Understanding the De Minimis Threshold to Save Money
Shopping from your favorite American brands often comes with the excitement of finding unique products, but the dread of unexpected fees at the border can dampen the experience. In 2026, the best way to save money is to master the de minimis thresholds. This is the value below which goods can be imported into Canada without paying duties or taxes.
Under the current CUSMA agreement, if you are using a courier (like FedEx, UPS, or DHL), the thresholds are as follows:
- Up to $40 CAD: Completely free of both duty and taxes (GST/HST/PST).
- $40.01 to $150 CAD: Duty-free, but you will still be required to pay sales tax (GST/HST/PST).
- Over $150 CAD: Both duty and sales taxes apply.
By keeping your individual shipments under these values, you can significantly reduce the total cost of your order. If you have multiple items, consider using a reliable package forwarder like comGateway to manage your shipments effectively.
Sales Tax Breakdown by Province
While duties might be waived for items under $150, sales tax is almost always applicable for items over $40. The amount you pay depends entirely on your destination province. Knowing these rates helps you budget accurately before you hit the checkout button.
| Province/Territory | Tax Type | Total Rate (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta, NT, NU, YT | GST | 5% |
| Ontario | HST | 13% |
| BC, MB, SK, QC | GST + PST/QST | 11% - 15% |
| NB, NL, NS, PEI | HST | 15% |
To get a better idea of how these taxes impact your total landed cost, you should estimate shipping costs to Canada using online calculators that factor in current 2026 rates.
How to Avoid Hidden Brokerage Fees
One of the biggest "hidden" costs of shipping from USA to Canada is the brokerage fee. This is a service fee charged by couriers for clearing your package through customs. These fees can sometimes exceed the value of the taxes themselves!
To avoid these high costs, look for shipping methods that include brokerage in the upfront price or use a service that provides transparent shipping rates. Avoiding standard ground shipping from certain US couriers is often a smart move, as they are notorious for high administrative fees at the door.
Leveraging CUSMA for Duty-Free Shopping
Another money-saving secret is the Country of Origin rule. Even if your item is over the $150 CAD threshold, it may still be duty-free if it was manufactured in the United States or Mexico. This is thanks to the CUSMA agreement. Always check the product description or ask the seller if the item is "Made in USA." If it is, you only have to worry about the provincial sales tax, regardless of the item's value.
Smart Strategies for 2026 Shoppers
If you are planning a large haul, don't just ship everything in one massive box. If the total exceeds $150, you'll trigger duties. Sometimes, splitting your order into two smaller shipments (each under $150) can save you more on duties than you would pay in extra shipping costs. To see if this strategy works for your specific items, Get a Quote and compare the scenarios.
For more specific scenarios regarding restricted items or specialized tax exemptions, feel free to check our FAQ or contact the support center. Staying informed is the most effective way to ensure your cross-border shopping remains affordable and stress-free in 2026.
