Import from Thailand to Canada 2026: Duty & GST Guide
Thailand-Canada trade totalled C$4.7B in 2024 (Statistics Canada). Thailand is not part of CPTPP (yet — accession under review) but qualifies for Canada's General Preferential Tariff (GPT) on many goods, effective through 2034 under the renewed GPT scheme.
1. Top imports from Thailand to Canada
Rubber products, machinery, HDDs & electronics, auto parts, seafood, rice, canned food, furniture, jewellery.
2. Tariff & GPT
Use the CBSA Customs Tariff (cbsa-asfc.gc.ca) to look up the 10-digit tariff code. Most Thai goods qualify for GPT — usually 3–5 percentage points below MFN. Examples:
- Rubber gloves (4015.19): 0% GPT (0% MFN)
- Canned tuna (1604.14): 5% GPT (7% MFN)
- Wooden furniture (9403.60): 0%
- Ceramic tableware (6912.00): 4.5% GPT (7% MFN)
- HDDs (8471.70): 0%
3. Documents
- Commercial invoice (Canada Customs Invoice format acceptable)
- Packing list
- Bill of lading / AWB
- Form A or exporter statement for GPT preference
- Business Number (BN) with Import/Export (RM) account
- CFIA permits for food; Health Canada for cosmetics/NHP
4. GST/HST & duty
- Duty: GPT rate on customs value (FOB + freight to first port of Canada, effectively CIF)
- GST: 5% federal on (customs value + duty)
- HST/PST: additional 7–10% in participating provinces (ON 13%, BC 12% combined)
- Registered importers recover GST/HST as input tax credit on their return
5. Freight & timelines
- Ocean FCL Laem Chabang → Vancouver: 18–24 days, C$2,600–3,900 per 40HQ
- Ocean FCL → Montreal (via Panama): 32–38 days, C$3,800–5,200
- Air freight BKK → YVR/YYZ: 3–5 days, C$5.80–8.20/kg
6. Landed cost example (40HQ furniture to Vancouver)
| Item | Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| FOB Laem Chabang | C$28,000 |
| Ocean freight | C$3,100 |
| Insurance | C$94 |
| Duty (0% furniture) | C$0 |
| GST (5%, recoverable) | C,560 |
| Broker | C$220 |
| Vancouver drayage | C$540 |
| Landed cost | C$33,514 |
FAQ
Q: Does Thailand have a free trade agreement with Canada? A: Not yet — Thailand's CPTPP accession is under review. Meanwhile, most Thai goods qualify for preferential GPT rates through 2034.
Q: What is Form A? A: The Certificate of Origin issued by Thailand's Department of Foreign Trade proving eligibility for Canada's GPT preference.
Q: Do I need a customs broker in Canada? A: Not legally required, but practically essential — brokers handle CBSA release, tariff classification, and remit duty/GST. Fees $75–200 per entry.
Q: How long is shipping from Thailand to Canada? A: 18–24 days to Vancouver; 32–38 days to Montreal; 3–5 days by air to either.
Importing Thai goods into Canada? Contact TUSKO — supplier vetting, GPT-compliant origin documentation, and Vancouver/Toronto-delivered landed cost.