Country profile
Canada
CA · CANAs of: 7/19/2026Raw materials and trading nation with Pacific and Atlantic gateways (Vancouver, Montreal); close USMCA integration with the USA
Canada is a resource-rich trading nation with gateways to the Pacific (Vancouver, Prince Rupert), the Atlantic (Halifax) and via the St. Lawrence River (Montreal). Vancouver is the largest port (around 3.5 million TEU). Customs is processed electronically through the CBSA system CARM, mandatory since October 2024. Import GST is 5 percent. Canada is integrated through CUSMA, CETA and CPTPP; for Switzerland the Canada-EFTA agreement (since 2009) is relevant.
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
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)Import system
Electronic processing via the CBSA system CARM (mandatory since October 2024). Importers need a CRA Business Number and a CARM Client Portal account; classification under the Canada Customs Tariff.
Export system
Export declarations via the Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS) of the CBSA; depending on destination and goods, export permits (Export Permits, Controlled Goods) are required.
Import VAT
- Import GST 5 percent (federal tax) on customs value plus duty
- in several provinces, the harmonized HST (13 to 15 percent) applies instead. Registered businesses can claim input tax credits.
Import documents
- Commercial invoice (Canada Customs Invoice)
- Packing list
- Bill of lading / air waybill
- Proof of origin (CUSMA/CETA/CPTPP)
- Import permits (depending on goods)
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading / air waybill
- Export declaration (CERS)
- Origin declaration (FTA)
- Export permit (controlled goods)
Origin proofs / FTA
Exporter's origin declaration under CUSMA, CETA and CPTPP (self-certification, no EUR.1). Relevant for Switzerland: Canada-EFTA Free Trade Agreement, in force since 2009.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Restrictions and prohibitions, including for weapons, certain foods and plants (CFIA), dangerous goods and certain consumer goods; cannabis and individual goods are subject to special rules.
Export controls & sanctions
Export control under the Export and Import Permits Act (Export Control List, Area Control List); sanctions via SEMA and the 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
Cargo airports
- Toronto Pearson (YYZ)
- Vancouver (YVR)
- Montreal-Trudeau (YUL)
- Calgary (YYC)
- Hamilton (YHM, Frachtdrehkreuz)
Seaports / access ports
Inland ports & terminals
- Montreal (St. Lawrence Seaway)
- Thunder Bay (Great Lakes)
- Hamilton (Great Lakes)
Road corridors & border crossings
- Trans-Canada Highway
- Windsor–Quebec corridor (Highway 401)
- Border corridors to the USA (Detroit–Windsor, Pacific Highway)
Rail corridors
- CN transcontinental
- CPKC (Canadian Pacific Kansas City) transcontinental
- Asia gateway Prince Rupert–Chicago
Top trade lanes
- Canada–USA
- Canada–China
- Trans-Pacific (Asia)
- Canada–EU (CETA)
- Canada–Japan
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Stable environment; isolated risks from labour disputes at West Coast ports and in rail transport, as well as from US trade policy (CUSMA review, tariff threats).
Seasonal & weather risks
Harsh winters: ice and partial closure of the St. Lawrence Seaway (approximately January–March), snowstorms and cold waves can delay road, rail and air freight.
Current logistics notes
CARM has been Canada's permanent customs system since 1.1.2026: the customs agent's Business Number can no longer be used for goods release; importers need their own CARM account with their own financial security (RPP); the grace period for late-payment interest and penalties ended on 31.1.2026. No nationwide port or rail disruption verified; the 2024 West Coast labour dispute has been resolved since June 2025. (As of 2026-07-19)
As of: 2026-07-19
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Public holidays
| 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
Good Friday
Apr 3, 2026
Easter Monday
Apr 6, 2026
Victoria Day
May 18, 2026
Canada Day
Jul 1, 2026
National holiday: government offices, banks and most businesses closed; reduced handling at ports and terminals.
Labour Day
Sep 7, 2026
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Sep 30, 2026
Thanksgiving Day
Oct 12, 2026
Remembrance Day
Nov 11, 2026
Christmas Day
Dec 25, 2026
Nationwide business closures; heavily reduced capacity at ports, airports and terminals over the holiday period.
Boxing Day
Dec 26, 2026
Sources: Canada Revenue Agency (canada.ca)
Tolls & charges
Highway 407 ETR (Ontario)
TollOperator: 407 ETR Concession Company
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
Seaports in this country
Latest News
Sources & Data Confidence
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:
Next steps
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