Why Cross-Border Shipping Matters for Canadian Sellers
If you sell through Amazon, Shopify, or Walmart, expanding into the U.S. market is one of the fastest ways to grow your eCommerce business.
However, shipping products from Canada to the USA involves customs clearance, documentation, and correct tariff codes — all of which must be handled accurately to avoid delays.
💡 Pro Tip: Work with an experienced fulfillment partner like Beta Prep Canada to manage the entire process, from documentation to final delivery.
Required Customs Documents (Commercial Invoice, HS Code, FDA, etc.)
When shipping goods from Canada to the U.S., the following documents are essential:
Commercial Invoice: Details product type, quantity, and value.
Packing List: Specifies box count, weight, and packaging details.
HS (Harmonized System) Code: Defines the product category for customs duty.
FDA Prior Notice (if applicable): Required for food, cosmetics, or health products.
Certificate of Origin (for NAFTA/USMCA): Determines tax exemption eligibility.
✅ Ensure that the exporter’s and importer’s details match across all documents to prevent customs rejection.
Shipping Options: UPS, DHL, and FedEx Compared
Choosing the right carrier can save you both time and cost.
| Carrier | Delivery Time | Customs Handling | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPS | 1–3 days | Excellent | Standard commercial shipments |
| DHL | 2–4 days | Good | International parcels under 20kg |
| FedEx | 1–2 days | Excellent | Express and Amazon-bound shipments |
🚚 Tip: For FBA shipments, choose FedEx Cross-Border Ground or UPS Express Saver for faster customs clearance and automated brokerage.
How to Ship FBA Inventory from Canada to the USA
Amazon sellers in Canada can send inventory directly to U.S. fulfillment centers using FBA Export or Cross-Border Fulfillment.
Steps include:
Create a shipment plan in Seller Central.
Choose “Ship to U.S. Fulfillment Center” as the destination.
Prepare units with FNSKU labels and cartons as per Amazon standards.
Submit customs documentation to your carrier.
Beta Prep Canada supports full FBA prep and forwarding to the U.S., including labeling, palletizing, and customs filing.
Customs Duties, NAFTA/USMCA, and Low-Value Shipments
The USMCA (formerly NAFTA) allows duty-free movement for most goods manufactured in North America.
Key points:
Shipments under USD 800 (de minimis threshold) usually enter duty-free.
Products made in China or other countries may still be subject to tariffs.
Declare the correct country of origin to avoid penalties.
💡 If you’re shipping small parcels or test batches, Beta Prep’s cross-border program simplifies this process with pre-cleared routes and trusted customs brokers.
Seamless Canada-USA Fulfillment with Beta Prep
Beta Prep Canada enables end-to-end logistics for cross-border eCommerce:
Automated customs paperwork
Direct integration with Shopify, Amazon, and Walmart
Same-day processing and dispatch
Storage, prep, and return handling in one platform
Partnering with Beta Prep means your cross-border fulfillment becomes faster, compliant, and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
Expanding to the U.S. market doesn’t have to be complicated.
With Beta Prep’s fulfillment network, your products move seamlessly from Canada to the USA — fully compliant and Amazon-ready.
💡 For smooth customs clearance and fast delivery, contact Beta Prep Fulfillment Services today.
👉 Visit Beta Prep Canada Services to start your U.S. expansion today!
📍 Contact Beta Prep Canada
Address: 29 Kenhar Drive, Toronto, ON M9L 1M9
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 (647) 212-2484
Web: www.betaprep.ca

