Commercial LCL shipping from Canada to Iceland
Samples, spare parts, stock for a small shop or goods for a customer abroad do not need a whole container. A1 ships commercial cargo in shared ocean containers (LCL) from Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver to Reykjavik. The rate starts at USD 7 per cubic foot to Reykjavik, and the carrier estimates 20–30 days in transit depending on the gateway and the city.
Iceland is not in the EU. People moving to Iceland can import used household goods free of duty and VAT when they have owned them for at least a year; Icelandic customs asks for an inventory and proof of residence. A commercial invoice is required for every shipment.
Iceland abolished customs duty on most industrial goods in 2017, so for most commercial cargo from Canada the main cost at import is VAT: 24 % standard and 11 % on food, books and some other items. Food and agricultural products can still carry duty and may need import permits. Importers need a kennitala and file the declaration with Iceland Revenue and Customs (Skatturinn), usually through a forwarder in Reykjavík. Canada and Iceland trade under the Canada–EFTA free trade agreement, so Canadian-origin goods with a proof of origin enter duty free where a duty would otherwise apply.
Use heat-treated (ISPM 15) pallets and crates for commercial cargo, and show the invoice value in a single currency so that customs can calculate the VAT without queries.
Commercial cargo rates to Iceland
| Destination | From Toronto | From Montreal | From Vancouver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reykjavik | USD 7 / cu ft 20 days · min. USD 512.24 | USD 7 / cu ft 20 days · min. USD 512.24 | USD 9 / cu ft 30 days · min. USD 582.88 |
Example: a small commercial shipment from Toronto to Reykjavik
- A few cartons (0.4 CBM, 80 kg): USD 512.24
- One pallet, 120 × 100 × 150 cm, 350 kg (1.8 CBM): USD 710.03
- Two such pallets (3.6 CBM, 700 kg): USD 1,155.06
The totals include the A1 processing fee, surcharges and solar fee. The carrier charges by volume or by weight (1,000 kg per CBM), whichever is greater. Destination charges are confirmed by the carrier before you pay; customs duties and taxes are paid by the importer in Iceland.
Which Canadian gateway: one pallet to Reykjavik
- From Toronto: USD 710.03, about 20 days
- From Montreal: USD 710.03, about 20 days
- From Vancouver: USD 837.18, about 30 days
Toronto is both the least expensive and the fastest gateway to Reykjavik. Choose the warehouse you can reach; from other Canadian cities the calculator shows the lowest of the three.
Dense goods are charged by weight: 1 CBM of tiles or metal parts weighing 800 kg costs USD 512.24 to Reykjavik, against USD 512.24 for 1 CBM at 200 kg.
Documents for commercial cargo
- Commercial invoice. Our commercial invoice (PDF): seller and buyer, a clear description of each item, quantity, unit value, total value, currency and country of origin. HS codes help customs in Iceland classify the goods.
- Packing list. The packing list (PDF) gives the pieces, packed dimensions and gross weight of every pallet, crate or carton, matching the invoice.
- Customs value. The customs value of the shipment may not exceed CAD 2,000.
The importer's details that the carrier conditions below ask for (tax or registration numbers) go on the invoice and the booking. More help: commercial shipping documents.
Pallets and crates
Commercial cargo travels palletized or crated. Wood packaging must be ISPM 15 heat-treated and stamped, or the cargo can be refused at the destination. Stack the cartons squarely on the pallet, no wider than the pallet itself, and stretch-wrap and strap them; label every piece with the consignee's name and city in Iceland. You deliver the cargo, already palletized or crated, to our receiving warehouse in Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver: A1 does not offer pickup and does not palletize. The warehouse measures and weighs the cargo, and the final price follows those measurements.
Carrier conditions for Iceland
- Commercial Invoice Required
- Subject to ISPM 15 Packing Regulations
How to book
Calculate the price in the calculator above with the cargo type "Commercial cargo", accept the quote and upload the commercial invoice and packing list on your booking page. After the carrier confirms the destination charges, you pay and receive the labels and the warehouse delivery instructions. Sending your own belongings rather than goods? See personal effects shipping to Iceland.
Shipping to Iceland by service
A1 services from Canada: Ocean LCL shipping, personal effects, commercial cargo, air freight (on request).
Questions and answers
How much does it cost to ship a pallet to Iceland?
One pallet of 120 × 100 × 150 cm weighing 350 kg from Toronto to Reykjavik costs about USD 710.03 including all A1 fees. Destination charges, duties and taxes are confirmed separately.
Which documents does a commercial shipment to Iceland need?
A commercial invoice and a packing list, plus anything the carrier conditions for Iceland require. The customs value of the shipment may not exceed CAD 2,000.
Does A1 pick up or palletize the cargo?
No. You deliver the cargo, already palletized or crated, to our receiving warehouse in Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver.
Rates valid through December 25, 2026; totals include A1 fees of USD 265.00. Destination charges are confirmed by the carrier, duties and taxes are paid by the consignee, and transit days are the carrier's estimate.