Expanding into the US market is a natural growth step for many Canadian-based apparel brands. With proximity, strong trade relations, and high consumer demand, the opportunity is significant.

However, one challenge many merchants fail to take into account is cross-border shipping. Moving goods successfully into the US requires careful planning. You’d have to figure out shipping costs, delivery times, potential customs delays, trade laws, and many more.

This guide breaks down everything apparel brands need to know to ship confidently to the US to scale sales, while avoiding costly mistakes.

Trade Between Canada and the United States: A Brief Overview

Canada and the United States share one of the largest and most integrated trade relationships in the world. Both countries exchanged $916 billion worth of goods in 2023 alone, and that figure has been rising considerably ever since.

For Canadian brands, the US is the largest export market, offering proximity, strong consumer demand, and well-established logistics networks. Likewise, US businesses rely heavily on Canadian goods, from manufactured products to textiles and apparel.

This close relationship is supported by trade agreements such as the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), which helps reduce tariffs, streamline customs processes, and encourage cross-border commerce. As a result, many goods can move between the two countries efficiently when compliance requirements are met.

Because of this deep economic integration, expanding from Canada into the US is often the most natural first step for growing brands. Understanding how trade between the two countries works allows you to know the right shipping documents, understand customs rules, know how much duty fee to pay, and much more.

Documents Required to Ship to the US from Canada

Whether you’re shipping DTC orders or bulk wholesale shipments, understanding the required documents is essential for smooth cross-border fulfillment.

Let’s have a close look at some of these documents:

1. Commercial Invoice

The commercial invoice is the most important document for any cross-border shipment. It provides customs officials with a detailed overview of the shipment.

A compliant commercial invoice must include:

• Seller and buyer information
• Detailed product descriptions (not just “clothing”)
• Quantity and unit value
• Total shipment value
• Currency used
• Country of origin for each item
• HS (Harmonized System) codes

For apparel shipments, vague descriptions or incorrect HS codes often trigger inspections or delays.

2. Packing List

The packing list details how the shipment is physically packed and helps customs officers and carriers verify the contents.

It typically includes:

• Number of cartons or packages
• Weight and dimensions
• Item quantities per carton
• Reference to the commercial invoice

While not always legally required, a packing list significantly speeds up inspections and reduces the risk of discrepancies.

3. Bill of Lading (BOL) or Air Waybill (AWB)

The bill of lading (for ground or ocean freight) or air waybill (for air shipments) serves as:

• A receipt of goods
• A contract of carriage
• Proof of shipment

This document is issued by the carrier and includes:

• Shipper and consignee details
• Description of goods
• Shipping method and routing

4. Certificate of Origin (USMCA)

If you’re claiming preferential duty treatment under USMCA, you’ll need a USMCA Certificate of Origin. It’s important to note that this document:

• Not mandatory for every shipment
• Required when claiming duty-free treatment
• Must confirm the product meets USMCA rules of origin
• Can be issued by the exporter, producer, or importer

Incorrect or unsupported origin claims can lead to penalties or retroactive duty assessments.

5. HS Codes and Classification Documents

Harmonized System (HS) codes classify goods for customs purposes and determine applicable duty rates.

For apparel, classification depends on:

• Garment type
• Fabric content
• Construction method (knit vs woven)

Using the wrong HS code is one of the most common (and costly) mistakes apparel brands make when shipping cross-border, and so you should avoid it.

6. Importer of Record (IOR) Information

Every shipment must identify an Importer of Record, which is the party responsible for compliance and payment of duties and taxes.

The IOR can be:

• The apparel brand
• A US-based distributor
• A fulfillment partner or 3PL

Accurate IOR details are critical to avoiding clearance issues.

Other Important Things to Know Before Shipping to the US

Besides the documents we listed above, there are also important factors to keep in mind to ensure your shipments sail through to the US without hassles. They are as follows:

1. Duties, Taxes, and Fees

You will most likely pay duties and taxes, which might include:

• Import duties
• Customs brokerage fees
• State or local taxes (depending on shipping model)

For DTC shipments under $800 USD, the US de minimis threshold often allows duty-free and tax-free entry. However, this does not eliminate the need for accurate declarations.

2. Apparel Labeling Requirements

Apparel products sold in the US must comply with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) labeling laws. By law, these products are required to have fiber content, country or origin and care instructions clearly outlined on the label.

Non-compliant shipping labeling can result in shipments being held, relabeled, or refused entry.

3. Recordkeeping and Audit Readiness

US Customs requires importers to retain records related to shipments for several years. As such, it’s important to maintain accurate records of commercial invoices, origin documentation, HS classification, broker communications, etc., for your business.

The Cheapest and Fastest Way to Ship to the US from Canada

The cheapest and fastest way to ship to the US isn’t a single carrier or method: it’s the right strategy based on your order size, volume, and stage of growth. Let’s now take a look at the options you have for affordable shipping to the US as a Canada-based brand.

1. Cross-Border Parcel Shipping

Cross-border parcel shipping is the most common starting point for Canadian brands selling directly to US consumers.

How it works

Orders shipped from Canada using cross-border services that pre-clear parcels into the US before final delivery via USPS or local couriers.

Pros

• Affordable rates for small packages
• Delivery in 2–5 business days
• Often qualifies for the $800 USD de minimis threshold
• No need for US warehousing

Cons

• Higher cost per unit at scale
• Returns can be expensive

2. Consolidated Shipments + Injection Shipping

With this method, multiple orders are consolidated in Canada, cleared through customs in bulk, and injected into the US domestic shipping network.

Why it’s efficient:

• Lower per-order shipping costs
• Faster border clearance
• Reduced brokerage fees
• Reliable delivery times

Many fast-growing apparel brands use this method before moving to US warehousing.

3. Third-Party Logistics (3PL)

As your business begins to grow and the volume of shipment increase, it will become more convenient to store goods in warehouses owned by independent providers and then fulfill orders directly from there. This is what 3PL warehousing is all about.

We’ve written extensively about 3PL warehousing, and you can check out the post here.

Tips to Manage and Reduce Costs

• Use hybrid services or parcel consolidators: They often have lower negotiated rates.
• Keep packaging compact: Minimizing dimensional weight can lower fees.
• Compare carriers regularly: Rates change, and volume discounts may apply.
• Factor in customs duties/taxes: This is particularly true for larger or higher-value shipments.