About us
Contact us
Shippy Logo
Get started
Login
Table of Contents
Primary Item (H2)

Guide to Importing Furniture to Canada

Published: October 6, 2024
Author: Jen Seran

Are you dreaming of importing furniture to Canada? You’re not alone! Many Canadian shoppers find that US stores have more stylish selections.

This guide will help you receive furniture from the US while staying at home.

Key Takeaways

  • Wooden furniture entering Canada is mostly allowed, but there are certain regulations that you need to follow. For one, processed wood can be imported freely, while special permits are needed for unprocessed wood.

  • You must follow the Canada Border Services Agency’s rules when sending goods to the country. This includes declaring your item and paying applicable fees.

  • Consider using a package forwarding service to have a worry-free cross-border furniture shipment.

Can You Import Furniture to Canada?

Yes, you can import furniture to Canada. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulates and approves wood imports in the country. However, specific rules must be followed first.

Additionally, these regulations prevent the spread of pests and diseases. The CFIA works with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to verify documentation and collect duties and tax payments.

So, follow both agencies for a smooth customs process.

Types of Furniture Materials And Import Regulations

Here’s a breakdown of the rules based on the wood type:

Processed Wood Materials

Stacks of cut lumber bound.

Furniture made with processed wood gets a free pass. These materials have undergone treatments like heat or pressure. As a result, it reduces the risk of harbouring plant pests and diseases.

Below are examples of processed wood products:

Type of Processed Wood ProductFeatures
1. Plywood Furniture– Made from thin layers of wood glued together

– Common items are tables and beds
2. Particleboard Furniture– Compressed wood particles with a resin binder

– Often are cabinets and shelves
3. Moulded Pulp Furniture– Formed from pulp and paper products

– Examples are chairs and tables

Unprocessed Wood Materials

Horizontal unprocessed woods.

Furniture made with unprocessed wood requires a phytosanitary certificate. The country of origin (in this case, the US) issues this document to prove it’s pest-free. With this certificate, your wood furniture can get the plant protection import permit required by the CFIA.

Below are some examples of processed or primary wood products:

Type of Unprocessed Wood ProductFeatures
1. Solid Wood Furniture– Made from whole pieces of wood- Often expensive
2. Rustic Furniture– Shows the wood’s natural imperfections like knots- Popular for a rustic or farmhouse aesthetic
3. Live Edge Furniture– Natural edge of a tree trunk- Preserves the unique shape and character of the wood

However, some wooden articles are made from both processed and unprocessed wood. So always check the materials used in your furniture. If it’s made from the two wood types, request a phytosanitary certificate.

Adhere to Canada Border Services Agency Regulations

As mentioned, CBSA manages the permits and payments for importing wood furniture into Canada. Here’s a simple breakdown of how to follow their rules:

  1. Understand Import Requirements
Torn paper revealing the word "Requirements" underneath.

As you plan to send furniture to Canada, familiarize yourself with the requirements first. Also, prepare additional documents needed for CBSA clearance, such as phytosanitary certificates or proof of the item’s origin.

  1. Classify Goods Accurately
A person writing in a notebook at a cluttered desk with a laptop.

Classify your furniture correctly using the CBSA’s tariff classification system. This will help them quickly identify your product’s details and avoid customs issues.

  1. Pay Applicable Duties And Taxes
Various Canadian dollars.

Be ready to pay applicable duties and taxes. These fees are automatically calculated based on your item’s declaration, including description, value, and origin. Note that certain items, especially from the US, are duty-free.

Fortunately, some shipping carriers offer the convenience of including these fees in their charges. So, consider this factor when choosing a shipping partner.

  1. Utilize CBSA Compliance Tools And Resources
Close-up of hands typing on a laptop keyboard.

The CBSA offers various online tools to help with the customs process. These tools include tariff classification guides, duty calculators, and document resources to help you understand customs clearly.

Duties on Furniture Imports from The US to Canada

A cardboard box with "IMPORT DUTY" printed on it, surrounded by other plain boxes.

Import duties are an additional fee for your package. As previously discussed, this is calculated based on your product’s declaration and value. Here are several ways to prepare for this:

  • Hire A Licensed Customs Broker. The customs brokers can help you fully understand your package’s duties and how you can pay for them.

  • Use An Online Duty Calculator. You may use any available duty estimate calculator. This helps you prepare for your item’s applicable customs fees.

  • Use A Package Forwarding Service. Consider this if you want a hassle-free way to pay and ship your package. As mentioned, some of these services handle duties and shipping fees, making them a one-stop solution for your shipments.

Let Shippsy Help You

Shipping goods with strict regulations can be tricky, but you don’t have to do it alone! Shippsy is an affordable and reliable cross-border shipping partner. They offer:

  • Cheapest Package Forwarding Service. Shippsy is the most budget-friendly shipping solution you’ll ever use. Its price starts at CAD 7.99!

  • Provides Free US Address. Once you sign up, you’ll instantly receive a US address! Use it to access exclusive US-only discounts when shopping from different retailers worldwide.

  • Handles Customs Clearance. They’ve mastered handling the customs process. You won’t have to stress if your package is classified correctly. Plus, they simplify payment by including duties and taxes in their handling fee.

Final Thoughts

Buying furniture can be an exciting way to add unique pieces to your home. By staying informed about the regulations and using Shippsy’s services, you can easily make your dream home upgrade a reality in Canada. Happy shipping!


Shop The Best US Deals From Canada With Shippsy

Get Started Today.  Sign Up for Free!
Join Our Email List

Join our email list!

Get the best shopping deals delivered straight to your inbox.

Get started today! Ship faster, smarter, cheaper with Shippsy.

Get Started Today.  Sign Up for Free!
Did you enjoy this article?
Spread the love and share it!
Join Our Email List

Join our email list!

Get the best shopping deals delivered straight to your inbox.

Ready to ship these skincare products?
What are you waiting for?
Want to stay in the know?
Follow us & tag your unboxing videos!

See more articles from same category

Does Payless Ship to Canada? Find Out Here!

Ever wondered, “Does Payless ship to Canada?” It’s a question that’s crossed the minds of many shoe lovers. In this blog, we’ll discover how you can have those comfy Payless kicks without hassle. Key Takeaways Do Payless Stores Still Exist in Canada? No. Payless ShoeSource no longer operates physical stores in Canada. In 2019, the […]

Read More
Shipping to US Address for Canada? Learn How It Works!

Shopping from US retailers as a Canadian can be quite an adventure. Sometimes, you get excited about a great deal only to discover that this retailer doesn’t ship internationally, let alone to Canada. Good thing, there’s an option to ship to US address for Canada residents. This blog will help you learn more about how […]

Read More
Canada Duty-Free Limit: Everything You Need To Know!

Are you planning to send items to Canada, but ask yourself, “What is Canada duty-free limit?” Many Canadians are curious, too! In this blog, we’ll answer everything you must know before sending your goods to Canada. Key Takeaways Understanding Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Duty-Free Limits Awareness of duty-free limits is crucial when sending items […]

Read More
Did you enjoy this article?
Spread the love and share it!
Want to stay in the know?
Follow us & tag your unboxing videos!

Shop The Best US Deals From Canada With Shippsy

Get Started Today.  Sign Up for Free!
Join Our Email List

Join our email list!

Get the best shopping deals delivered straight to your inbox.

Ship to our US address. Pick up in Canada
Copyright © Shippsy 2023
Ship to our US address. 
Pick up in Canada
Copyright © Shippsy 2023