International
Shipping Guide
Shipping Guide
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.
Learn More
