Shipping times to Canada can vary. Shipping groupage in a shared container takes longer than shipping a full container load as different customers shipments need to be consolidated to fill one container.

NB: These are approximate sea freight shipping times to ports in Canada only. You will need to allow additional time for customs clearance and final delivery to your destination.

Usually our groupage transits for Canada are via Toronto. From there they will be forwarded on to your final destination and delivered to your address in Canada.

PSS always aims to get your parcel delivered on time, every time no matter what size your load is. However, it pays to be aware of Canada’s public holidays when planning your move. You can view upcoming public holidays on the Canadian government website. You should also be aware of any localised disruptions or conditions that might affect the timing of your parcel delivery.

No matter whether you are taking one, a few or even multiple boxes to Canada then our box shipping service is the best way for you to ship your boxes.

We provide boxes and packaging materials and deliver them to your address in the UK.

You then pack all your personal possessions or household items and call us when you are ready for them to be collected.

There are three shipping options for your boxes. The method you choose depends on shipping costs to Canada and urgency.

1. Sea Freight: your boxes are sent in a shared shipping container with other people’s boxes and belongings moving to Canada. This is the cheapest, but the slowest method.
2. Air Freight: If you need your belongings to arrive sooner then air freight can be a good option.
3. Express Air Freight: If your shipment is needed very urgently then express air freight is the best option, however, this will be more expensive.

Your dedicated Move Manager will help you with all the required paperwork and answer any questions you have.

You can then take time to enjoy a stop-over on your journey home to Canada whilst we take care of transporting your boxes.

Our partner company in Canada will notify you when your ship arrives, take care of customs clearance and deliver your boxes at a time that’s convenient for you.

They can also arrange storage for you if you are not yet ready to take delivery.

Addressing a package to Canada is similar to UK address formatting. You’ll need to include the recipient’s full name, followed by the street and area address. On the next line, add the city name, the two-letter Canadian province abbreviation, and the postal code in the format A1A 1A1. Be sure to write “CANADA” in capital letters on the last line to indicate the destination country clearly. Don’t forget to include a UK return address on the back of the envelope or parcel for added security.

Take a look at this international posting guide for Canada for full details on how to label your belongings, or talk to one of our team for full advice.

Canada has some strict rules about what can and cannot be imported. This includes the usual contraband that you might expect, but can also cover consumer goods allowed in some countries but banned in Canada for health and safety reasons.

It is therefore important you check the Canada Border Services Agency website to avoid problems when your goods arrive.

Even for restricted goods inspection fees can apply

Restricted Exports to Canada where regulatory requirement is required:

• Baby gates
• Car seats
• Cribs, cradles and bassinets
• Hockey helmets and face protectors
• Lighters
• Playpens
• Strollers
• Endangered animal fur, skins, tusks, ivory etc. (With CITES certificate)
• Firearms, ammunition and accessories
• Knives and daggers (even for sport)
• Martial art swords or weapons

Prohibited Exports to Canada:

• Baby walkers
• Balloon blowing kits
• Drugs, narcotics and stimulants
• Infant self-feeding devices
• Jequirity beans
• Lawn darts with elongated tips
• Plants
• Relight candles
• Yo-Yo balls with long cords
• Original pine cones or any plant matter used for Christmas decorations or wreaths
• Raw untreated wood or bark
• Endangered animal fur, skins, tusks or ivory (without CITES certificate)

Artwork and Antiques

If the artwork/item is over 100 years old proof of age will be required. The shipping of such items are eligible for duty free entry.

Please note: antiques and artwork imported into Canada for resale are subject to different regulations.

If you’re an immigrant or a returning resident who has lived outside Canada for at least 12 months, you may be eligible to import your personal and household belongings duty- and tax-free under Canada’s customs exemptions.

However, items mailed to Canada may still be subject to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and/or import duties. Unless specifically exempt, a 5% GST generally applies to items imported by mail.

To assist with your move, we recommend downloading and carefully reviewing our FIDI Customs Guide

All goods entering Canada are subject to Duty and Tax. however a personal or household effects shipment will qualify for free entry of Duty and Tax if:

• Your goods have been owned and used for 12 months or more by you.
• You are a first time immigrant who is taking up residency for a period of longer than 12 months.
• You are a returning Canadian Citizen who has been living outside of Canada for 12 months or more. Individual items with a value of $10,000 or higher will be subject to duty and tax

To help you, we recommend you download and carefully read our FIDI Customs Guide

Once your goods have been released by the Canadian customs, we will contact you to arrange a suitable delivery day.

Once we’ve received clearance of your goods, we will either deliver your sea freight container directly to your new home or it will be delivered in a separate vehicle. This all depends on the type of shipment you are sending. Our unloading crew will place your items in the rooms of your choice and unwrap and remove the packing material from any furniture.

It is highly advisable to take out maritime shipping insurance or shipment protection cover before you ship your personal effects or household goods to Canada.

Although it is doubtful to experience problems when shipping items from the UK to Canada, it is still wise to have shipment protection cover when sending goods overseas, especially for items of significant financial value.

PSS International offers very flexible Shipment Protection Plans. You can cover your whole shipment or choose the individual items you wish to cover.

Your PSS Move Manager can explain the different options available and guide you through completing the Shipment Protection Valuation form.