Canada Customs FAQ: CAD 20/40 Thresholds and GST/HST

Q: What is the de minimis threshold for Canada? A: Canada has low thresholds: duty applies above CAD 20 for most shipments (CAD 40 for duty under CUSMA courier provisions, which generally apply only to US/Mexico-origin courier shipments — most parcels from China use the CAD 20 rule). Q: Do I pay tax even on small parcels? A: Yes. GST/HST can apply to most imports regardless of value (GST placeholder 5%; HST varies by province). Q: How do I estimate what I will owe? A: As a conservative placeholder, budget roughly 5%–15% of declared value for tax and duty on China-origin parcels. Actual charges are set by the CBSA and the delivering carrier. Disclaimer: Placeholder figures pending legal and logistics partner review; not tax or legal advice.