Your guide to shipping products from Hong Kong to Canada

Canadian businesses can find importing products from Hong Kong to Canada to be a lucrative venture.

However, shipping these products internationally can often be an intimidating task.

This guide will discuss the cheapest shipping options available for businesses importing goods from Hong Kong to Canada. We will also introduce Wise, an international payments platform that helps save you time and money on your transactions.

What is the essential know-how on exporting goods from Hong Kong to Canada?

Before exploring the cheapest shipping options, you should understand the essential requirements and regulations for importing goods from Hong Kong to Canada.

What are the popular shipping routes from Hong Kong to Canada?

Businesses typically use the ports of Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal for shipping routes from Hong Kong to Canada. these ports offer efficient and reliable services for sea freight shipments.

Vancouver, for example, is 19,727 nautical miles from Hong Kong. At a speed of 10 knots, it would take 82.2 days at sea to make it from Hong Kong, but at 40 knots, it takes only 20.5 days at sea.¹

For air freight, the main airports used for shipping from Hong Kong to Canada are Toronto Pearson International Airport and Vancouver International Airport, which can vary significantly in speed based on a variety of factors. Consult with shippers near you to find the best course for your budget.

What are the essential requirements for shipping goods from Hong Kong to Canada?

1. Commercial Invoice: Provides information about the shipment, such as quantity, description, value, and origin. It is required for customs clearance and must be provided by the business.
2. Bill of Lading: Issued by the shipping company. Serves as a receipt of goods and contract of carriage. It should be provided by the supplier or shipping company.
3. Air Waybill: Issued by the airline for goods shipped by air. It serves as a contract of carriage and must be provided by the supplier or shipping company.
4. Packing List: A detailed list of items included in the shipment, along with their quantities and weight.
5. Certificate of Origin: Some products may require a certificate of origin to prove they were manufactured in Hong Kong.
6. Import Permit/License: Certain goods may require an import permit or license from the Canadian government before they can be imported.
7. Taxes and Fees: Canadian businesses importing goods from Hong Kong are subject to taxes and fees, including GST/HST, customs duties, excise taxes, and other charges.
8. Insurance Certificate: It is recommended to have insurance for your shipment in case of any damages or loss.²

Are there any restrictions on shipping goods from Hong Kong to Canada?

Some products cannot be shipped from Hong Kong to Canada, including:

• Cannabis
• Food, plants, animals, and other products that pose a risk to Canada’s safety
• Endangered species in part or whole

Permits might be required for:

• Prescription drugs and health products
• Objects with cultural and/or historical significance
• Explosives, fireworks, and ammunition

You will also need to declare weapons and firearms on entering Canada.³

Some shipping companies may also have restrictions on certain products, so it is best to check with the selected carrier before shipping.

What are the typical costs of shipping goods from Hong Kong to Canada?

The cost of shipping goods from Hong Kong to Canada can vary depending on several factors, like those listed above. the currency conversion rate and intermediary bank fees for international payments in the SWIFT network also play a role in determining shipping costs.

To give you an idea, container unloading service LumperHQ reports that shipping a container can cost between $1,200 and $2,800 for each 40-foot container you ship, depending on the destination and if you’re shipping from/delivering to a port or location.⁴

How to reduce costs on transactions between Hong Kong and Canada

When it comes to international transactions, the exchange rate and banking fees can significantly impact your costs.

To reduce these costs, consider a multi-currency business account such as Wise. With Wise, you can hold multiple currencies in one account and make payments directly from that currency without converting it first. This means you can avoid costly currency conversion fees.

By already having the recipient's local currency in your Wise account, you can save even more on transaction fees. When sending money through traditional banks or payment providers, your funds often go through multiple intermediary banks, each charging fees. With Wise, your money goes directly to the recipient's account, avoiding these unnecessary charges.

To top it off, Wise offers the mid-market exchange rate — the same one you often see on Google — without any added markups or conversion fees. This ensures that you are getting the most competitive exchange rate for your transactions.

Shipping companies for exporting from Hong Kong to Canada

Frieghtos

Freightos is a digital freight forwarder that offers instant quotes and bookings for international shipments. they cater to businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large corporations.

Average Shipping Costs

Shipping Times

DHL

DHL is a global logistics company that provides express shipping services to businesses in various industries, including retail, manufacturing, and e-commerce.

They currently offer 3 export services, which we will explain in their words:

• DHL Express Worldwide: Offers an end-of-business-day delivery service around the world for pieces up to 70 kg and shipments up to 3,000 kg .
• DHL Express 12:00: You will receive your shipments before 12 noon on the next possible business day. Offers a money-back guarantee and allows for pieces up to 70 kg and shipments up to 300 kg.
• DHL Express 9:00: Offers delivery before 9:00 (10:30 to the USA) on lanes that guarantee a next or second-business-day delivery. Features a money-back guarantee* and is suitable for pieces up to 30 kg and shipments up to 300 kg.

Here’s what these services look like in practice:

Surcharges And Customs Fees to pay with DHL

ShipBob

ShipBob is a global e-commerce fulfillment company that offers shipping services for businesses looking to export products from Hong Kong to Canada. they specialize in fulfilling orders for small and medium-sized businesses.

ShipBob’s pricing is catered to you and requires your information to access. You can learn about your custom rate by filling out a form here.

Essential local know-how when shipping from Hong Kong to Canada

In Hong Kong, there are 17 public holidays throughout the year, which may affect the operation hours of logistics providers. It is important to take note of these dates when scheduling your shipments. Similarly, Canada has 10 federal holidays that may impact shipping times.

Conclusion

Importing products from Hong Kong to Canada can be a profitable business move for Canadian businesses. With the right shipping options and international payment platform, you can save time and money while expanding your product offerings.

With its easy-to-use platform and excellent customer support, Wise is the ideal partner for your importing needs. Don't let expensive shipping costs stop your business growth. Sign up with Wise today and start saving on your international transactions.

Sources verified on 20 June 2024