machinery, you must declare the correct name and purpose of the goods so the right duty code is applied. At Soleil Transportation, our Vietnam to Canada service includes all import duties, so you don’t need to worry about surprise charges on arrival.

• Transit time: Air shipments from Vietnam to Canada usually take 7–14 days (about 7–12 business days on average depending on the delivery province).
• Rates: Two-way Vietnam–Canada air shipping starts at $16/kg. For bulky machinery, the chargeable weight is based on the greater of the actual weight and the volume of the crate after packing.
• Tracking: After shipping, you’ll receive a tracking number to follow the machine online from the warehouse in Vietnam to delivery in Canada.

Before packing a machine, photograph its technical specifications, measure its three dimensions (length, width, height) and weigh it. Call +1 888-998-5199 or email the details to info@soleiltransportation.com and our team will check whether your model needs any special parts removed, so you can prepare the shipment correctly at home.