Express shipping offers the fastest, most secure, and reliable solution for businesses seeking exceptional customer experience or seamless door-to-door delivery from the Malaysia to Canada.

It is especially ideal for time-sensitive and high value parcels for three reasons:

• Time Efficiency: Express shipping typically take just 2-3 working days through scheduled air freight, significantly faster than sea freight, which take 10-15 weeks on average. 

• Enhanced Security: Due to stricter regulations from authorities like IATA and ICAO, mandatory advanced screening, fewer handling points, and shorter transit times, shipment risks are significantly minimized.

• Cost Optimization: While upfront costs may be higher, express shipping offers predictable pricing with fewer hidden charges. Additionally, faster delivery minimizes operational disruptions, avoids stock shortages, and boosts customer satisfaction, leading to long-term cost savings.

Businesses consistently choose DHL Express to ship parcels from Malaysia to the Canada due to our proven delivery speed, high security standard, reliable service quality, and competitive pricing.

• Faster Delivery: With a robust integrated network and consistent flight schedules, DHL Express ensures parcels from Malaysia reach the Canada in just 2-5 days, far quicker than most shipping options available in the market. 

• Integrated Network Minimizes Cargo Risks: Shipments are transported quickly and securely through a unified logistics framework, supported by preplanned flight schedules, strategically located hubs, and local service centers in over 220 countries, reducing risks at every step.

• Advanced Technology Enhances Security: DHL Express employs strict handling protocols and advanced surveillance systems across our facilities, ensuring enhanced protection for shipments throughout their journey.

• Competitive and Reliable Shipping Costs: DHL Express offers stable pricing and exclusive discounts tailored to shipping frequency and volume.

The standard costs of shipping parcels from Malaysia to Canada is determined by dimensional weight, delivery speed, and the optional services required.

You can calculate an estimated shipping cost using MyDHL+, but the estimation does not include the exclusive discount your business entitled to.

For detailed instructions, refer to our guide on estimating shipping costs.

Typically, DHL Express delivers parcels from Malaysia to Canada within 2-5 days. Actual transit times depend on the shipment's departure and destination cities.

• 2-3 days: For shipments between major Malaysian cities with DHL Express hubs, such as Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, or Penang, to major Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal.
• 4-5 days: For shipments originating from suburban Malaysian towns or destined for remote areas in Canada outside the main hubs.

To start exporting goods from Malaysia to Canada, businesses must comply with the customs documentation of both countries. Here's the list of necessary documents:

Mandatory Documents:

• Business Registration Certificate (SSM)
• Tax Identification Number (TIN)
• Import/Export Business Number
• Export Declaration (K2 Form)
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Billing of Lading/Air Waybill

Optional Documents (Depending on Your Business and Goods):

• Export or Import Licenses: Required for controlled goods.
• Product-Specific Certifications/Permits/Licenses: Necessary for regulated items like food, plants, animals, and certain manufactured goods. 

Document requirements may vary based on the type and conditions of your shipment.

If you're a DHL Express business account holder, your dedicated account manager will provide guidance and support throughout the documentation process.

When shipping to Canada, up to 3 types of charges may apply, depending on the shipment:

1. Customs duty
2. Import tax (GST, HST or PST)
3. Excise duties (for specific goods only, such as alcohol or tobacco)

Not all shipments will be charged all three.

1. Customs duty - applies only to certain products.
   • Rates depend on the HS code and country of origin under Canada’s Customs Tariff.
   • Many goods fall between 0–8%, while apparel, textiles and footwear are often higher (15-20%).
   • Goods qualifying under free trade agreements (e.g. USMCA for US- or Mexico-origin goods) may be duty-free with valid proof of origin.
2. GST, HST and PST (import taxes)

   Canada charges 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on imports, calculated on the value of the goods plus any applicable duty.

   Some provinces apply different sales taxes:

   • HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) replaces GST in certain provinces (e.g. Ontario: 13% HST).
   • PST (Provincial Sales Tax) may apply in addition to GST in some provinces.

3. Excise duties

   • Apply only to specific goods such as alcohol, tobacco, and fuel.
   • Charged in addition to customs duty and import taxes.

Low-value shipments (important)

Canada provides duty and tax relief for low-value goods imported by mail, subject to specific conditions:

• Goods worth CAN$20 or less imported by mail are exempt from GST and customs duty.
• Gifts worth CAN$60 or less sent by family members or friends abroad are exempt from duty and taxes.
• Gift exemptions do not apply to alcohol or tobacco products.
• These exemptions apply only to postal shipments (e.g. Canada Post), not all shipping methods.

Goods exceeding these thresholds may be subject to customs duty, GST/HST/PST, or both, depending on the product type and destination province.

You can estimate import duties and taxes for personal-use shipments using the CBSA calculator.    

Canada prohibits imports that pose risks to public safety, health or the environment.

Common prohibited items include:

• Illegal drugs and narcotics (including cannabis, unless licensed)
• Obscene or child sexual abuse materials
• Hate propaganda
• Prohibited weapons, such as automatic firearms, switchblades, butterfly knives, brass knuckles and stun guns
• Explosives, ammunition, and fireworks without permits
• Endangered wildlife products (e.g. ivory) without CITES permits
• Counterfeit currency or forged documents
• Used mattresses without fumigation certification
• Certain foods and agricultural products, including undeclared meat, raw milk products and restricted fresh produce
• Certain foods and agricultural items (some are restricted or require permits)

For more details, check CBSA’s prohibited and restricted goods guide.

A Business Number (BN) is a unique identifier issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) that businesses use for tax and customs purposes. 

Before a company can import commercial goods into Canada, it must register for a BN and an import-export (RM) account with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Who needs a BN for Canada imports:

• Canadian businesses importing goods: Yes, you must have a BN and an import-export (RM) account to clear commercial shipments with the CBSA.
• Personal shipments or gifts: No, individual non-commercial shipments do not require a BN.
• Foreign companies (e.g., Malaysian exporters): No, you do not need a Canadian BN if you are the seller. The Canadian importer or their customs broker provides the BN/RM account to act as the importer of record.
• Foreign companies acting as importer of record: You can obtain a BN from the CRA and use it to set up an RM account, but this is optional if a local importer/broker handles clearance.

For more details, refer to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Import Guide before shipping.

Shipping frozen or perishable goods to Canada requires safe packaging, proper documentation, and fast service.

1. Packaging & temperature control

   • Use an insulated container (e.g., styrofoam/thermal box).

   • Include refrigerants:

     • Dry ice keeps items frozen but is classified as Dangerous Goods for air transport; you must follow IATA rules, label it (e.g., “Carbon Dioxide Solid, UN1845”), and declare the dry ice weight.

     • Gel packs keep items cool (not frozen) and are not dangerous goods.

   • Seal items to prevent leaks or contamination if thawing occurs.

2. Documentation & permits

   • Prepare a commercial invoice with clear descriptions.

   • If the goods are food, check Canada’s food import requirements:

     • Many foods (e.g., meat, dairy, seafood) require CFIA permits or certificates

     • Documents must show product origin, ingredients, and intended use.

     • Without the proper permits, food shipments can be refused entry by Canadian authorities.

3. Use fast, reliable service

   • Choose the fastest DHL service to minimise time in transit.

   • Clearly mark the shipment as “PERISHABLE” and (if applicable) “KEEP FROZEN” to help handlers prioritise it.

4. Customs & clearance

   • Perishable food is subject to Canada’s import controls, which the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) inspects to make sure food meets safety standards.

   • Allow time for customs clearance and make sure all paperwork is complete to avoid delays or spoilage.