Shipping Furniture from Canada to US: Customs & Costs Guide

Moving furniture across the Canada-US border doesn't have to be overwhelming. Whether you're relocating, purchasing unique Canadian-made pieces, or managing business inventory, understanding the customs requirements, shipping costs, and regulations is crucial for a smooth cross-border furniture shipment.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about shipping furniture from Canada to the United States in 2025, including the latest customs changes, cost-saving strategies, and compliance requirements.

Quick Answer: What You Need to Know

Key Requirements:

• US Customs Declaration Form (CBP Form 6059B or Entry/Immediate Delivery form)
• Proper HTS classification (Chapter 94 for furniture)
• CUSMA/USMCA certification for duty-free treatment (if applicable)
• Phytosanitary certificates for unprocessed wood furniture
• CITES permits for endangered wood species

Estimated Costs:

• Small furniture (under 150 lbs): $100-$500 via ground shipping
• Large furniture: $300-$1,500+ via LTL freight
• Customs duties: 0% (CUSMA-compliant) to 35% (non-compliant goods)

Understanding US Customs Requirements for Furniture

Major Changes in 2025

The furniture shipping landscape changed significantly in 2025. Effective August 29, 2025, the United States has suspended its duty-free "de minimis" threshold of US$800 for all countries, including Canada. All postal shipments to the U.S. will require prepaid duties before your package crosses the border – regardless of their value or country of origin. For more details, see Canada Post's official guidance on shipping to the US.

Additionally, goods that do not satisfy the rules of origin are considered non-originating and are not eligible for preferential tariff treatment under the Agreement. Some Canadian exporters have not sought preferential treatment under the CUSMA, because they previously traded with the U.S. under the broader tariff regime applicable to all World Trade Organization members (Most-Favoured Nation trade status), often with very low or zero tariff rates. These goods are now subject to the U.S. IEEPA (border and fentanyl) tariffs unless they meet the CUSMA rules of origin and make a claim for preferential tariff treatment.

Required Documentation

For Personal Shipments:

1. CBP Declaration Form 6059B - Required when crossing the border with furniture
2. Informal Entry CBP Form - For shipped items (Entry/Immediate Delivery)
3. Commercial Invoice - Including detailed item descriptions and values
4. Bill of Lading or Air Waybill

For Commercial Shipments:

1. Importer ID Number - Social security number or IRS business registration number
2. CUSMA Certification of Origin - For duty-free treatment eligibility
3. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes - Furniture falls under Chapter 94
4. Packing List - Detailed inventory with weights and dimensions

Wood Furniture Special Requirements

Wood furniture faces additional regulations due to pest control concerns:

Processed Wood Furniture:Articles without bark and made of processed wood materials (material subjected to conditions such as heat, glue, pressure or any combination thereof) are approved entry by the CFIA without additional documents.

Unprocessed Wood Furniture:Articles without bark and made of unprocessed wood materials will require a phytosanitary certificate from the National Plant Protection Organization of the exporting country. For detailed wood import requirements, see CFIA's directive D-02-12.

Endangered Wood Species:As of November 25, 2024, a CITES permit or certificate is required for the import or export of the following types of wood: Species of Handroanthus, Tabebuia, and Roseodendron, which are often sold under the names "Ipe", "Brazilian walnut", "guayacan", "poui", or "lapacho" woods. For complete CITES requirements, visit Environment and Climate Change Canada's permits page.

Shipping Costs and Methods

Small Furniture (Under 150 lbs)

Best Options:

• UPS Ground/FedEx Ground: Most cost-effective for standard-sized boxes
• Canada Post with Zonos: Requires prepaid duties through Declaration ID system
• Regional Carriers: Often cheaper for short-distance moves

Cost Range: $100-$500 depending on size, weight, and destination

Large Furniture (Over 150 lbs)

Freight Shipping Options:

LTL (Less Than Truckload) Freight:

• Best for items 150-15,000 pounds
• Freight Shipping can take up to 2-4 weeks, depending on customs and delivery speed
• Cost-effective for sharing truck space
• Typical cost: $300-$800 for large pieces

FTL (Full Truckload):

• For extremely large shipments requiring entire truck
• Most expensive but fastest for bulk moves
• Cost: $1,500-$5,000+ depending on distance

White Glove Service:

• White-glove furniture delivery offers personalized care during the transportation of furniture items. This service is similar to white-glove moving services, and it's particularly beneficial for valuable antiques or delicate pieces, as it includes extra packing protection and trained movers to unload and transport the furniture to its destination.
• Additional cost: $200-$500+

Cost Factors Affecting Shipping Prices

1. Dimensional Weight Pricing: Dim weight is the amount of space a package occupies in relation to its actual weight. You're charged based on either the dimensional weight or the actual weight of the package, whichever is greater.
2. Distance Zones: Shipping costs increase significantly for cross-country deliveries
3. Packaging Requirements: Professional crating adds $100-$300 per piece
4. Insurance: Typically 1-3% of declared value
5. Delivery Options: Residential delivery, inside delivery, and appointment scheduling add fees

Customs Duties and Taxes

CUSMA/USMCA Duty-Free Treatment

The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA/USMCA) allows most Canadian-made furniture to enter the US duty-free, but specific requirements must be met:

Eligibility Requirements:

• To be eligible for duty free treatment into the U.S., an importer must claim the CUSMA preference based on a certification of origin completed by the exporter, producer or importer.
• Furniture must meet rules of origin requirements
• Proper certification must accompany the shipment

Rules of Origin Example:For example, under the CUSMA rules of origin, a producer could import oak (classified in Harmonized System (HS) subheading 4407.91) from outside of North America to make a wood kitchen table (classified in HS subheading 9403.40).

Non-CUSMA Compliant Furniture

Furniture that doesn't qualify for CUSMA treatment faces significant tariffs:

• IEEPA Tariffs: Non-originating goods are subject to the 35% or 10% IEEPA tariff, depending on the good.
• Standard HTS Rates: Vary by specific furniture type and origin country
• Additional Fees: Merchandising processing fees, harbor maintenance fees

Duty Calculation Example

For a $2,000 dining room set:

• CUSMA-compliant: $0 duty + applicable taxes
• Non-CUSMA compliant: Up to $700 in additional duties (35% rate)
• Processing fees: $25-$485 depending on value

For current tariff rates, consult the U.S. International Trade Commission's Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

Step-by-Step Shipping Process

1. Pre-Shipment Planning

Inventory and Documentation:

• Create detailed inventory with photos
• Obtain professional appraisals for valuable pieces
• Verify wood species for CITES requirements
• Determine CUSMA eligibility

Choose Shipping Method:

• Items under 150 lbs: Ground carriers
• Items over 150 lbs: LTL freight
• Fragile/valuable pieces: White glove service

2. Packaging Requirements

Professional Packing Tips:

• Remember, using an oversized box can increase your shipping costs, as prices are often determined by both size and weight. But a box that's too small won't give you enough room for proper cushioning and padding.
• Disassemble when possible to reduce dimensional weight
• Use furniture blankets, bubble wrap, and corner protection
• Label fragile items and handling instructions clearly

Documentation Preparation:

• Complete CUSMA certification if applicable
• Obtain phytosanitary certificates for unprocessed wood
• Prepare customs declarations with accurate values

3. Customs Clearance Process

At the Border:

• When you ship items from Canada to the US, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) service will oversee the process to prevent illegal and potentially risky items from entering the US.
• CBP inspects shipments and verifies documentation
• Payment of duties and taxes (if applicable)
• Release of goods for final delivery

Typical Timeline:

• Ground shipping: 5-10 business days
• LTL freight: 2-4 weeks
• Customs clearance: 1-3 days

4. Final Delivery

Delivery Options:

• Curbside delivery: Standard with most carriers
• Inside delivery: Additional fee for moving furniture indoors
• White glove setup: Full unpacking and placement service

Cost-Saving Strategies

1. Optimize Packaging

• Disassemble furniture when possible
• Use efficient box sizes to minimize dimensional weight
• When designing and building furniture, prioritize features that facilitate ease of transport and assembly to bring shopping costs down.

2. Choose the Right Shipping Method

• Compare LTL freight quotes from multiple carriers
• Consider regional carriers for shorter distances
• Regional and local freight couriers may offer lower rates for short-haul deliveries than national carriers. This is especially cost-effective for same-state or metro-area deliveries

3. Timing Your Shipment

• If possible, consider shipping furniture during off-peak months (typically November through March)
• Avoid peak moving seasons (summer months)
• Plan shipments to avoid holiday delays

4. Insurance and Risk Management

• Compare carrier insurance vs. third-party providers
• Document condition with photos before shipping
• Consider declared value vs. replacement cost coverage

5. Leverage CUSMA Benefits

• Ensure proper CUSMA certification for duty-free treatment
• Work with experienced customs brokers for complex shipments
• Maintain proper records for compliance

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge 1: Dimensional Weight Penalties

Solution: Use Easyship's rate calculator to instantly see which courier offers the lowest DIM rates for your package size and optimize packaging to reduce dimensional weight.

Challenge 2: Wood Species Compliance

Solution: If you are considering importing any of the subject goods outlined above or any articles containing wooden components please ensure the goods meet admissibility requirements under CFIA prior to purchasing or shipping the items. Check CFIA's wood import requirements for specific compliance details.

Challenge 3: Customs Delays

Solution: Work with experienced customs brokers who understand furniture-specific requirements and maintain all necessary documentation.

Challenge 4: Damage During Transit

Solution: Invest in professional packing services and comprehensive insurance coverage. Document pre-shipment condition thoroughly. Working with experienced small load movers and furniture shippers from Canada to USA ensures proper handling and packaging expertise.

Choosing the Right Shipping Partner

What to Look For:

• Experience with furniture shipping and cross-border logistics
• Customs brokerage services included
• Multiple shipping method options
• Comprehensive insurance coverage
• Real-time tracking capabilities
• White glove delivery services

For businesses and individuals looking for reliable small load movers and furniture shippers from Canada to USA, Ship Smart offers comprehensive cross-border logistics solutions with expert customs handling and competitive rates. Students relocating to U.S. colleges can also benefit from our specialized college moving services designed for academic transitions.

Questions to Ask Potential Shippers:

1. Do you handle customs clearance and documentation?
2. What insurance options are available?
3. Do you offer professional packing services?
4. Can you handle CUSMA certification requirements?
5. What are your policies for damaged items?

Conclusion

Shipping furniture from Canada to the US requires careful planning, proper documentation, and understanding of current regulations. The key to success lies in:

• Proper Classification: Ensure accurate HTS codes and CUSMA compliance
• Documentation: Complete all required forms and certifications
• Packaging: Professional packing to prevent damage and optimize costs
• Carrier Selection: Choose experienced furniture shippers with customs expertise
• Cost Management: Leverage CUSMA benefits and optimize shipping methods

By following this comprehensive guide and working with experienced logistics partners like Ship Smart, you can navigate the complexities of cross-border furniture shipping while minimizing costs and ensuring compliance with all customs requirements.

Ready to ship your furniture from Canada to the US? Contact Ship Smart today for a personalized quote and expert guidance through the entire shipping process. Our experienced team of small load movers and furniture shippers from Canada to USA specializes in cross-border logistics and can help you choose the most cost-effective and reliable shipping solution for your furniture.

This guide reflects regulations and requirements as of September 2025. Customs requirements and shipping regulations may change. Always verify current requirements with customs authorities or consult with experienced customs brokers before shipping.