Canada Import Duties & Taxes Estimator
Use this quick calculator to estimate duty, GST/HST/PST, and your total landed cost when shipping goods into Canada.
Estimate only. Real assessment by CBSA/carrier may differ due to tariff classification, exemptions, valuation rules, excise, anti-dumping duties, and brokerage policy.
How duties and taxes work for Canadian imports
When goods cross the border into Canada, the total amount you pay can include multiple charges. Most shoppers think only about shipping, but import charges are often a mix of duty, sales tax, and courier fees. A reliable duties and taxes calculator for Canada should help you see the full landed cost before you buy.
- Customs duty: A tariff based on product category (HS code) and country of origin.
- GST/HST/PST/QST: Sales tax applied based on destination province or territory.
- Brokerage/handling: Fee charged by couriers or postal processing for customs clearance.
- Special charges: Some goods can include excise or anti-dumping measures.
How this calculator estimates your charges
1) Convert your costs to Canadian dollars
Your item value, shipping, and insurance are converted to CAD using your exchange rate. This helps keep your estimate consistent with how import charges are usually assessed.
2) Estimate duty
Duty is calculated from item value and duty rate. If you select a threshold mode or mark the item as CUSMA-qualified, duty may be reduced to zero when rules allow.
3) Estimate taxes by province
Tax is applied to an estimated taxable base (item + shipping + insurance + duty). This mirrors common landed cost calculations used by many importers and online shoppers.
4) Add brokerage and handling
Couriers may charge a clearance fee, even if duty is low. Enter it explicitly so your estimate is closer to what appears on delivery.
Provincial sales tax rates used in this tool
| Province/Territory | Rate Used | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon | 5% | GST only |
| Ontario | 13% | HST |
| Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, PEI | 15% | HST |
| British Columbia | 12% | GST + PST estimate |
| Saskatchewan | 11% | GST + PST estimate |
| Manitoba | 12% | GST + PST estimate |
| Quebec | 14.975% | GST + QST estimate |
Quick examples
Example 1: Ontario purchase from overseas
If your item is CAD $300, shipping is CAD $25, insurance is CAD $5, and duty is 8%, the duty estimate is about CAD $24.40. Taxes in Ontario are then applied to the taxable base, and your landed cost can be significantly higher than the list price.
Example 2: Small postal package
With postal mode selected and item value at CAD $18, the calculator may show zero duty and zero tax based on the typical low-value threshold. This is useful for comparing low-ticket purchases.
Example 3: US/MX courier shipment under CUSMA thresholds
If the item is CAD $120 and you select courier US/MX mode, duty may be exempt while taxes still apply (depending on value and conditions). This helps estimate if cross-border buying still saves money.
Tips to avoid import-cost surprises
- Ask sellers for the HS tariff classification before purchase.
- Confirm country of origin, not just shipping origin.
- Compare courier options: one service may include brokerage while another bills separately.
- Keep invoices and product descriptions clear; ambiguity can delay customs and change assessed value.
- Use a landed-cost estimate before checkout, not after shipment.
Frequently asked questions
Is this an official CBSA calculator?
No. This is an educational estimator to help plan purchases. Official assessment is made by CBSA and your carrier.
Why can actual charges differ from my estimate?
Final charges depend on classification, valuation adjustments, exemptions, documentation, and carrier-specific fees.
Does CUSMA always mean no duty and no tax?
No. CUSMA origin can remove duty for qualifying goods, but taxes can still apply based on value and province.
Can I use this for business imports?
Yes, as a first pass. Businesses should validate tariff and tax treatment with customs brokers or trade professionals before placing large orders.