When you ship internationally, every package must go through customs one way or another. ShipSavvy makes it easy by helping you choose the right Customs Clearance Method based on your shipment’s value, origin, and destination.
There are four options available for packages travelling from Canada to the US — and we’ll always guide you to the best one based on your shipment details.
✅ 1. No Broker Needed (Eligible for Section 321)
Best for: Low-value shipments (≤ $800 USD) that don’t originate from restricted countries like China or Hong Kong.
If your shipment qualifies for Section 321, it’s considered an Informal Entry and no customs broker is required.
We’ll automatically detect when this applies and handle clearance for you at no extra cost.
How it works:
You ship as usual — no extra forms or documents needed.
ShipSavvy clears the shipment via Section 321.
No duties or taxes are charged to you or your customer.
Restrictions:
Value must be ≤ $800 USD.
Country of manufacture must not be on the restricted list.
No food or FDA-regulated goods.
Tip: This is the fastest and simplest clearance method for qualifying shipments.
⭐ 2. SavvyBroker (Recommended)
Best for: All other shipments where customs clearance is required and you want a fully managed solution.
SavvyBroker is ShipSavvy’s in-house customs brokerage partner. We handle the entire process for you — so you don’t need to worry about paperwork, compliance, or surprises at the border.
How it works:
We collect shipment and product details during label creation.
Our brokerage team clears your shipment with customs.
Duties are calculated and charged after delivery based on actual clearance.
Cost: $5 per product line item (billed post-clearance).
Why choose this option:
No manual document handling.
Faster and more reliable clearance.
Full support for shipments requiring formal entry.
Recommended for: Most merchants shipping >$800 USD, from China, or with goods requiring full clearance.
? 3. Use My Own Broker
Best for: Merchants with an existing customs broker relationship or specialized clearance requirements.
You can choose to manage your own customs clearance by uploading the required documentation from your broker.
How it works:
You select this option at booking.
Upload a PDF of your commercial invoice and broker-prepared documents.
We’ll pass these to customs for clearance.
Important:
You’re responsible for ensuring all documents are complete and accurate.
Missing or delayed documentation may result in shipment delays.
Use this option only if you're confident in your broker setup and documentation process.
? 4. Recipient Pays Duties (Carrier-Managed Clearance)
Best for: Lightweight shipments where you prefer to pass the customs responsibility to your customer.
In this case, the carrier (e.g., Canada Post Tracked Packet USA) manages customs clearance, and your customer pays duties and taxes on delivery, also known as Deliver Duty Unpaid (DDU).
How it works:
You select this option at booking.
ShipSavvy prints a DDU (Deliver Duty Unpaid) label.
Your customer receives the shipment and pays any applicable fees upon delivery.
What to watch for:
This method can result in delivery delays or failed deliveries if the customer refuses to pay.
May not support all product types or shipment sizes.
Use with caution if customer experience is a priority — unexpected fees can create friction.
? Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which method is best?
ShipSavvy auto-selects the best option based on your shipment details. You can change it manually if needed.
Can I switch the method after booking?
Not at this time. Please make sure your customs method is correct before finalizing your shipment.
How are duties calculated with SavvyBroker?
We use your product descriptions, values, and HS codes to calculate estimated duties. Final duties are based on actual customs clearance.
Do I need to collect duty/tax from my customer?
If you use SavvyBroker, no — we’ll bill you after clearance.
If you use Recipient Pays Duties, yes — the customer pays at delivery.
? Still have questions?
Contact ShipSavvy at customerservice@shipsavvy.com — we're here to help you ship with confidence, no matter the destination.
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