Complete Guide to Shipping from Canada to Latin America

Everything you need to know about shipping goods from Canada to Latin American countries, including documentation requirements, transit times, and cost optimization strategies.

Introduction

Latin America represents a growing market opportunity for Canadian businesses. With over 650 million people and a combined GDP exceeding $5 trillion, the region offers significant potential for trade expansion. However, shipping to Latin America requires careful planning and understanding of regional requirements.

Did you know?

Trade between Canada and Latin America has grown by over 45% in the past decade, making it one of the fastest-growing trade corridors for Canadian exporters.

Key Markets in Latin America

The primary destinations for Canadian exports to Latin America include:

•Mexico - Canada's third-largest trading partner, with streamlined processes under CUSMA
•Brazil - The largest economy in South America with extensive import regulations
•Chile - Known for efficient customs procedures and strong trade relations
•Colombia - A rapidly growing economy with increasing import demand
•Argentina - Major market for agricultural and industrial products

Shipping Methods and Transit Times

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is the most cost-effective option for large shipments. Transit times vary by destination:

•Vancouver to Mexico (Manzanillo): 7-10 days
•Vancouver to Chile (Valparaiso): 18-22 days
•Vancouver to Colombia (Cartagena): 12-16 days
•Halifax to Brazil (Santos): 20-25 days

Air Freight

Air freight offers faster delivery but at higher costs. Typical transit times from major Canadian hubs:

•Toronto to Mexico City: 1-2 days
•Vancouver to Lima: 2-3 days
•Montreal to São Paulo: 2-4 days

Did you know?

Metro Vancouver's strategic location on the Pacific coast makes it an ideal gateway for shipping to Latin America's west coast ports, offering up to 5 days faster transit times compared to Atlantic routes.

Essential Documentation

Proper documentation is critical for smooth customs clearance. Required documents typically include:

•Commercial Invoice - Detailed description of goods, values, and terms of sale
•Bill of Lading - Contract between shipper and carrier
•Certificate of Origin - Proves goods originate from Canada for preferential tariff treatment
•Packing List - Details of package contents and weights
•Import Permits - Required for certain regulated products

Customs and Duties

Each Latin American country has its own customs procedures and duty rates. Trade agreements like CUSMA (with Mexico) and bilateral agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate duties on eligible goods.

Key considerations:

•Proper HS code classification is essential for accurate duty calculation
•Value Added Tax (VAT) applies in most Latin American countries (15-19% typical range)
•Some countries require local customs brokers for clearance
•Pre-shipment inspections may be required for certain commodities

Did you know?

Under CUSMA, over 99% of Canadian goods can enter Mexico duty-free, making it one of the most accessible Latin American markets for Canadian exporters.

Cost Optimization Strategies

Consolidation Services

For smaller shipments, LCL (Less than Container Load) consolidation can reduce costs by sharing container space with other shippers.

Leverage Trade Agreements

Take advantage of preferential tariff rates under trade agreements by ensuring proper documentation and origin compliance.

Plan for Seasonal Variations

Shipping rates can fluctuate based on demand. Planning shipments during off-peak seasons can result in cost savings.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Language Barriers

Working with bilingual freight forwarders experienced in Latin American markets can help overcome communication challenges.

Extended Transit Times

Factor in additional time for customs clearance, which can vary significantly by country and product type.

Infrastructure Limitations

Some regions have limited port or airport infrastructure. Consider alternative routes or transshipment points for more efficient delivery.

Why Choose Metro Shippers?

With 7 years of specialized experience in Latin American shipping, Metro Shippers understands the unique requirements of each market. Our team handles over 934 shipments annually to 62 countries, maintaining a 99% customer satisfaction rate.

We offer:

•Expertise in Latin American customs and regulations
•Competitive rates for both ocean and air freight
•Door-to-door service from Metro Vancouver
•Real-time tracking and updates
•Bilingual customer support

Get Started

Ready to expand your business into Latin America? Our shipping experts are here to help you navigate the complexities of international logistics.