In today’s globalized world, international trade plays a pivotal role in economies across the globe. For businesses seeking to transport goods from China to Canada, sea freight offers a reliable and cost-effective option. This article delves into the intricacies of Sea Freight From China To Canada, shedding light on the process, benefits, and considerations involved in shipping goods across the Pacific.
The Sea Freight Advantage(Sea Freight From China To Canada): Sea freight, also known as ocean freight, has long been a cornerstone of international trade. It involves transporting goods across vast oceans in specially designed cargo containers aboard massive container ships. Sea freight’s popularity stems from its capacity to handle large volumes of goods, making it ideal for bulk shipments.

Shipping from China to Amazon FBA Canada
Currently we have 3 routes for FBA shipping from China to Amazon FBA in Canada by DDP terms.
- Air freight
- Reach the FBA warehouse in Canada about 10-12 days.
- The cost is moderate and the speed is fast.
- The China-Canada section uses air freight, according to the cargo situation, the cargo will be loaded in Shenzhen or Hong Kong, and UPS or FEDEX will complete the door-to-door delivery in Canada.
- By Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) shipping, that means we will handle customs clearance, pay import and export dutys, you just need to wait for the goods to be delivered to the FBA warehouse in Canada.
- Using LCL shipment mostly.
- Sea-air freight
- Reach the FBA warehouse in Canada about 20-25 days.
- The cost is middle and the speed is middle too.
- The China-Canada section uses Sea-air freight, according to the cargo situation, the cargo will be loaded in Shenzhen, or Guangzhou, and UPS or FEDEX will complete the door-to-door delivery in Canada.
- By Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) shipping, that means we will handle customs clearance, pay import and export dutys, you just need to wait for the goods to be delivered to the FBA warehouse in Canada.
- Using LCL shipment mostly.
- Sea freight
- Reach the FBA warehouse in Canada about 40-45 days.
- The cost is low and the speed is slow.
- The China-Canada section uses sea freight, according to the cargo situation, the cargo will be loaded in Shenzhen or Guangzhou, and UPS or FEDEX will complete the door-to-door delivery in Canada.
- By Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) shipping, that means we will handle customs clearance, pay import and export dutys, you just need to wait for the goods to be delivered to the FBA warehouse in Canada.
- Using LCL shipment mostly.
Cargo Requirements
- Accept item with battery or items with magnetic, but you must declare it at first. If you do not report it, you will be charged a high fine.
- Do not accept any imitation goods, pure battery, concealing will result in high fines.
- Do not accept liquids, powders, food, medicines, flammable and explosive goods, antiques, currency, countries banned exporting goods, airlines and shipping companies banned goods, concealing these goods will result in high fines.
- Asbestos or asbestos-containing products require an import license, concealing them will result in high fines.
- Wooded products, such as wooden crafts, make-up brushes and other wooden products, must have the fumigation certificate. We can apply for fumigation certificate, but it will cause additional costs and delay the transportation.
- Each item is required to have a unique FNSKU label.
- Strongly recommended that all item be printed with the word “Made in China” or the stick the “Made in China” labeling on each item package.
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Learn about shipping options from China to Canada
The only feasible ways of getting freight from China to Canada are by air or sea. Each has benefits and drawbacks which we’ll outline below:
Ocean Freight From China to Canada
When you choose ocean freight shipping as your means of import from China to Canada, you’ll need to decide between two modes of transportation: LCL and FCL.
Less than Container Load (LCL): With LCL ocean shipping, your cargo shares a container with freight being shipped by other businesses importing from China to Canada. LCL is usually best if you have smaller consignments to transport—goods amounting to less than the 33 cubic meter capacity of a standard 20ft shipping container, for example.
Full Container Load (FCL): With FCL shipping you pay for transportation of a shipping container from China to Canada loaded only with your goods. There’s no need for your freight to share space with other commodities. FCL often works out as the most cost-effective option for freight of sufficient volume to occupy a minimum of six standard-size pallets in a 20ft container or at least 12 in a 40ft container.
Air Freight from China to Canada
Sea Freight From China To Canada, Need to export from China to Canada in a hurry? Don’t have many budget worries? Air freight is the fastest way to ship merchandise between the two countries. It’s also the most expensive.



What are the benefits of shipping from China to Canada
1.Cost-Effectiveness: Sea freight is often more affordable than air freight, making it an attractive choice for businesses seeking to move bulk shipments.
2.Capacity for Bulk Goods: With its vast cargo-carrying capacity, sea freight is ideal for businesses dealing with large quantities of goods.
3.Environmental Considerations: Although sea freight generates fewer carbon emissions per ton-kilometer than air freight, it’s important to note that longer transit times can impact the overall carbon footprint.
What factors should be considered in shipping from China to Canada
1.Transit Time: Sea freight tends to have longer transit times compared to air freight. Businesses should factor in this delay when planning their supply chain and inventory management.
2.Documentation: Proper documentation is crucial for smooth customs clearance. Shippers need to ensure accurate and complete paperwork to avoid delays and complications.
3.Packaging and Security: Goods must be properly packaged and secured to withstand the challenges of maritime transportation, including potential rough seas.
4.Customs Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the customs regulations and import requirements of both China and Canada to prevent compliance issues.
5.Incoterms: Choose the appropriate Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) that define the responsibilities and costs between the buyer and seller during the transportation process.



How Much Does it Cost to Ship Cargo From China to Canada
The short answer is it depends. Freight forwarders must take multiple factors into account when calculating the cost of a shipment. These include:
· The nature of the freight being shipped
· Whether an ocean or air carrier is shipping the cargo
· How much the consignment weighs
· The volume and dimensions of the goods
· The chosen method of delivery—door-to-door, port-to-door, door-to-port, or port-to-port
· If you’re undecided about whether to ship by air or sea, the weight of your goods could sway your decision. Freight weighing 100 kg or over is usually just as economical to ship by air as it is by ocean carrier—and it will get there quicker as air freight.
At the other end of the scale, shipments weighing over 100 kg are expensive to transport as air freight. Ocean shipping from China to Canada will usually be less costly—but slower.
If the weight of your consignment is 35 kg or less, you should contact international couriers for quotes. Freight forwarders don’t typically handle shipments under this weight.
How long does it take to ship goods from China to Canada by sea
We’ve listed several sample ocean shipping times between China and Canada below:
· Chiwan to Montreal—29 days FCL
· Dalian to Montreal—33 days LCL
· Ningbo to Toronto—23 days FCL
· Qingdao to Montreal or Toronto—36 days FCL
· Shanghai to Montreal—29 days FCL
· Shanghai to Toronto—29 days FCL, 33 days LCL
· Shanghai to Vancouver—17 days FCL
· Tianjin to Montreal—36 days FCL
· Xiamen to Montreal—27 days FCL
· Zhongshan to Toronto—36 days FCL
· Zhongshan to Vancouver—27 days LCL
How Long Does It Take to Ship Cargo by Air From China to Canada
Please see a few sample air shipping times below:
· Guangzhou to Toronto— 6 days
· Shanghai to Toronto—5 days
· Shanghai to Winnipeg—6 days
· Shenzhen or Xiamen to Toronto—8 days
· Shenzhen to Vancouver—1 day
To get an accurate estimate of the transit time for your specific shipment, it’s recommended to consult with the Basenton shipping company. They can provide you with more detailed information based on your cargo, route, and chosen shipping service. Keep in mind that while sea freight offers cost savings compared to air freight, it generally requires longer lead times, so proper planning is essential to ensure your goods arrive when needed.



Customs Clearance in China and Canada
Whether you choose to move your goods by air or ocean, there’s one constant with all international shipping—the need for your consignment to clear customs. The rules and regulations are confusing for novice and experienced shippers alike. For that reason, many companies choose to hire the services of a freight forwarder to navigate the complexities. A forwarder will help minimize the chances of delays affecting your cargo, and will ensure your consignment complies with Chinese and Canadian shipping laws.
Even with a forwarder to assist though, your business will need to supply vital information required to complete shipping documentation. These documents include:
· A Commercial Invoice
· A Packing List
· A Certificate of Origin
· A Letter of Credit or other payment terms (depends on the contract between the parties involved)
· An Airway Bill for air cargo or a Bill of Lading for ocean freight (Basenton can sort these out for you)
· Customs officials usually require all the above documents and sometimes permits, certificates, and licenses too. Your forwarder will advise you of the documents you must supply.
To ensure a successful customs clearance process in both China and Canada, It is recommended to work closely with an experienced Bassenton Freight Forwarding logistics professional.
sea freight from china to canada
sea freight from China to Canada offers an effective way to move large quantities of goods across the vast Pacific expanse. While it requires careful planning and consideration of various factors, its benefits in terms of cost-effectiveness and capacity make it a preferred choice for many businesses engaged in international trade. As global commerce continues to thrive, sea freight remains a steady vessel in the ever-evolving landscape of logistics. Basenton’s goal is to make it easier for businesses of all types to import into Canada from China. You can rely on us to manage customs clearance processes and services.