Moving to Canada

Details: Last Updated: 08 February 2019

Moving to Canada

What you need to know when moving to Canada

The team at Transworld International Removals will make your move to Canada seamless and stress-free. Whether you're moving your whole household or just a few items to Canada, we can arrange the whole process.

We handle all the major logistics right down to the finer details, and are on hand to answer any questions you may have. Our services cover the whole of Canada via both East and West Coast ports.

For your move to Canada, we’ve put together useful tips and advice around:

Shipping options
Canadian Customs
What you can and can't take

Shipping your personal belongings: your options

Shipping your effects to Canada can be quite cost-effective, when compared with replacing locally. Plus of course, you will have items of a personal or sentimental value which are literally irreplaceable.

Whether you are shipping to Toronto, Vancouver or anywhere else in Canada, Transworld can help you every step of the way.

When shipping to Canada, consider the following options:

SEA FREIGHT

FCL - Full container load

Transworld operates regular FCL shipping services to all major Canadian ports and cities.

If you are shipping a full household you’ll probably need either a 20’ or 40’ sole-use container (FCL).

Depending on the access to your home and Council approval, the container may be able to be loaded at your residence, sealed and taken directly to port for shipping on first available vessel.

In Canada, your shipment will be delivered to residence by our local partners, for unloading, unwrapping of furniture, and unpacking of cartons

Groupage: for when you're happy to share the load

For those with a small household or just looking to ship a few items, groupage shipping is the answer.

This way you share a container with other clients moving to the same destination. Groupage is an economical way of shipping, as you only pay for the space you use. Keep in mind, this service may take a little longer while we wait to fill the container for your destination but it is a very cost effective option.

Transworld regularly ships groupage containers to Vancouver and Toronto.

Air Freight

Air Freight is the fastest option, though the most expensive. Ideal if you’re not taking a lot, or for those extra items you’ll need soon after your arrival.

How long will shipping take?

FCL: Approximately 6-7 weeks via Vancouver or 8-9 weeks via Toronto.
Groupage: Approximately 12-16 weeks via Vancouver or 16-20 weeks via Toronto.
Air Freight: Approximately 2-3 weeks.

Want to know how much shipping to Canada costs? Get a free quote!

We'll guide you through Customs formalities

Under Canadian law, you need to be in Canada when your shipment arrives, and will need to be present at the Customs office to clear your shipment.

We take care of:

Making sure you have all the paperwork you need to complete.
Advising you which CBSA office (Canada Border Services Agency) you need to attend to clear your shipment.

What you need to do:

Complete Form BSF186 before your arrival in Canada. This is essentially a full list of the goods you plan to ship, including value, make, model and serial number (where applicable). Those belongings which have been used for 6 months or more prior to shipping can be brought in duty-free.
You need to bring your current passport, visa and residency documents to facilitate Customs clearance.

As there are certain items, such as jewellery, which require a full description, we recommend you study the Customs website before you prepare to pack.

What you can and can't ship to Canada

Prohibited and restricted items

When relocating to Canada it's wise to take into account their shipping restrictions, as there are strict regulations you need to be aware of.

Items which are restricted or prohibited include:

Health products and medicines.
Fruits and vegetables. Avoid shipping food because of the additional clearance process and costs. If you do, expect delays.
There is no restriction on alcohol but taxes will apply, and each province has their own process for importation.
Anything contaminated with soil.

These requirements can change frequently, so if you have any questions, give us a ring, we're happy to help!

Bringing firearms and weapons into Canada

If you're planning on shipping firearms or weapons into Canada, there are several things you need to do:

Declare them. Make sure our team is aware so they can be included in the inventory of your items.
Obtain a permit before shipment, which can be obtained from the Canadian Firearms Centre, Ottawa.
Provided you have a permit, your firearm can be included in your shipment.

Shipping motor vehicles to Canada

Because of its harsh conditions, Canada has strict safety regulations for motor vehicles. Each province also has its own licencing and importing regulations for vehicles, so we recommend contacting your soon-to-be local authority. Before you prepare to ship your car, make sure you have met these requirements:

Ensure your car complies with Canadian standards. You can see details of these requirements here.
You are carrying proof of vehicle ownership when you clear Customs.
You are carrying your passport when you clear Customs.

Bringing your pets to Canada

There are no quarantine restrictions in Canada, which makes bringing your pet on your move to Canada a whole lot easier.

Pet dogs do not have to be quarantined, nor do they need a microchip. All dogs must have the necessary vaccinations (with certificates) according to their age. Your dog will undergo an inspection upon arrival, for which a small fee applies.
Pet cats must be accompanied by a rabies vaccination certificate, or a veterinary certificate which declares the cat is from a recognised rabies-free country.
For other pets, some restrictions may apply. Give us a call and the Transworld team will be happy to help!

Our comprehensive Transworld service

Here at Transworld, we pride ourselves on our door-to-door service that takes care of your shipping needs at every step of the journey.

We handle the packing of your goods, the shipping, a smooth transition through Customs and safe delivery to your new home in Canada.

Throughout the process, you will have your own allocated Transworld member on hand to keep you updated, answer your questions and make sure your move is stress-free.