International
Shipping Guide
With over 40 years of experience, you can rely on FedEx for all of your shipping needs. FedEx connects people and possibilities in more than 220 countries and territories around the globe.
With over 40 years of experience, you can rely on FedEx for all of your shipping needs. FedEx connects people and possibilities in more than 220 countries and territories around the globe.
With over 40 years of experience, you can rely on FedEx for all of your shipping needs. FedEx connects people and possibilities in more than 220 countries and territories around the globe.
How to Ship a Package to the
U.S. or Internationally
Canadian businesses have many opportunities to enter markets outside of Canada. There are a number of requirements and regulations to be aware of as you navigate this process and start selling and shipping your goods around the world.
Check Your Item(s)
Gather the Right Information
Find and Complete
Customs Documentation
Check Your Item(s)
In addition to complying with Canadian government regulations, you will need to comply with the regulations of the importing country.
International Shipping Restrictions
Check whether your items can be shipped by FedEx.
Country/Territory-Specific
Regulations
Review our country/territory profiles to find out where your items can be imported.
Dangerous
Goods
Learn more about classifying, packaging and shipping dangerous goods
Gather the Right Information
Shipment Description & Value
To determine the customs documentation required, you’ll need the following information:
- Complete description of item(s)
- Value of item(s)
- Destination Country
Shipment Details
To complete the customs documentation, you’ll need the following information
- Country of origin
- Harmonized Code (may be required)
- Number of packages and weight
Find and Complete Customs Documents
It’s important to send the right documentation with every international shipment.
Our online tools can help you find the information you need.
FedEx® Global Trade Manager
Get export and import documentation for more complex international shipments.
Harmonized System Code Search- Country Profiles
- Shipping Advisories
- Download and Complete Documents Online
FedEx® International Shipping Assist
Get what you need to complete export documentation quickly.
- Harmonized System Code Search
- Estimated Duties & Taxes
- Downloadable Customs Export Documents
Describing Items
A good description must answer the following questions:
- What is it?
- How many are there?
- What is it made from?
- What is the intended use?
| Poor Description | Good Description | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
"Parts" | |
“Two steel springs for woodworking machine.” |
|
"Gift" | |
"One men's knitted sweater (100% cotton) unsolicited gift.” |
|
"Samples" | |
“200 cm x 400 cm nylon carpet sample for demonstration." |
|
"Documents" | |
“30 pages of legal documents.” |
|
"Food" | |
"FOOD - One can of sliced peaches" |
|
"See Commercial Invoice" |
|
“Provide a good summary of all items. The description on the air waybill should be as detailed as possible." |
Valuing Items
The most common valuation method is the ‘transaction value method’. This basically means that the value of the goods on the Commercial Invoice must equal the value that the purchaser has paid for the goods.
For example, if a Canadian purchaser bought a computer from a U.S. vendor for USD$2000 then the vendor must indicate that value on the Commercial Invoice, even if the vendor’s cost to purchase was only USD$1000.
For the methods of valuation, please refer to the Customs D13 Series Memoranda. D13-3-1 provides an overview of the various valuation methods.
Choose Your Shipping Service
Choose Your Shipping Tool
Submit Your Customs
Documents Electronically
Choose Your Shipping Service
Ship packages and envelopes weighing up to 150 lbs. (68 kg)
FedEx Express® and FedEx Ground® international services* provide reliable delivery for your envelopes and packages to destinations across the border and around the globe.*
Ship Freight weighing more than 150 lbs. (68 kg)
FedEx Express® International Freight Services* provide reliable time-definite delivery for your palletized freight to the U.S. and 130 countries and territories around the world.*
Ship Less-than-Truckload (LTL) Freight
FedEx Freight® services provide reliable day-definite delivery for your palletized less-than-truckload freight to the U.S. and Mexico.**
Get Rates and Transit Times
Use this simple tool to obtain a rate quote and determine the expected delivery date and time for your shipment.
FedEx Express Supplies
Browse our packaging options, select the items that you need, and order your supplies online.
Choose Your Shipping Tool
Shipping with FedEx is fast and easy. We have solutions to fit every lifestyle, business and work environment.
Whether you’re on-the-go, at your office, or in a fast-paced setting, we have the right tool for your shipments.
FedEx Ship Manager™ Lite
For basic one-piece envelope or package shipments. FedEx Ship Manager Lite is the fastest way to create a shipping label and Commercial Invoice with or without a FedEx account.
FedEx Ship Manager™ Advanced
For multi-piece, freight, alcohol and dangerous goods shipments. Log in with your FedEx account to create a shipping label, Commercial Invoice and other customs forms.
For basic one-piece shipments, FedEx Ship Manager Lite is the fastest way to create a shipping label with or without a FedEx account✝.
— Fast, simple way to send a one-piece shipment in just a few easy steps.
— Pay with credit card or use your FedEx account.
— No need to create a user ID or login.
— Intuitive step-by-step screens provide pro-active help.
— Access and use your FedEx address book when you login and ship.
For multi-piece shipments or advanced shipping options, FedEx Ship Manager at fedex.ca is for you. A FedEx account is required.
— An advanced shipping tool that allows you to customize your shipping experience.
— Prepare shipping labels for multi-piece shipments to the same destination address.
— Create a return shipment and customizable reports.
— Access and use your FedEx address book.
— Ship dangerous goods and/or high value shipments. Some restrictions apply*.
Watch How-to Videos
Learn how to prepare your international shipments using FedEx Ship Manager.
Tips for Preparing International Documentation
Don't let international documentation slow down your cross-border shipments. Check out tips to help your shipments move across borders quickly and smoothly.
How to Create an International Shipment Online
Ready to ship across the border? Learn how to ship to the U.S. and overseas using FedEx Ship ManagerTM.
Submit Your Customs Documents Electronically
Enjoy a smoother customs clearance process when you submit your customs
documents electronically with FedEx Electronic Trade Documents.
Step 1
Go to FedEx Ship ManagerTM Advanced and click on the “Preferences” link to manage your shipping settings.
Step 2
Under “Customs Clearance Preferences”, select the checkbox for “Electronic Trade Documents” and accept the “Terms and Conditions.
Step 3
After accepting the “Terms and Conditions”, make sure to click “Save Changes”.
* Some restrictions apply. See the Terms and Conditions of the FedEx Service Guide for details.
** All less-than-truckload services are subject to the Terms and Conditions of the FedEx Freight® 100 Series Rules Tariff.
✝ FedEx Ship Manager Lite does have shipping limitations, which include no Dangerous Goods/Hazmat shipping, multiple-piece shipping, freight shipping, shipments requiring a B13A export declaration, items subject to be shipped with an export license, when Terms of Sale or Importer of Record need to be changed, packages over 150 lbs./68 kg, and items subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). For these advanced features, use FedEx Ship Manager Advanced.
Learn More
