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Container Shipping to Canada from Dubai 2025 Cost

Originally written in English & checked by Managing Editor: Ian Wright
Last Updated:

container shipping to canada from dubai

If you need to transport goods from Dubai to Canada, you’re probably aware that container shipping is the most practical and profitable way to do that. 

And yet, international shipping can be frustrating if you don’t have much experience with it. It requires a lot of research, planning, and forethought. 

That’s why we prepared this guide that’ll help you learn everything you need to know about international container shipping to Canada from Dubai! 

We’ll explain all you need to know about Dubai to Canada shipping services, costs, and regulations to make the journey smoother. Let’s go!

Major Ports and Routes Connecting Canada and Dubai

Major Ports in Dubai

There are three ports in Dubai: Jebel Ali Port, Mina Al Hamriya Port, and Mina Rashid Port. 

  1. Jebel Ali Port
    Jebel Ali isn’t only the biggest port in Dubai, it’s also the largest port in the Middle East and the ninth largest in the world, connecting dozens of ports and sea routes. A truly modern port, it’s known for its developed infrastructure and high efficiency.
  1. Mina Al Hamriya
    Mina Al Hamriya is a smaller port that connects the Arab Gulf, Africa, and South Asia. Thanks to its quarantine facilities, it’s often used for transporting livestock and animal cargo.
  1. Mina Rashid
    Mina Rashid is known for its cruise facilities and generally serves as a passenger port, though it is also used to send non-containerized cargo.

Major Ports in Canada

Canada has plenty of ports, so here are five of the most important ones:

  1. Vancouver
    As Canada’s largest port, Vancouver receives cargo and container ships from all around the world. Thanks to its location by the Pacific Ocean, worldwide cargo can be distributed not just in Canada but also in the US, particularly to the West Coast cities.
  1. Montreal
    The Port of Montreal may not be as big as the Port of Vancouver, but its technological advancement makes it one of the most popular ports in Canada. Based in Quebec, it’s easily accessible from multiple locations including Central Canada and Toronto, not to mention midwestern and northeastern US cities. 
  1. Prince Rupert
    Like the Port of Vancouver, Port of Prince Rupert borders the Pacific Ocean but it’s closer to the northern part of the country and the Alaska region. It mainly serves the British Columbia region.
  1. Halifax
    Port of Halifax is based in Nova Scotia, at the continent’s eastern coast. Bordering the Atlantic Ocean, it connects many routes and continents, including South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
  1. Toronto
    The Port of Toronto isn’t one of the major transport hubs in Canada since it sits a little bit farther on the St.Lawrence River than the Port of Montreal. It’s usually the next stop for ships that stop at Montreal. You can ship to Toronto from Dubai, but it takes a few days longer compared to other options.

Popular Sea Routes Connecting Canada and Dubai

  • Jebel Ali to Vancouver: Ships leave Jebel Ali for Vancouver almost every week. The journey lasts around 48 days and often stops in Asian ports like the Shanghai and Busan ports.
  • Jebel Ali to Prince Rupert: This route is quite similar to the one above, as both Vancouver and Prince Rupert ports are on the western coast of Canada. Jebel Ali to Prince Rupert is a quicker journey by a few days.
  • Jebel Ali to Halifax: Ships leave from Jebel Ali to Halifax almost every week and the average journey takes around 31 days to complete. 
  • Jebel Ali to Montreal: Ships leave from Jebel Ali to Halifax almost every week and the average journey takes around 39 days. Some shipment companies may also offer to send your goods to the Port of New York and deliver the cargo by trucks.

Cost Factors in Container Shipping to Canada from Dubai

Even though container shipping is a lot cheaper than alternative options, it requires a lot of effort, management, logistics, and experience, and these factors significantly affect shipping prices. 

We’ll break down these factors to help you understand how to calculate and minimize the costs of shipping to Canada from Dubai.

Insurance

  • Types: All transportation companies offer Basic Carrier Liability but we strongly recommend purchasing All Risk (Full Coverage) insurance. Basic Carrier Liability will only cover a fraction of damages if anything happens to your cargo, whereas All Risk guarantees the value of your shipment. You can also purchase Total Loss insurance, but it will cover a limited amount of damages and will only be paid if your whole cargo is lost.
  • Coverage: The coverage varies by policy. Even when you purchase All Risk insurance, carefully review the policy to see the exemptions. Insurance companies may refuse to pay your claim under specific conditions, such as war or piracy.
  • Cost considerations: Insurance costs are calculated based on the value of your cargo, the cost of the shipment, and the cargo route.

Packing Services

  • Benefits: Some consider it a luxury but if you haven’t packed for international shipping before, you may find it invaluable. Professional packers organize your stuff to save on space and to ensure the safety of your items.
  • Types: You can hire professionals to pack your whole cargo, or get them to deal with more specific items that need special attention.
  • Costs: Costs vary depending on the amount and the nature of packed items. Most shipping companies offer packaging services as an extra benefit you can purchase. When you get a quote, always check whether the price includes packaging and other services, such as pick-up and delivery.

Pick-up and Delivery

Shipping companies may offer pick-up and delivery services, or you can hire movers to take your cargo to and from the ports. The costs vary, depending on:

  • The transportation vehicle;
  • The distances to and from pick-up and delivery ports;
  • The delivery times.

It’s a good idea to inquire about pick-up and delivery options when you get a quote from a shipping company. Last-minute arrangements almost always cost extra, so it’s crucial to plan ahead.

Taxes and Duty Charges

Canadian customs don’t charge taxes if you’re moving to Canada from Dubai and taking your personal belongings and household items with you. 

If you’re taking valuable luxury goods with you (such as jewelry), it’s a good idea to have receipts or ownership documents to ensure you won’t have any trouble at the border.

Please note that manufacturing, construction, and farming equipment are not considered household items, and you must pay taxes for such items.

Canada has very specific rules about what kinds of vehicles you can bring to the country. While personal vehicles are exempt from border duty charges, you may have to pay taxes and duties depending on regional and provincial regulations.

Please carefully review Canada’s official immigration and import rules before you arrange your shipment.

Storage

  • Options: You can easily find short and long-term storage facilities in Dubai and Canada suited to your cargo, including livestock, pharmaceuticals, and liquid and dry goods.
  • Costs: Costs will vary based on the facility’s amenities, location, duration of stay, and the amount of cargo.

Additional Charges

  • Handling fees: Handling fees cover loading and unloading services and are usually included in the price quote. The costs vary based on the amount of cargo and the time it takes to handle it.
  • Documentation: There is usually a small fee paid to the shipment company for document processing. For example, you pay around 5-20 USD as a documentation fee for your Bill of Lading.
  • Other: Depending on the nature of your cargo, you may pay for extra services required, such as fumigation, quarantine service, and so on.

You should consider all the factors above when you are planning a shipment. Most shipment companies provide add-on services we discussed above, but may not include these services when they give you a quote. It’s important to realistically assess your needs and consult with the company before you accept an offer.

Modes of Container Shipping

You may have seen terms like FCL, LCL, and Breakbulk when Googling container shipping to Canada from Dubai. These terms refer to modes of container shipping, and each mode is suited to address specific shipment needs. Let’s see what they are.

Full Container Load (FCL)

When you pick FCL shipping, you rent an entire container for your goods. You pay the price of the whole container, whether you fill it or not. 

There are many benefits to renting an entire container:

  • Price: More profitable if you can fill it near full capacity. The rates (calculated based on cubic meters) are cheaper when you rent a whole container compared to LCL (less than a whole container).
  • Privacy and security: You don’t have to worry about your shipment getting mixed up with others. You can have more control over the space and packing style, helping you secure fragile and valuable items.
  • Optimized for delicate goods: If your cargo requires special attention (for example specific temperature throughout the journey), FCL is the best way to ensure its safety.
  • Consistency: Your cargo is sealed in the container during the journey, lessening the chances of damage from handling.
  • Speed: Reduces loading and offloading times and helps customs checks and border inspections finish faster.

Less than Container Load (LCL)

But what if you don’t have enough goods to fill out a container? Well, you can always go with LCL (Less than Container load). When you take this option, you accept that your cargo will be placed in a container with other cargo.

The benefits of LCL are:

  • Cost efficiency: You only pay for the space you use. While the price ratio is higher for LCL (you’re charged more due to increased handling and loading fees), it can still be more profitable if you don’t have many goods to send.
  • Flexibility: You can find ships quite often with this option as you only need limited space.

Breakbulk and Bulk Shipping

If you have goods that aren’t suited to container shipping due to their size, shape, or nature, you can use bulk and breakbulk shipping. This type of shipping is mostly used for import/export businesses and for transporting industrial cargo.

The breakbulk cargo includes equipment, machinery, timber, and other large, individually loaded objects. Bulk shipping is used for shipping loose cargo that doesn’t need to be individually cratered or palleted.  

The benefits of breakbulk and bulk shipping include:

  • Specialized handling: You will get special service and expertise necessary to load, offload, and handle your cargo.
  • Scale: You can easily transport very large quantities of goods at once.

Shipping Container Sizes and Options

Shipping containers come in standard sizes, though there is a lot of variety based on qualities such as cargo size and quality.

Standard Sizes

  • 20-foot container: At around 5.898m (length) x 2.352m (width) x 2.393m (height), a 20-foot container equals 33 cubic meters. Generally speaking, you can fit a two-bedroom apartment in a 20-foot container.
  • 40-foot container: It’s equivalent to 67 cubic meters, and can easily fit a three or four-bedroom apartment or house. 

Specialized Containers

  • Refrigerated containers (Reefers): These temperature-controlled containers are used to transport perishable goods like fresh food, chemical substances, and pharmaceuticals. 
  • Open-top containers: These containers have removable tops and are used for storing and transporting tall objects that don’t fit in normal containers.
  • Flat-rack containers: Removable sides make loading and unloading heavy-duty cargo, such as machinery and vehicles, easier and more practical.
  • Tank containers: Tank containers hold liquid and gas substances. They’re engineered to prevent spillage and hazardous accidents.
  • High cube containers: Slightly higher than regular containers, they are suited for transporting items that don’t fit into regular containers.
LengthHeightWidthVolumePrice Range
20ft Shipping Container19.7 ft
6 m		7.8 ft
2.4 m		7.7 ft
2.3 m		1,173 ft³
33.2 m³		AED 6,949 – 13,424
CAD 2,610 – 5,043
40ft Shipping Container39.7 ft
12.1 m		7.8 ft
2.4 m		7.7 ft
2.3 m		2,390 ft³
67.7 m³		AED 8,587 – 16,579
CAD 3,226 – 6,229
Shipping a Car19 ft
5.8 m		7.2 ft
2.2 m		7.2 ft
2.2 m		982.8 ft³
27.83 m³		AED 23.000 – 60.000
CAD 9.000 – 23.000

All prices indicate container shipping from port to port in October 2023.

Sea Freight Container Prices to Canada from Dubai

Since Dubai to Halifax is the shortest route, shipping prices are often lower. 

  • For a 20ft container, shipping from Jebel Ali Port, Dubai to Vancouver, Canada costs AED 6,949 or CAD 2,610;
  • For a 40ft container, the price from Jebel Ali Port, Dubai to Vancouver, Canada stands at AED 8,587 or CAD 3,226.

We listed the costs of shipping from Jebel Ali port to different ports in Canada. Please note that these prices are rough estimates. You can get a more accurate estimate by using our online quoting tool.

20ft Shipping Container 

Shipping to TorontoShipping to MontrealShipping to VancouverShipping to Halifax
Shipping from Jebel Ali PortAED 9,832
CAD 3,693		AED 12,179
CAD 4,575		AED 6,949
CAD 2,610		AED 13,424
CAD 5,043

All prices indicate container shipping from port to port in October 2023.

40ft Shipping Container 

Shipping to TorontoShipping to MontrealShipping to VancouverShipping to Halifax
Shipping from Jebel Ali PortAED 10,780
CAD 4,049		AED 15,338
CAD 5,763		AED 8,587
CAD 3,226		AED 16,579
CAD 6,229

All prices indicate container shipping from port to port in October 2023.

Shipping a Car: What You Need to Know

Shipping a car to Canada from Dubai can be tricky. While Canada allows certain vehicles to be imported to the country, the make and model of your car matter a lot. On top of that, it can be very hard to register your car with the relevant authorities and obtain permits.

If your car was made or bought in Mexico or the US, you have a greater chance of success. Unfortunately, shipping a car bought from Dubai may not be possible.

Here are the guidelines for shipping a car to Canada from Dubai.

Regulations and Requirements

  • Your car is older than 15 years and fulfills all the specifications outlined in the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. The car must pass all Canadian standards and must have been purchased new from the manufacturer. Please note that you must obtain a pre-approval from Transport Canada before shipping.
  • If your car is categorized as a bus, it must be manufactured before January 1, 1971.
  • If you purchased the car in Canada and you’re bringing it back to Canada, you still have to get pre-authorization from Transport Canada.
  • If you purchased the car in the U.S. from a manufacturer or a retail company, you may be able to ship it to Canada but you must ensure that it fits Registrar of Imported Vehicles’ requirements.

If you’ve had the car for less than 15 years, check the Registrar of Imported Vehicles regulations to see if it can be shipped to Canada. 

If you’ve had it for more than 15 years, you may be able to ship it but have trouble registering it in your province, as each province has special rules for car registration.

You can find more detailed guidelines by perusing Canada Border Service import rules for vehicles.

Canada is notoriously strict about vehicle safety and there is a chance your car won’t pass the customs check if you haven’t done the research. Carefully review all the requirements to make sure you can bring it to Canada before you ship your car. If your car is held up at customs, you will be responsible for any associated fees, including storage and disposal charges.

You must also check with local licensing authorities to see if you can get a permit for your car in your province. 

Before you ship your car, fill out the “Vehicle Import” form to ensure the customs checks aren’t held up.

Preparation and Necessary Documentation

  • Vehicle preparation: Get your car ready for the journey by doing the necessary maintenance and cleaning. Make sure the wheels aren’t muddy. The fuel tank should be less than ¼ full.
  • Vehicle title: The legal document that shows you own the car.
  • Bill of lading: The shipping company will process the document for you. It specifies the car’s make, model, age, and vehicle identification number (VIN), as well as the ports of transfer.
  • Bill of sale: A document that shows the value of the car, the date of purchase, and the buyer and seller.
  • Vehicle Import form: The vehicle registration certificate (V5C).
Shipping to TorontoShipping to MontrealShipping to VancouverShipping to Halifax
Shipping from Jebel Ali PortAED 14,810
CAD 5,565		AED 12,166
CAD 4,571		AED 12,696
CAD 4,770		AED 8,310
CAD 3,122

The prices are average and indicate shipping a 2020 Jeep Renegade from port to port in October 2023.

Shipping Times for Sea Freight to Canada from Dubai

Shipping to TorontoShipping to MontrealShipping to VancouverShipping to Halifax
Shipping from Jebel Ali Port18 – 52 days17 – 50 days18 – 48 days17 – 24 days

Government Regulations and the Customs Process

Perhaps the most important part of any shipping process is checking the government regulations and customs rules. A problem at the customs may cause your delivery to be seriously delayed and could considerably increase the costs of shipping.

Necessary Documentation for Shipping

Prepare all the required documents and learn how they should be processed. 

  • Bill of lading: Once you enter a contract with the shipping company, you will receive the bill of lading, a contract that documents the details of your cargo, its destination, and recipient. 
  • Packing list: A detailed list of the contents of your container.
  • Insurance documents: Your shipping insurance policy.

Depending on the nature of the shipment, you may also need the following documents:

  • Certificate of origin: If you are transporting commercial goods, you must document where they were produced.
  • Commercial invoice: A document that indicates the value of your goods.
  • Import/export declaration: Import and export forms for the relevant countries.

Canada’s Customs Regulations

Canada Customs regulations vary depending on your nationality, residence status, and the nature of your shipment (moving vs business). The customs regulations are designed and enforced through the collaboration of multiple government departments.

It’s a good idea to review customs regulations issued by the following institutions to ensure your shipment doesn’t get stuck at customs.

  • The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA): CFIA sets the guidelines for plant, animal, and food products that may be brought to Canada. These regulations apply to personal effects as well as imported goods. They periodically update their prohibitions list to prevent epidemics and potential biological threats to Canada’s ecosystem. 
  • Environment and Climate Change Canada: ECC regulations are designed to protect the environment and inform customs rules around imported technology, cars, and other potential environmental pollutants.
  • Transport Canada: You must get approval from Transport Canada to bring a vehicle to Canada.

Dubai’s Export Regulations

In Dubai, the customs process is streamlined and governed by:

  • UAE Federal Customs Authority (FCA): The FCA is responsible for enforcing import and export regulations of the UAE. You must check FCA guidelines to ensure you can export goods from Dubai to Canada.
  • Dubai Customs: All shipments from and to Dubai are carried out under the purview of Dubai Customs.
  • Export Declaration: If you are exporting goods from Dubai to Canada, you must declare all the relevant information regarding your shipment to the Dubai Customs office.

Top Goods and Services Imported by Canada

International trade between Canada and the UAE has increased significantly over the past decade. Canada imports several types of raw and processed materials from the UAE.

Canada Imports from the United Arab Emirates

  • Iron and Steel: Used in construction, engineering, and other relevant projects.
  • Household goods: From toys to glassware, furniture, clothing, and carpets, Canada imports a variety of household and retail goods from the UAE.
  • Essential oils and cosmetics: Canada imports a significant amount of toiletries, perfumes, soaps, and processed essential oils from the UAE. These products may be sold in retail or used in aromatherapy and perfume production in Canada.
  • Minerals and fuels: Petroleum, natural gas, and coal are used to make plastics and processed fuels. While Canada has fuel resources to meet its fuel needs, it still imports and exports fuel across borders. Imported oil is an important energy source in many regions of Canada.
  • Pharmaceutical products: The pharmaceutical product trade between the UAE and Canada is relatively smaller compared to Canada’s other imports from the country, but it remains a significant market.
  • Precious stones: Gold, pearls, diamonds, gemstones, and other precious stones account for a large share of the UAE-Canada export market.
  • Machinery: Includes nuclear reactors, boilers, and other industrial machinery used in Canada.
  • Food and beverages: Canada imports a large variety of food products from the UAE, including coffee, tea, spices, cereals, flours, fruits, and so on.

Restricted Items for Shipping to Canada

You must carefully review Canada’s shipping regulations before you send personal items or export goods to the country. Import regulations and household/personal shipping regulations are different, so make sure you review the right guidelines.

The rules we outline below mostly apply to personal/household shipping, however, keep in mind that some of them also apply to imported goods. If you are in doubt, always check the Canada Customs Agency website for more information.

Please note that you shouldn’t ship any items that could threaten Canada’s ecosystem and biodiversity. That means you have to declare all food, plant, and animal products you ship, as well as other substances like mud, timber, firewood, and so on. Wooden furniture should also be declared.

People often don’t realize how comprehensive Canada’s shipping rules are and try to ship restricted items like canned or homemade food, herbal medicines, carved items, and objects decorated with animal hides or skins. 

Aside from these “must declare” goods, some goods are restricted or prohibited. With restricted goods, you must gain pre-approval before the shipping process. You can’t bring prohibited goods to Canada at all.

Always check the Canada Customs Agency website for the latest updates on restricted or prohibited goods.

Prohibited Goods 

  • Cannabis;
  • Food, animal, and plant products that could endanger Canada’s biodiversity. Once you declare your goods, customs officials will make sure they don’t violate the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s guidelines. If you are importing these goods, follow the CFIA guidelines and use the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) to ensure you don’t break any rules;
  • Certain firearms and weapons;
  • Endangered species and items/goods that are made from or decorated with parts from endangered species. 

Restricted Items

You must obtain permits for the following items:

  • Explosives, some types of ammunition, and fireworks. Always declare any weapons, firearms, and ammunition you bring to the country. You can learn which weapons and firearms are restricted on the CBSA website;
  • Items that are considered significant to the history and culture of the origin country, such as antiques and other historical artifacts;
  • Prescription drugs.

Prohibited and Regulated Consumer Items

Prohibited Products

Certain commercial items are banned in Canada due to health and safety regulations:

  • Relight Candles
  • Baby Walkers
  • Jequirity Beans
  • Balloon Blowing Kits
  • Yo-Yo Balls with long cords
  • Infant Self-Feeding Devices
  • Lawn Darts with Elongated Tips

Regulated Products 

The products below are strictly regulated and must fit Canadian standards to be shipped to the country:

  • Cribs, Cradles, and Bassinets
  • Playpens
  • Strollers
  • Baby Gates
  • Hockey Helmets and Face Protectors
  • Lighters
  • Car Seats

Special Considerations

Canada may issue bans on specific items and/or animals from certain regions due to health and safety concerns. 

As of November 2023, birds and bird byproducts from regions affected by Avian Influenza and commercial dogs from countries with a high risk of rabies are banned. 

Obtaining a Personalized Quote

Obtaining a personalized quote is the best way to plan your shipment. You can instantly learn the cost and time of shipping with the tool and receive customized rates.

Getting a personalized quote is better than relying on standard rates and offers benefits such as:

  • Accuracy: You get a more accurate price estimation that takes your packaging, shipping, and pick-up delivery needs into consideration. 
  • Budgeting: You will be able to compare and contrast different services and make better financial choices.
  • Time-saving: It’s quicker than scouring the internet for prices and calling shipping companies.
  • Flexibility: You can explore different options, such as container modes and requirements, to find the best shipment option for your needs and budget.

Once you get a personalized quote, you can reach out for more detailed information regarding the services you need or questions you have. 

F.A.Q.

How long does a typical shipment take from Dubai to Canada?

Depending on your final destination in Canada, your shipment may take 30 to 60 days to arrive. The shipment may get delayed due to weather conditions and other possible issues in in-between ports.

I’m relocating from Dubai to Canada, should I use a shared container (LCL)?

Renting a shared container is ideal if you aren’t shipping many items. You can easily pack a small apartment (one bedroom) in an LCL container.

Can I ship my car to Canada from Dubai?

It depends on the age, make, and model of your car. You must check the Transport Canada guidelines as well as regional car registration authorities before shipping your car.

Can I ship a baby walker and/or stroller from Dubai to Canada? 

Baby walkers are prohibited and shouldn’t be shipped to Canada. Strollers may be shipped if they fit Canadian safety guidelines.

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