Canada is one of the most attractive international markets for ecommerce brands. It is geographically close to the U.S., has a large base of online shoppers, and can be a natural next step for brands looking to expand internationally.
But before you start selling to Canadian customers, it is important to confirm whether your products can actually be imported into Canada.
Some goods are prohibited and cannot be shipped into the country at all. Others are restricted, which means they may require permits, licenses, certificates, special labeling, inspections, or other documentation before they can clear customs. Import requirements can also change depending on what the product is made of, where it was manufactured, how much is being shipped, whether it is for personal use or resale, and which carrier is transporting the package.
This guide explains how Canada reviews imported goods, which product categories commonly require extra attention, and what ecommerce brands should check before enabling Canada at checkout.
Can ecommerce brands ship products to Canada?
In many cases, yes. Most consumer products can be shipped to Canada when they are accurately described, properly classified, and accompanied by the right customs information.
However, “can I ship this to Canada?” is not always a simple yes-or-no question. Canada Border Services Agency, also known as CBSA (which recently fully transitioned to the digital CARM platform ), enforces import rules at the border, but many product categories are regulated by other government departments. These agencies may set additional requirements for food, cosmetics, supplements, animal products, dangerous goods, firearms, vehicles, cannabis-related products, and other controlled items.
That means a product may be allowed into Canada only if certain conditions are met. For ecommerce brands, the safest approach is to review product-level requirements before launching Canada as a market.
Restricted vs. prohibited goods
There are two major categories brands need to understand: restricted goods and prohibited goods.
Restricted goods are not necessarily banned. They may be importable, but only if the shipment meets specific requirements. These requirements may include permits, licenses, product registrations, ingredient reviews, documentation, inspections, labeling rules, or quantity limits.
Prohibited goods are different. These items are not allowed to enter Canada and may be seized by CBSA. In some cases, attempting to import prohibited goods can lead to penalties or enforcement action.
For ecommerce brands, this distinction matters. A restricted product may still be sellable in Canada with the right preparation. A prohibited product should be blocked from Canadian checkout entirely.
Start with product classification
The first step in determining whether your product can ship to Canada is understanding how customs classifies it.
Canada uses the Harmonized System, or HS, to classify imported products. This classification helps customs determine duties, taxes, and whether the product may be subject to restrictions from other government departments.
A correct HS classification can help identify whether a product requires additional documentation or review. Conversely, using vague text or tracking numbers can result in customs delays (often caused by inaccurate product descriptions ), inaccurate duty calculations, rejected shipments, or product seizures.
Before selling into Canada, brands should confirm:
- The product’s HS classification
- The product’s country of origin
- The product’s ingredients, materials, or components
- Whether the shipment is for personal use, resale, or commercial inventory
- The quantity being shipped
- Any permits, licenses, certificates, or registrations required
- Any carrier restrictions, especially for dangerous goods
These details are especially important for regulated categories, where small product differences can change the import requirements.
Common restricted and controlled product categories
The following categories are common sources of customs issues for ecommerce brands shipping to Canada. This is not a complete list, but it covers several product types that often require additional review.
Controlled or Restricted goods
Controlled or restricted goods are products that are regulated by “Other Government Departments” like Health Canada or the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Commonly called OGD, these products require specific conditions, inspections, licenses, or permits to be imported. It is important to correctly identify any package that contains controlled products or substances to avoid being held or confiscated at customs.
While it is possible to ship restricted goods, the import requirements depend on other factors like the intended use (for resale or for a consumer’s personal use), the shipping method (postal shipments have different requirements than shipments with other carriers), the country where the product was made (country of origin), and even the quantity being shipped.
Here are some examples of common restricted and prohibited products:
Animals and animal products
Animal products are regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). This category is broader than many brands realize. It can include live animals, hides and skins, pet food, animal-origin ingredients, veterinary biologics, wool, feathers, bones, collagen, and other animal by-products.
Import requirements depend on the product, HS classification, country of origin, destination, and end use. The CFIA’s Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) is used to map out data elements and restrictions for many animal, food, and plant-related products. You can also review overarching frameworks via the official CFIA Terrestrial Animal Imports Framework.
Ecommerce brands should be especially careful with products that contain animal-origin ingredients, even if the product is not obviously an “animal product.” Pet treats, leather goods, supplements, cosmetics, and specialty foods can all trigger additional review. Before shipping animal products to Canada, confirm whether CFIA documentation, permits, inspection, or labeling requirements apply.
Review Import policies: animal products and by-products for guidelines.
CBD and cannabis-derived products
Canada is very protective of its domestic cannabis industry, and CBD can only be imported under very specific conditions. The CBD must be sourced and manufactured in Canada.
Even Natural Health Products and cosmetic regulations limit which parts of a cannabis or hemp plant and their derivatives can be used.
Depending on the product, importation may be limited to specific licensed parties and requires explicit commercial clearance. You can review the step-by-step applications for individual shipments on the Health Canada Cannabis Import and Export Permit Guide. Cannabis-related products can also raise issues under natural health product, cosmetic, drug, and controlled substance rules as outlined on the Government of Canada Controlled Substances Advisory.
Review Canada’s Cannabidiol (CBD) for more info.
Cosmetics and personal care products
Cosmetics and personal care products can often be sold in Canada, but they are regulated by Health Canada. Products in this category may include skincare, makeup, hair care, soaps, deodorants, fragrances, and other beauty or personal care items.
Brands selling cosmetics in Canada should review ingredient restrictions, advertising claims, labeling requirements, and whether a Cosmetic Notification Form is required.
Health Canada maintains a Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist, which identifies substances that are prohibited or restricted in cosmetic products. A product may be delayed, rejected, or subject to enforcement if it contains a prohibited ingredient or uses a restricted ingredient above the permitted limit.
It is also important to confirm that the product is actually a cosmetic under Canadian rules. Some products that look like cosmetics may be treated as drugs, natural health products, or another regulated category if they make therapeutic claims or contain certain active ingredients.
Before shipping cosmetics to Canada, review:
- Ingredients and ingredient concentrations
- Product claims and marketing language
- Labeling requirements
- Cosmetic notification requirements
- Whether the product could be classified as something other than a cosmetic
(Note: If your growth strategy takes you across the Atlantic, you can also look into our separate guide on shipping cosmetics to the EU and UK ).
Dangerous goods
The material safety data sheet (MSDS) created by the manufacturer includes safety and transport information, UN-number, proper shipping name, class, label, and hazard identification code.
The hazard classification category from the MSDS will determine which label is required for your package.
Examples of dangerous goods include aerosol sprays, cologne, dry ice, lighters, matches, nail polish, nail polish remover, paint, perfume, solvents, and some chemicals.
Explosives, fireworks, and ammunition
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) Explosives Regulatory Division (ERD) controls the type and quantity of authorized explosives that may be imported into Canada.
An annual or single-use Import, Export, or In Transit permit is required to import explosives for commercial use.
Learn about the permits required for explosives in Importing, exporting, and transporting-in-transit.
Personal exemptions for imports without a permit exist for personal use, including small arms cartridges without a tracer, incendiary, or similar military component, or when the type and amount of explosives are under a specific threshold.
The Explosives Regulations table details the type and quantity thresholds for imported explosives, fireworks, and ammunition.
Firearms and weapons
Canadian residents importing a newly acquired non-restricted firearm only need a possession and acquisition license for import and a valid purpose i.e. hunting, competitions, or protection against wildlife.
Restricted firearms require a possession and acquisition license, a firearm registration certificate, an Authorization to Transport (ATT) from the Chief Firearms Officer of the province of entry, and an import permit by Global Affairs Canada.
Prohibited firearms are prohibited and blocked from import.
Review Import and export a firearm or weapon into Canada for more info.
You can check the legal criteria and entry prerequisites directly on the CBSA Firearms and Weapons Border Requirements Page.
Food and consumer packaged goods
Unless you are a B2B brand warehousing food to be resold in Canada, the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations allows for most consumer packaged goods (CPG) food products to be imported for personal use.
Most CPG food products purchased online are eligible for a personal use exemption as long as it isn’t resold for commercial use and the amount purchased is below 20 liters or 20 Kilograms.
Pet food and pet treats
Pet food and pet treats are often more difficult to import than brands expect. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency regulates the import of pet food products to prevent animal diseases from being introduced into Canada.
This framework covers dog and cat food, jerky treats, liver bites, and compound chews. Specific commercial requirements and foreign facility parameters can be reviewed on the CFIA Pet Food and Treats Policy Framework.
Pet brands should review Canada’s pet food import rules before selling to Canadian customers. This is especially important for treats made with meat, fish, poultry, dairy, collagen, gelatin, rawhide, or other animal-derived ingredients, as data must often be verified through AIRS ahead of time.
Details about food requirements, permits, and labeling can be found on the Canadian import policies: pet food webpage.
Supplements
Most supplements and vitamins are exempt from registration requirements if they are for personal use and have less than a 90-day supply. However, certain ingredients may cause the product to be considered a drug or a non-prescription drug.
Health Canada regulates both natural and non-prescription health products. It assigns a unique Natural Product Number (NPN) after assessing if a product is “found to be safe, effective, and of high quality.
Vehicles
Vehicles imported into Canada are subject to admissibility and compliance rules.
The Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) determines which vehicles are eligible for import and oversees vehicle admissibility and customs requirements for many vehicle imports. Vehicle eligibility can depend on the vehicle type, age, origin, safety standards, modifications, and whether it appears on the RIV compatibility list.
This category is less relevant for most ecommerce brands, but it may matter for sellers of vehicles, trailers, powersports equipment, specialty mobility products, or vehicle-adjacent goods. Before importing vehicles or regulated vehicle products, review admissibility requirements and confirm whether the product is eligible for import.
The Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) determines which vehicles are eligible for import per the Registrar of Imported Vehicles Compatibility List and oversees vehicle admissibility and customs requirements.
Review the RIVs Before you import page for details.
Common prohibited goods
Prohibited goods are forbidden by law and may be seized by the Canada Border Services Agency. You can review the centralized baseline index of restricted parameters directly on the comprehensive CBSA Restricted and Prohibited Goods Hub.
Examples can include illegal substances, certain weapons, tasers, brass knuckles, pepper spray, radar detectors, certain obscene materials, and other goods restricted under Canadian law. Brands should maintain a Canada-specific restricted products policy and block prohibited items from checkout. This is especially important for marketplaces, subscription boxes, merchants with large SKU catalogs, and brands that sell high-risk categories.
Canada shipping readiness checklist
Before enabling Canada as a shipping destination, ecommerce brands should review their catalog at the SKU level. At minimum, confirm that each product has an accurate HS classification, country of origin, product description, and precise customs valuation.
To make sure your post-purchase metrics stay intact, you can model variable duties, provincial taxes, and shipping expenses with an automated landed cost calculator before orders head to the border. Finally, ensure your checkout, fulfillment, and customer support teams are aligned so that un-shippable items are blocked before purchase.
How Passport can help
Shipping to Canada can be a major growth opportunity, but product-level compliance matters. A single restricted SKU can create customs delays, rejected shipments, customer frustration, or unexpected costs.
Passport helps ecommerce brands navigate the operational and regulatory complexity of international shipping. Our team of licensed customs brokers and trade advisors can support HS classification, product descriptions, restricted-goods review, documentation requirements, and Canada-specific shipping strategy.
Whether you are launching Canada for the first time or reviewing an existing cross-border program, Passport can help you identify product risks before they become customs problems.
Passport’s team of licensed customs brokers and trade advisors can help you understand the customs and trade regulations for your products.
From proper commodity classification and description of goods to reduce customs holds to an evaluation of restrictions and prohibitions by product, our goal is to help you be successful in selling to Canadian consumers.
Reach out to hello@passportglobal.com to get exporting today.
Frequently asked questions
What products can ecommerce brands ship to Canada?
Many consumer products can be shipped to Canada as long as they are accurately described, properly classified, and accompanied by the correct customs information. Commonly shippable categories may include apparel, accessories, books, home goods, and many general consumer products.
However, some products are restricted or prohibited. Brands should review each product’s HS classification, ingredients, materials, country of origin, intended use, and quantity before enabling Canada at checkout.
What goods are prohibited from being shipped to Canada?
Prohibited goods are items that are not allowed to enter Canada and may be seized by Canada Border Services Agency. Examples can include illegal substances, certain weapons, tasers, brass knuckles, pepper spray, some radar detectors, certain obscene materials, and other products restricted under Canadian law.
Ecommerce brands should block prohibited products from Canadian checkout before customers can place an order.
What are restricted goods in Canada?
Restricted goods are products that may be allowed into Canada only if specific requirements are met. These requirements may include permits, licenses, certificates, inspections, product registrations, special labeling, or additional documentation.
Examples of restricted or controlled categories can include food, cosmetics, supplements, pet food, animal products, dangerous goods, CBD and cannabis-derived products, firearms, ammunition, explosives, and vehicles.
What is the difference between restricted and prohibited goods?
Restricted goods may be importable if the shipment meets Canadian requirements. Prohibited goods are not allowed to enter Canada.
For ecommerce brands, this distinction is important. A restricted product may still be sellable in Canada with the right compliance process, while a prohibited product should be blocked from purchase entirely.
How do I know if my product can be imported into Canada?
Start by reviewing the product’s HS classification, country of origin, ingredients, materials, end use, and quantity. These details help determine whether duties, taxes, or additional import requirements apply.
Brands should also check whether the product is regulated by Canada Border Services Agency or another Canadian government department, such as Health Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Natural Resources Canada, Global Affairs Canada, or Transport Canada.
Why does HS classification matter when shipping to Canada?
HS classification helps customs authorities understand what the product is, which duties and taxes may apply, and whether the product is subject to import restrictions.
An incorrect HS code can lead to customs delays, inaccurate duty calculations, requests for more information, rejected shipments, or seizure. Ecommerce brands should assign HS codes at the product or SKU level before shipping to Canada.
Can I ship cosmetics to Canada?
Many cosmetics can be shipped to Canada, but they are regulated by Health Canada. Brands should review ingredient restrictions, product claims, labeling requirements, and whether a Cosmetic Notification Form is required.
Brands should also confirm that the product is actually considered a cosmetic under Canadian rules. Some products that make therapeutic claims or contain certain active ingredients may be treated as drugs, natural health products, or another regulated category.
Can I ship food to Canada?
Some food products can be shipped to Canada, but requirements depend on the product type, ingredients, quantity, origin, and intended use.
Consumer-packaged foods purchased for personal use may qualify for limited exemptions in some cases, but foods containing meat, dairy, eggs, plants, seeds, honey, animal-origin ingredients, or agricultural components may be subject to Canadian Food Inspection Agency rules.
Brands selling food to Canadian customers should review product-specific requirements before launch.
Can I ship supplements or vitamins to Canada?
Supplements and vitamins may be restricted depending on their ingredients, format, supply quantity, and claims. Some products may be treated as natural health products, foods, drugs, non-prescription drugs, or another regulated health product.
Health Canada may require certain natural health products to have a Natural Product Number, or NPN. Brands should review supplement ingredients, active ingredient levels, labeling, and claims before shipping to Canada.
Can I ship CBD products to Canada?
CBD and cannabis-derived products are highly regulated in Canada and should not be treated like ordinary wellness, beauty, or supplement products.
Importing CBD or cannabis-related products may be limited to licensed parties and may require permits or other authorization. Ecommerce brands should not ship CBD products to Canadian consumers without product-specific legal and regulatory review.
Can I ship pet food or pet treats to Canada?
Pet food and pet treats can be difficult to import into Canada, especially if they contain animal-origin ingredients. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency regulates many pet food products, including treats, chews, bones, rawhide products, and compound chews.
Requirements may depend on the ingredients, processing method, country of origin, and intended use. Brands should review CFIA requirements before selling pet food or treats to Canadian customers.
Can I ship dangerous goods to Canada?
Some dangerous goods may be shippable, but they are subject to strict transport, carrier, packaging, labeling, and documentation requirements.
Examples can include aerosols, perfume, cologne, nail polish, nail polish remover, dry ice, lighters, matches, paint, solvents, adhesives, batteries, and some chemicals. Brands should review the product’s material safety data sheet and carrier requirements before offering these products to Canadian customers.
What happens if I ship a restricted item to Canada without the right documentation?
The shipment may be delayed, held for inspection, rejected, returned, confiscated, or seized. The customer may also experience unexpected delivery issues, and the brand may face additional costs or compliance risk.
Restricted products should be reviewed before launch so the correct permits, certificates, labels, or documents are in place.
What should ecommerce brands check before shipping to Canada?
Before selling to Canadian customers, brands should confirm the product’s HS classification, country of origin, customs value, ingredients or materials, intended use, and quantity. They should also check whether the product is restricted, prohibited, or regulated by another Canadian government department.
It is also important to make sure restricted products are blocked from checkout when they cannot be shipped legally or operationally.