Canada
CA · CAN
As of: 7/19/2026
Rohstoff- und Handelsnation mit Pazifik- und Atlantik-Gateways (Vancouver, Montreal); enge USMCA-Integration mit den USA
Capital: Ottawa
USMCA (CUSMA)SeaAirRailRoadInland WaterwayImport VAT: Einfuhr-GST 5 Prozent (Bundessteuer) auf Zollwert plus ZollCustoms: niedrig bis mittelRisk: niedrigPharma/Cold Chain: mittel bis hochDangerous Goods: mittelE-Commerce: hoch
Overview
Canada (CA) stretches from the Pacific to the Atlantic and is a resource-rich trading nation serving as a North American gateway: the Pacific ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert, Halifax on the Atlantic and Montreal on the St. Lawrence River connect world markets with the USMCA internal market. Canada forms the CUSMA free trade area with the US and Mexico; CETA with the EU, CPTPP in the Pacific region and the Canada-EFTA agreement with Switzerland also apply. CBSA customs clearance runs electronically through CARM, Canada's permanent system for customs accounting and duty payment since 1 January 2026. Import GST is 5 percent; several provinces instead levy HST of 13 to 15 percent. The main cargo airports are Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR) and Montreal-Trudeau (YUL); the largest port is Vancouver with around 3.5 million TEU. Key corridors are the Windsor–Quebec corridor (Highway 401), the Trans-Canada Highway and the transcontinental rail networks of CN and CPKC with the Asia gateway Prince Rupert–Chicago. Main exports are crude oil and natural gas, grain, timber and metals; the most important trading partners are the US, China and Japan.
Mentioned countries
Area9,984,670 km²
Population41,500,000
CurrencyCanadian Dollar (CAD)
Economic areaUSMCA (CUSMA)
ContinentNorth America
ReligionsChristentum, Islam, Hinuismus
ISO codeCA / CAN
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)Import system
Elektronische Abwicklung über das CBSA-System CARM (seit Oktober 2024 obligatorisch). Importeure benötigen eine CRA-Business-Number und ein CARM-Client-Portal-Konto; Einreihung nach dem Canada Customs Tariff.
Export system
Ausfuhrmeldungen über das Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS) der CBSA; je nach Ziel und Ware sind Ausfuhrgenehmigungen (Export Permits, Controlled Goods) erforderlich.
Import VAT
- Einfuhr-GST 5 Prozent (Bundessteuer) auf Zollwert plus Zoll
- in mehreren Provinzen stattdessen harmonisierte HST (13 bis 15 Prozent). Registrierte Unternehmen können die Vorsteuer geltend machen.
Customs complexityniedrig bis mittel
Import documents
- Handelsrechnung (Canada Customs Invoice)
- Packliste
- Konnossement / Luftfrachtbrief
- Ursprungsnachweis (CUSMA/CETA/CPTPP)
- Einfuhrbewilligungen (je nach Ware)
Export documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Konnossement / Luftfrachtbrief
- Ausfuhrmeldung (CERS)
- Ursprungserklärung (FTA)
- Export Permit (kontrollierte Güter)
Origin proofs / FTA
Ursprungserklärung des Ausführers nach CUSMA, CETA und CPTPP (Selbstzertifizierung, kein EUR.1). Für die Schweiz relevant: Canada-EFTA-Freihandelsabkommen, in Kraft seit 2009.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Beschränkungen und Verbote u.a. für Waffen, gewisse Lebensmittel und Pflanzen (CFIA), Gefahrgut und bestimmte Konsumgüter; Cannabis und einzelne Güter unterliegen Sondervorschriften.
Export controls & sanctions
Exportkontrolle über die Export and Import Permits Act (Export Control List, Area Control List); Sanktionen via SEMA und Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Global Affairs Canada).
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Americas) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments to the Americas. Depending on the destination, additional security filings, product requirements, or broker processes may apply.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Transport documents (AWB / Bill of Lading) depending on mode
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin)
- Import clearance in destination country (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; duties/taxes according to classification and value
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Air
highSea
highRoad
highRail
highInland Waterway
mediumCargo airports
- Toronto Pearson (YYZ)
- Vancouver (YVR)
- Montreal-Trudeau (YUL)
- Calgary (YYC)
- Hamilton (YHM, Frachtdrehkreuz)
Seaports / access ports
- Vancouver (grösster Hafen, ca. 3,5 Mio. TEU)
- Montreal (St.-Lorenz-Strom)
- Prince Rupert (kürzeste Asien-Route)
- Halifax (Atlantik-Gateway)
- Saint John
Inland ports & terminals
- Montreal (St.-Lorenz-Seeweg)
- Thunder Bay (Grosse Seen)
- Hamilton (Grosse Seen)
Road corridors & border crossings
- Trans-Canada Highway
- Windsor–Quebec-Korridor (Highway 401)
- Grenzkorridore zu den USA (Detroit–Windsor, Pacific Highway)
Rail corridors
- CN transkontinental
- CPKC (Canadian Pacific Kansas City) transkontinental
- Asien-Gateway Prince Rupert–Chicago
Top trade lanes
- Kanada–USA
- Kanada–China
- Transpazifik (Asien)
- Kanada–EU (CETA)
- Kanada–Japan
Risk & Operational Notes
Logistics riskniedrig
Customs delay riskniedrig bis mittel
Port congestion riskmittel
Risk notes
Stabiles Umfeld; punktuelle Risiken durch Arbeitskonflikte an Westküstenhäfen und im Schienenverkehr sowie durch die US-Handelspolitik (CUSMA-Review, Zolldrohungen).
Seasonal & weather risks
Harte Winter: Eis und teilweise Schliessung des St.-Lorenz-Seewegs (etwa Januar–März), Schneestürme und Kältewellen können Strasse, Schiene und Luftfracht verzögern.
Current logistics notes
CARM ist seit 1.1.2026 Kanadas permanentes Zollsystem: Die Business-Number des Zollagenten kann nicht mehr zur Warenfreigabe genutzt werden, Importeure brauchen ein eigenes CARM-Konto mit eigener Finanzsicherheit (RPP); die Kulanzfrist für Verzugszinsen/Strafen endete am 31.1.2026. Keine landesweite Hafen- oder Bahnstörung verifiziert; der Westküsten-Arbeitskonflikt von 2024 ist seit Juni 2025 beigelegt. (Stand 2026-07-19)
As of: 2026-07-19
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Public holidays
As of: Jul 19, 2026
| Date | Holiday | Type | Customs closed | Transport affected | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 | New Year's Day | National | |||
| Apr 3, 2026 | Good Friday | National | |||
| Apr 6, 2026 | Easter Monday | National | |||
| May 18, 2026 | Victoria Day | National | |||
| Jul 1, 2026 | Canada Day | National | National holiday: government offices, banks and most businesses closed; reduced handling at ports and terminals. | ||
| Sep 7, 2026 | Labour Day | National | |||
| Sep 30, 2026 | National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | National | |||
| Oct 12, 2026 | Thanksgiving Day | National | |||
| Nov 11, 2026 | Remembrance Day | National | |||
| Dec 25, 2026 | Christmas Day | National | Nationwide business closures; heavily reduced capacity at ports, airports and terminals over the holiday period. | ||
| Dec 26, 2026 | Boxing Day | National |
New Year's Day
Jan 1, 2026
Customs closed
Good Friday
Apr 3, 2026
Customs closed
Easter Monday
Apr 6, 2026
Customs closed
Victoria Day
May 18, 2026
Customs closed
Canada Day
Jul 1, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
National holiday: government offices, banks and most businesses closed; reduced handling at ports and terminals.
Labour Day
Sep 7, 2026
Customs closed
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Sep 30, 2026
Customs closed
Thanksgiving Day
Oct 12, 2026
Customs closed
Remembrance Day
Nov 11, 2026
Customs closed
Christmas Day
Dec 25, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Nationwide business closures; heavily reduced capacity at ports, airports and terminals over the holiday period.
Boxing Day
Dec 26, 2026
Customs closed
Sources: Canada Revenue Agency (canada.ca)
Tolls & charges
As of: Jul 19, 2026
Highway 407 ETR (Ontario)
TollOperator: 407 ETR Concession Company
from 5 tRegistration requiredOBU required
truck, articulated
Canada has no national truck tolling system; the main tolled route is Highway 407 ETR in the Greater Toronto Area. Fully electronic distance-based toll with time-of-day zones; vehicles over 5 t must carry a transponder. Heavy multi-unit trucks pay roughly 3–4 times the light-vehicle rate in 2026 (light vehicles approx. CAD 0.28–0.62/km), plus a trip charge of approx. CAD 1.10. Individual bridge/border tolls also apply (e.g. Confederation Bridge, US border bridges).
Sources: 407 ETR (offizieller Betreiber)
Airports in this country
Calgary International Airport
YYC · Calgary
Edmonton International Airport
YEG · Edmonton
Halifax / Stanfield International Airport
YHZ · Halifax
Montreal / Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport
YUL · Montréal
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
YOW · Ottawa
Quebec Jean Lesage International Airport
YQB · Quebec
St. John's International Airport
YYT · St. John's
Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport
YYZ · Toronto
Vancouver International Airport
YVR · Vancouver
Winnipeg / James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
YWG · Winnipeg
Abbotsford International Airport
YXX · Abbotsford
Alert Airport
YLT · Alert
Seaports in this country
Canaport (St. John)
CA CPT · Large
Halifax
CA HAL · Large
Montreal
CA MTR · Large
Vancouver
CA VAN · Large
Argentia
CA NWP · Medium
Hamilton
CA HAM · Medium
New Westminster
CA NWE · Medium
Pond Inlet
CA PDI · Medium
Port Hawkesbury
CA PHW · Medium
Prince Rupert
CA PRR · Medium
Quebec
CA QUE · Medium
Sept Iles
CA SEI · Medium
Latest News
More content for this country
As content becomes available, additional information and articles will automatically appear here.
Sources & Data Confidence
hochVerified: 2026-07-19
Official sources
- cbsa-asfc.gc.ca, canada.ca, statcan.gc.ca, international.gc.ca
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
Which customs system does Canada use?
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) processes commercial imports through CARM, which has been mandatory since October 2024. Importers need a CRA business number and a CARM Client Portal account.
What is the import tax (GST) in Canada?
Imports are subject to a 5 percent GST on the customs value plus duty. Several provinces instead apply the harmonized HST of 13 to 15 percent. Registered businesses can recover the input tax.
Does Switzerland benefit from an agreement with Canada?
Yes. The Canada-EFTA free trade agreement has been in force since 2009 and covers Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It mainly concerns goods; origin is proven by an origin declaration.
What are the most important ports in Canada?
Vancouver is the largest and most diversified port (around 3.5 million TEU), followed by Montreal on the St. Lawrence River, Prince Rupert (shortest route to Asia) and Halifax as the main Atlantic gateway.
Which free trade agreements does Canada have?
The most important include CUSMA (with the US and Mexico, since 2020), CETA with the EU (since 2017), CPTPP in the Pacific region (since 2018) and the Canada-EFTA agreement with Switzerland.
What seasonal risks exist in Canadian logistics?
In winter, ice and the partial closure of the St. Lawrence Seaway (roughly January to March), as well as snowstorms and cold spells, can delay road, rail and air freight. Labour disputes at the ports may also occur.
Which trade partners are important for Canada?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Canada?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
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