How to Send a Parcel to Canada from the UK

08 May 2024 | Editor's Pick | Most Popular | Parcel Deliveries | Tips and Guides

Author: Parcel2Go.com

Sending a parcel to Canada doesn’t have to be daunting.

At Parcel2Go, we work with the UK’s most trusted couriers to make your international deliveries quick, cheap, and stress free.

Let’s take a look at how to send a parcel to Canada.

Canada Postal Strikes

With ongoing postal strikes in Canada, you might be concerned about your delivery. But don't worry - our UK to Canada delivery services are all running as usual and your parcel will arrive safely. And for extra peace of mind, you can track your parcel for free with any of our services.

How much is shipping to Canada?

Shipping to Canada from UK starts from just £15.99 with Parcel2Go (and you won't find a cheaper price anywhere else - that's a guarantee).

We compare quotes from the UK’s leading couriers such as DPD, Parcelforce and Royal Mail to make sure you’re not only getting the cheapest prices, but that you know your parcel will be in safe hands.

The cheapest way to send a parcel to Canada from UK is with our Evri Standard Parcelshop service. Get a quote today to see which other services are available to suit your budget.

How long does shipping take from the UK to Canada?

Our express international delivery services are great if you’re in a hurry. You can send a parcel to Canada in 1-3 days with one of these cost-effective services.

Before booking your UK shipping to Canada, it's a good idea to check their public holidays to avoid any delays. When you’re in a hurry, it’s always best to consider sending early because estimated delivery times don’t take into consideration any hold-ups that might occur in customs.

For extra peace of mind, every parcel booked with Parcel2Go gets FREE parcel tracking too, so you’ll know exactly when your parcel will arrive.

Which couriers ship to Canada?

You can send a parcel to Canada with popular international services such as Parcelforce, UPS, and FedEx, and can choose between drop-off or collection services. Compare all international couriers.

Parcel2Go keeps the cost of shipping to Canada low by comparing the prices of the UK’s most trusted couriers.

Does Evri ship to Canada?

Booking with Evri Standard Parcelshop through Parcel2Go is the cheapest way to send a parcel to Canada from UK.

Their super economy service starts from as low as £15.99 with delivery within ten working days. This convenient service allows you to drop your parcel off at one of over 7,500 drop-off shops across the UK.

Does Royal Mail ship to Canada?

Royal Mail’s International Tracked service costs just £19.30 and includes £50 of parcel protection.

Delivery is estimated within 6 working days, and you have the option of using the drop at shop service, or collection service.

What do I need to know about shipping to Canada?

These are the top three things to know about shipping to Canada.

1. Canadian Customs

Customs charges can add to the cost of shipping to Canada.

Unless your parcel meets strict exclusion criteria, you will need to pay duties, taxes, and VAT on all parcels sent to Canada. The VAT rate will be calculated depending on which state you are shipping to.

If you’re sending a gift:

• Your gift must be for personal, not commercial use

• If the gift is worth less than $60 CAD, you won’t pay any duty or tax

• If the gift is worth over $60 CAD you will need to pay duty and tax on the value above this amount

• You must include a card along with your parcel to show that it is a gift

• Check if your item qualifies as a gift

If your parcel is not a gift:

• If the contents of your parcel is worth less than $20 CAD, you won’t pay taxes or duties

• If the contents of your parcel is worth over $20 CAD up to $2,500 CAD, it will go through the normal customs process

• Check if your parcel qualifies for the under $20 exemption

If you are a business sender:

• If the parcel you are shipping to Canada from UK is not a gift and is worth over $20 CAD, the standard goods and services tax (GST) is 5% on most goods.

2. How are the charges for duties and tax paid?

Your recipient will need to pay the tax and duties when they receive their parcel.

The standard process for this is Cash on Delivery. It’s a good idea to let your recipient know that if there are charges, they will need to pay when they receive their parcel so that their package can be delivered with no delays.

3. Prohibited & restricted items

There are a few items which are prohibited or restricted to send to Canada. This list can sometimes change so we advise you check the official list each time you make a booking.

Some items that are prohibited to send to Canada are:

• Cosmetics

• Hand sanitizer

• Perfume

• Batteries and items containing built in batteries

• Food of any kind

• Liquids, creams, oils, wax, or gels

How to ship to Canada

It’s easy to send a parcel to Canada with Parcel2Go. Just follow these five easy steps.

Getting a quote for shipping to Canada from UK is the same as if you were sending a parcel a parcel from London to Manchester.

2. Choose your courier

We work with the UK’s most trusted parcel couriers such as Evri, Parcelforce, FedEx, and UPS to help you find the cheapest way to send a parcel to Canada from UK.

3. Pack your parcel securely

Your parcel will travel a long way, so you’ll want to make sure your items are safe and secure on their way to Canada.

• Pack your items in double- or triple- corrugated cardboard boxes. Where possible, buy new boxes.

• Make sure the box is big enough to fit your item comfortably with space to spare

• Wrap each item individually with bubble wrap

• Fill the space around your item with left-over bubble wrap, scrunched up newspaper, or packing foam

4. Address your label correctly

There are a few things you should know when writing your recipient's address:

• Canadian provinces are abbreviated to two letters, e.g. Quebec is QC

• You should write the city, province, and post code all on one line

• Print ‘CANADA’ in capital letters on the last line

This Canadian addressing guide is super helpful.

Don’t forget to include your name and address on the parcel. Parcels without a return address may be sent back to the UK.

5. Find your drop-off point

Most of our Canada couriers offer local drop-off services so you can enjoy the convenience of sending your parcel at a time and place that suits you. Find your nearest drop off point.