Why Canada is different
Canada did not follow the US in ending low-value exemptions. For goods from China, which is outside the CUSMA trade agreement, the Canada Border Services Agency generally lets shipments valued at C$20 or less enter free of duty and taxes. Above that, GST (5%) or HST (13% to 15% depending on the province; 13% in Ontario) applies to the value plus duty, and duty depends on the product. "Dhgate spreadsheet" gets about 2,900 searches a month in Canada, the joint second-largest market, and many of those orders sit right around that C$20 line.
What you pay above C$20
| Charge | Who collects | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GST or HST | Canada Post or the courier, on delivery | HST 13% in Ontario, including Toronto |
| Customs duty | Same | Depends on tariff classification; clothing and footwear are often higher |
| Canada Post handling fee | Canada Post | A fixed fee per parcel that has tax collected |
| Courier brokerage fee | DHL, UPS, FedEx and others | Often larger than Canada Post's fee |
Single orders under C$20 are cheap; above it, postal delivery usually costs less in fees than a courier.
Postal or courier?
Canada Post's handling fee is usually lower than a private courier's brokerage fee. DHgate economy lines typically hand parcels to Canada Post, while express options use couriers. For a C$60 order, a courier's brokerage fee alone can wipe out the speed advantage. Check which carrier delivers in Canada before choosing a line.
Delivery times to Toronto
Economy lines usually take two to five weeks to Ontario, longer in December and around Chinese New Year. Couriers deliver in about a week. Data published by rep.tools records a median of about 14.5 days door to door for 69 KakoBuy orders to Canada, with most in a 10 to 20 day window.
DHgate direct or an agent from Canada
Keep single cheap items as separate DHgate orders where they naturally fall under C$20. For hauls, an agent's single parcel means one tax assessment and one handling fee rather than several; Superbuy and Joyagoo both count Canada among their top three markets. Splitting a haul into many small parcels purely to stay under C$20 is not something to rely on; CBSA assesses true value.
Seizures
CBSA can detain and seize trademark-infringing goods. Seized items are not refunded by DHgate or agents. Unbranded goods avoid the issue.
Winter and timing
Winter outerwear is a popular Canadian search. Order by October so economy shipping arrives before the cold, and check warmth claims carefully; our outerwear page explains fill and fabric. For belts and accessories, also popular in Canadian searches, see our accessories page, and for jewelry, which Canadian buyers search more than any other country, the jewelry page.
Returns from Canada
Returns to China cost international postage, and taxes already paid are rarely refunded, so measure first and vet the seller with our checklist.
A Canadian buyer's checklist
- Know whether the order is above or below C$20.
- Prefer postal lines over couriers for mid-value orders to limit fees.
- Budget HST at your province's rate plus any duty.
- Order winter items early.
- Skip branded goods.
A worked example
A C$18 phone case and keyring from one DHgate seller, sent by post: under C$20, so normally no tax or duty. A C$90 order of a hoodie and shoes sent by courier: HST at 13% in Ontario on the value plus duty, clothing and footwear duty, and a courier brokerage fee, which can together add a substantial share. The same order by Canada Post usually carries a smaller handling fee.
FAQ
Is there a duty-free limit for DHgate orders to Canada?
Most parcels from China valued at C$20 or less enter free of duty and taxes.
What tax do I pay in Toronto?
HST at 13% in Ontario, plus any duty, on parcels above C$20.
Is Canada Post cheaper than a courier for imports?
Usually; its handling fee is typically lower than courier brokerage fees.
How long does DHgate take to Canada?
Economy lines usually two to five weeks; couriers about a week.
Can CBSA seize DHgate orders?
Trademark-infringing goods can be seized without refund.
What is HST in other provinces?
HST is 13% in Ontario and up to 15% in Atlantic provinces; other provinces charge 5% GST plus provincial rules.