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Canada Import Duty Rate for Laptops & Computers

HS 8471 · Automatic data processing machines

Canada MFN Import Duty Rate

on FOB value

ITA — 0% MFN on laptops and computing equipment.

How duty is calculated

FOB value

Product transaction value at port of export

Import duty (0%)

Applied to FOB value. US uses FOB (transaction value).

GST/HST (5%)

Applied to FOB value + duty. Collected at customs.

Use our Landed Cost Calculator to compute the full cost including freight, brokerage, and last-mile delivery.

Worked example: laptops & computers worth US$10,000

A commercial shipment invoiced at US$10,000 with US$900 of international freight and insurance. Canada charges duty on the FOB value (the price of the goods), so freight does not attract duty and the duty base is US$10,000. Customs converts the amount to CAD at the official exchange rate on the day of import.

Charge	At 0%
Import duty	$0
GST/HST (5%)	$500
Total paid at the border	$500

GST/HST is usually recoverable for a registered business, so the cost that stays with you is the duty. Excise, anti-dumping duties and broker fees are not included.

Classifying laptops & computers correctly

Heading 8471 covers automatic data-processing machines; laptops and notebooks are 8471.30 (portable, under 10 kg, with at least a CPU, keyboard and display).

Tablets are also 8471.30, but tablets with phone functions may be 8517
Monitors go to 8528 and printers to 8443
Laptop parts and accessories go to 8473

Compliance. Most markets give laptops 0% duty under the WTO Information Technology Agreement; safety and radio approvals (CE, FCC, BIS in India, KC in Korea) and battery shipping rules still apply.

Importing into Canada: what you need

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) collects duty and taxes through CARM; rates are in the Customs Tariff.

Registration. A CRA business number with an import-export (RM) account and registration in the CARM Client Portal; a financial security or a broker's bond for release before payment.

Low-value shipments. Courier shipments worth CAD 20 or less pay no duty or tax. For goods that qualify under CUSMA from the US or Mexico, the courier thresholds are CAD 150 for duty and CAD 40 for taxes.

Documents customs will ask for

Commercial invoice or Canada Customs Invoice
Bill of lading or air waybill
CUSMA certification of origin to claim preference
Permits for controlled goods (food, plants, firearms, some steel)

Charges on top of duty

GST 5% on value for duty + duty; HST of 13–15% in participating provinces
Provincial sales tax collected separately in BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Quebec
Surtaxes on specific goods (some steel and aluminium products)

Watch out. Canada values goods FOB, but GST is charged on the duty-paid value, so freight never attracts duty but the duty itself attracts GST.

Frequently asked questions

What is the import duty rate for Laptops & Computers in Canada?

The MFN (Most Favoured Nation) import duty rate for Laptops & Computers (HS 8471) in Canada is 0% on the FOB value. ITA — 0% MFN on laptops and computing equipment.

Is GST/HST charged on Laptops & Computers imports to Canada?

Yes. Canada charges GST/HST at 5% on the FOB value plus any import duty. This applies to virtually all commercial imports.

Are there FTA rates available for Laptops & Computers in Canada?

Canada has free trade agreements with CUSMA/USMCA (US, Mexico), CETA (EU), CPTPP, Canada–Korea FTA, Canada–Chile FTA. Check whether your origin country qualifies for a preferential rate on HS 8471.

How is import duty calculated for Laptops & Computers entering Canada?

Duty is calculated on the FOB value of the goods. FOB value is the transaction value at the port of export. The MFN duty of 0% is applied to this value. GST/HST (5%) is then applied on the duty-paid value.