Canada is one of Vietnam's fastest-growing export markets, and it has a major advantage over the US for many products: both countries are members of the CPTPP, which removes or reduces import duties on most goods. Here is how to get your cargo there efficiently.
Main shipping routes
| Route | Best for | Indicative transit |
|---|---|---|
| Sea to Vancouver | British Columbia, Alberta, Western Canada | ~20–28 days port to port |
| Sea to Prince Rupert + rail | Fast rail connection to the interior | ~20–25 days + rail |
| Sea to Vancouver + rail | Toronto, Montreal (Ontario, Quebec) | ~30–40 days door |
| Air to Toronto / Vancouver | Urgent and high-value goods | ~5–9 days door |
Canadian customs basics
- CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) clears all imports.
- Carriers and forwarders must submit advance data through ACI eManifest before arrival.
- Importers need a CRA business number with an import-export account and must use the CARM portal to account for and pay duties and GST/HST.
- Non-resident importers (NRI) can import under DDP with the right registration, so your Canadian buyer receives goods with nothing to pay.
How CPTPP can lower your duties
Under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, many Vietnamese goods enter Canada at reduced or zero duty. To claim the benefit:
- Confirm the product meets the CPTPP rules of origin for its tariff line.
- Provide a valid certification of origin (CPTPP allows certification by the exporter, producer or importer).
- Make sure the goods are shipped in a way that preserves origin (no processing in a non-member country).
Duty savings under CPTPP can be significant for garments, footwear, furniture and seafood — check the Canadian tariff line for your HS code before pricing.
Taxes to budget for
Besides duty, imports pay GST (5%) and, in some provinces, provincial sales tax combined as HST. Under DDP these are included in your landed cost.
Common pitfalls
- Missing or incomplete origin certification — duty is charged at the full rate.
- Commercial invoice lacking the information CBSA requires (buyer, seller, country of origin, HS code, value).
- Underestimating rail transit to Eastern Canada in winter.
We ship from Vietnam and Cambodia to every Canadian province under DDP or DDU. See USA & Canada shipping or get a quote to Canada.