At Best Materials we value our Canadian customers. We realize there are many factors to be considered when ordering from a US company so we have put together the following information in an attempt to provide you with all of the facts and considerations as a way in which you can get a better sense of the final cost of your order.

What Is The Best Shipping Method For Your Order?

We offer 3 methods of shipping to Canada: For small parcels, UPS and USPS (United States Postal Service). For large and heavy items, we have LTL truck freight. Truck freight can be to a business or a residential delivery, and has options for lift gate service. You must select the correct delivery option or delivery will be delayed while additional fees are collected.  We are happy to quote special rates for large order delivery.

Items to consider in deciding which shipping method will work best for you:

How quickly do you require the items? – UPS will always get your order to you the fastest, and has tracking but you will incur a brokerage fee which will be charged to you once your package reaches you. The exception to this is if the cost of the items you order total is under $20.00 CDN (this applies to USPS as well), or if you use Express Guaranteed Delivery Service. Please read more below about Brokerage Fees.

Often times when you use the Shipping Calculator on our site the rates via UPS will appear more economical however once the brokerage fees have been factored in, this rate is higher.

Shipping for all packages is calculated based on Weight, Size, Destination, Number of Items, and Delivery Time.

What Other Costs Do You Need To Factor In?

Canada Customs Duties –

Because of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadians do not have to pay DUTY on most American and Mexican made products (it is important to note that even though the manufacturer may be based in the USA if they out source their manufacturing to Asia then it no longer qualifies as manufactured in America). Please contact us via email or phone if you require us to either, let you know where it was manufactured or if you require us to state in writing that an item was manufactured in the US or Mexico for Canada Customs.

How is Duty Calculated? – Duty on goods varies tremendously. As stated above it primarily depends on where an item was manufactured but we have also learned that items such as toys are never charged Duty. Please keep in mind also that GST is calculated after Duty has been applied.

If you have questions about Canada customs and duties please call a Canada Customs Office.

Canadian Taxes –

GST applies to just about everything an individual imports into Canada. The GST rate is 7%. GST is calculated after duties have been applied.

PST or QST will be charged as well in accordance with your provincial rate.

In provinces with Harmonized Sales Tax (NB, NS and Newfoundland and Labrador), you’ll be charged a flat 15% instead of GST and PST.

You can get more information on Canada taxes and added fees at this site: Canadian Fees and Customs

Brokerage Fees –

Brokerage Fees are fees for customs brokers’ services and as mentioned previously these fees can be very high. Courier companies (such as UPS) and postal services use customs brokers to get packages processed through Canada Customs.

Canada Post automatically applies a $5.00 processing fee for regular mail and an $8.00 fee for Priority Post for each package to clear Canada Customs.

For courier companies the customs brokers fees vary depending on the level of courier service you have selected (the more expedited the package the more expensive the brokerage fees). The brokerage fees will be added on top of the shipping charges and will have to be paid before you get your package.

If you would like to find out what the brokerage fees will be for your package you can call UPS in Canada and ask them – 1-800-742-5877. You will need to have the weight, dimensions and price of the item. You can obtain this information by contacting us via email or by phone.

Summary of Costs –

Cost of Item + Cost of Shipping + Brokerage + GST/PST or QST = Total Cost you will be charged in US Dollars

Additional Costs/Considerations –

Exchange Rate – click on this link for a Daily Currency Converter

Duty – Click here for contact information for the Canada Customs office near you

GST & PST – 5% GST + PST

Brokerage Fees – USPS/Canada Post - $5.00 for Air Mail Parcel Post & $8.00 for Priority Post and Global Express

UPS shipments call 1-800-742-5877

We value your business and have attempted to compile the most comprehensive list of information to assist you with your order. If there is any information that you have acquired in your experience of ordering from the US that you do not see here we would love to hear about it. As our business expands in Canada we will continue to look for ways to provide the best products for traveling with kids at the most reasonable price.

Link to Additional Shipping Notes and Terms