Shipping Your Life from Canada to the UK: Costs, Customs, and What to Know

Shipping from Canada to the UK is a well-worn route, and the logistics are straightforward once you know the options. The Atlantic crossing is shorter than the Pacific, so transit times are reasonable. Here's everything you need to know about getting your stuff across the pond.

Your Shipping Options

• Full Container Load (FCL) - a 20ft or 40ft container just for your belongings. Best if you're shipping a full household. You pack it, it goes directly to the UK port without sharing space
• Less than Container Load (LCL) - your belongings share a container with other shipments. Cheaper than FCL but takes longer because the container needs to be filled before it sails
• Air freight - fast (5-10 days) but expensive. Best for essentials you need immediately, sentimental items, or if you're only shipping a few boxes
• Excess baggage services - companies like Send My Bag ship boxes and luggage door-to-door. Good for smaller moves, especially if you're on a Youth Mobility visa and travelling light

Estimated Costs

Prices vary significantly based on origin city, volume, and time of year. Summer is peak season (everyone moves at the same time), so booking in spring or autumn can save money. Always get at least three quotes.

Transit Times

• Sea freight (FCL) - 2-4 weeks port to port from eastern Canada, plus customs clearance and delivery
• Sea freight (LCL) - 4-8 weeks including consolidation time
• Air freight - 5-10 days including customs

From western Canada (Vancouver, Calgary), add about a week for the overland journey to the port.

UK Customs and Duty

If you're transferring your residence to the UK, your used personal belongings qualify for Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief:

• You must have lived outside the UK for at least 12 consecutive months
• Items must have been owned and used for at least 6 months before the move
• You need to apply for ToR relief through HMRC (form ToR01) before or shortly after your goods arrive
• If approved, you pay no customs duty or VAT on qualifying items

Prohibited and Restricted Items

The UK has strict rules on what you can bring in:

• No firearms or weapons - UK gun laws are far stricter than Canadian laws. Don't ship any firearms, ammunition, or anything that could be classified as a weapon
• No food or plant material - fresh or dried foods, seeds, plants, and soil are restricted. Leave the maple syrup collection for your checked luggage (within limits)
• Alcohol and tobacco - limited quantities only and subject to duty. Your moving company will advise on current limits
• Prescription medication - bring what you need for personal use with a letter from your doctor. Controlled substances require advance permission

What to Leave Behind

Some things aren't worth shipping:

• Large furniture - UK homes are smaller. Your Canadian-sized sofa might not fit through the door, let alone the room. Many UK rentals come furnished anyway
• Old electronics - anything older than a few years isn't worth the shipping cost. Sell it and buy new in the UK
• Heavy books - books are surprisingly heavy and expensive to ship per kilogram. Keep the ones you love, digitise or donate the rest
• Cars - left-hand drive cars can be registered in the UK, but it's expensive and impractical. Most people sell their car in Canada and buy a right-hand drive vehicle in the UK if they need one

Voltage and Plugs

Canada uses 120V/60Hz with Type A/B plugs. The UK uses 230V/50Hz with Type G plugs. Most modern electronics (laptops, phones, tablets) have dual-voltage chargers and just need a plug adapter. But anything with a heating element or motor (hair dryers, kitchen appliances, power tools) won't work and could be dangerous. Check the label on each device before packing it.

Shipping Pets

The UK has strict pet import rules, but no quarantine for dogs and cats entering from Canada if requirements are met:

• Microchip (ISO standard)
• Rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel)
• Tapeworm treatment for dogs (1-5 days before arrival)
• Health certificate from a Canadian vet
• Pets must enter through an approved carrier and arrive at an approved port or airport

Budget CAD 2,000-5,000 for pet transport depending on the size of your pet and the service. Start the paperwork at least 4 months before your move date.

Choosing a Shipping Company

• Get at least three quotes. Prices vary widely between companies
• Check if they're a member of the International Association of Movers (IAM) or FIDI
• Ask what's included - packing, loading, customs clearance, delivery to your UK address, and insurance
• Read reviews on Google, Trustpilot, and expat forums. Bad shipping experiences are common, and paying a bit more for a reputable company is worth it

Information in this guide is based on publicly available details from HMRC, UK Border Force, and international moving industry resources as of August 2026. Customs rules and shipping costs change, so always confirm current requirements with your shipping company.