Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Dec, 05 2025
International Moving Costs: India to Canada
Different things come to mind when considering relocating to a new country. Apart from the visa requirements and residential paperwork, one other burden is the shipping costs of their household goods. This is why many people take only the essential things with them. This article reveals the average cost of moving from India to Canada in terms of relocating services. It also covers the things you need to know about custom paperwork and how you can save money by avoiding paying extra fees on duties and taxes.
The cost of a full container shipped overseas to Canada from India is INR 635,000 - INR 1,034,400, according to the rates of different carrier companies. The voyage will take between 5-8 weeks. You may also choose a half container, which gives you roughly six meters of space inside a standard 12-meter shipping container. How will you know how much “container” you need? A two-bedroom house can be moved with a full container, but you can constantly adjust if you plan to bring less stuff.
Is that all? No, not even close. International relocations have a lot of associated costs. From storage to agent fees, many other costs are associated with shifting. To avoid surprises, you should always consider working with an international moving company or other international relocation services with relevant experience. With their expertise, they can provide you with estimates of costs you can count on.
Will I Owe Customs Duty and Taxes?
Most of the time, you will not owe customs duty or taxes. Some minor, common sense requirements for this tax exemption include stipulating that the items you import cannot be resold for at least a year. If you decide to sell, rent, lease, or otherwise dispose of the item during that time, you will be responsible for paying retroactive taxes and duties.
Canada uses two different forms for customs declarations. Your choice will depend on how you have arrived to transfer your belongings. Maybe you aren’t bringing much and have carried your belongings on the plane. In that event, you would fill out Form BSF186 - Traveling with Goods.
If you are working with a shipper, it is unlikely that both you and your cargo will arrive at the same time. In this case, you would use Form BSF186A - Goods to Follow. The timing of it all is less important than using the right paperwork and being present during customs declaration. Canadian customs officials require your physical presence to ask any necessary questions.
Are Vehicle Imports Permitted?
Most of the time, the country of Canada does not permit vehicle imports from overseas. Most countries rely on vehicles manufactured to be driven on the left side of the road. This configuration does not work in Canada or the U.S., where drivers drive on the right side of the road. The Canadian government does not permit mechanically modified vehicles to be imported, and cars from India would require these modifications. Some exceptions are made for vehicles that aren’t intended to be driven, such as rare or antique vehicles intended for display.
Three Movers
When they move overseas, most people work with an international moving company, and we don’t blame them. International relocation and shipping are complex.
We understand the complexities of international hauling and customs regulations and can use this expertise to help you. Whether you're moving across town or worldwide, you can rest assured that our experts have the skills and knowledge to give you peace of mind. To learn more about how we can help with your international move, contact us for a free shipping quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Full international household moves from India to Canada usually range $4,500–$9,500, depending on shipment size, origin city, destination city, and whether you use LCL, FCL, or consolidated freight. Costs rise with larger homes, fragile packing, port charges, customs clearance requirements, and final-mile delivery in Canada. Moves involving pianos, safes, or multi-story loading need extra labor. Delivery timing varies by carrier, weather, and port congestion on both sides.
A 20-foot container typically falls around $3,800–$6,500, while a 40-foot container usually runs $5,500–$9,000, based on congestion at Nhava Sheva or Mundra, sailing schedules, and Canadian port handling fees. Final destination cities with long-carry or elevator restrictions increase labor charges. Rates also vary with fuel adjustments and demand cycles on major transpacific trade lanes. For people comparing container vs. full-service relocations, our international moving costs page provides detailed guidance.
Most full household shipments arrive in 6–10 weeks, depending on sailing frequency, customs processing, and distance between the Canadian port and your final delivery address. Peak seasons, monsoon delays, and document errors may add several days. Air freight is quicker (often 7–14 days) but significantly more expensive and best suited for essential items. Delivery timing also depends on how soon movers can secure loading windows at both residences.
Pricing is shaped by move size, packing needs, origin access conditions, port fees, marine insurance, shipment method (LCL vs. FCL), and distance from port to residence in Canada. Charges rise when crews must navigate narrow lanes, floor-to-floor carrying, long elevator scheduling, or customs examinations. Additional costs apply to bulky items, HOAs with restrictive loading windows, and winter delivery routes in provinces where snow increases handling time.
Yes, air freight is reliable for time-sensitive or small-volume shipments, though prices run significantly higher than ocean transport. It works best for documents, electronics, valuables, and items you need immediately upon arrival in Canada. Weight brackets, carrier surcharges, security screening, and airport clearance fees influence the final bill. Ground delivery times in Canada depend on proximity to airports such as Toronto, Vancouver, or Calgary. See our moving belongings overseas guide for planning tips.
Most professional international movers provide export packing, inventory preparation, and customs documentation support, which reduces delays at Canadian ports. Costs vary with the number of boxes, fragile-item requirements, and whether specialized crating is required. Incorrect or incomplete paperwork is one of the most common causes of shipment holds, so full-service handling helps maintain timelines. Additional services may include climate-controlled storage, unloading, and debris removal on delivery.
