International Moving FAQ

You are welcome to contact us for a consultation and estimate at any time. However, to ensure a smooth process, we highly recommend requesting a quote at least 1–2 months prior to your scheduled departure.

For the most accurate planning, it is best to proceed once you have received your Visa Invitation Letter or your actual arrival date is confirmed. Please note that transit times can vary significantly depending on your specific departure or destination region in Canada, so early inquiries are strongly advised.

Moving costs are determined based on the total volume (CBM) of your cargo. Final pricing may vary depending on the working environment, delivery location, and the specific items being packed.

Yes, absolutely. You can start the moving process using a temporary address for the initial customs clearance. Once your final delivery address is confirmed, simply notify your coordinator. To give you extra time to settle in, we provide one month of free warehouse storage.

For international moves involving furniture and appliances, COSHIP’s professional packing team will visit your home to provide full export-standard packing services.

Please be advised that restrictions apply based on carrier safety regulations, company policies, and national customs laws. Including the following items may result in shipping delays, confiscation, or additional fees.

1. Carrier Restrictions (Strictly Prohibited) Items posing a risk of explosion or fire are strictly prohibited from maritime and air transport.

• High-capacity lithium batteries
• Gas-filled products (e.g., butane gas, LPG, freon)
• Lighters and certain aerosol sprays

2. Company Restrictions (Safety Policy) These items are restricted due to potential leakage, which can severely damage other goods during transit.

• Opened or used liquids (e.g., detergents, sauces, paints, cosmetics, oils)

3. Customs Restrictions (Subject to Inspection & Taxes) Customs regulations strictly control the entry of certain goods.

• Alcohol and Tobacco: Subject to strict customs inspection, duties, and taxes regardless of quantity. We strongly advise excluding them.
• Food and Agricultural Products: Processed meat, seeds, and certain dried foods are strictly regulated by agricultural quarantine laws in both Canada and Korea.
• Precious Metals/High-Value Items: Require separate declaration to avoid commercial suspicion.

※ Note: As specific customs policies vary between Canada and Korea, please consult with your dedicated moving coordinator for detailed country-specific guidelines prior to packing.

Transit times vary depending on the origin and destination of your move:

• Canada to Korea: Approximately 6–8 weeks from Vancouver, and 8–10 weeks from Toronto.
• Korea to Canada: Approximately 5–6 weeks to Western Canada, and 8–10 weeks to Central/Eastern Canada.

※ Note: Delivery to remote areas may require additional time. All transit times are estimates and schedules are subject to change based on carrier timelines, port conditions, weather, and inland transport availability.

Yes. While we strive to meet the estimated delivery dates, schedules can shift due to unexpected logistical variables. These factors include weather conditions, port congestion, carrier schedule changes, peak season delays, inland trucking availability, and customs (e.g., CBSA) inspections. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to ensure your shipment arrives safely.

Yes, we will keep you informed at every key milestone. Once your cargo is received at our warehouse, we provide regular status updates via email. You can expect notifications during major stages, including warehouse arrival, customs clearance, and final delivery scheduling.

By default, customs clearance in Canada requires you to complete a brief in-person interview at the local CBSA office. To ensure a smooth process, your COSHIP coordinator will provide all the necessary documents, the customs office location, and a detailed guide via email. Once your goods are cleared, we will proceed with the final delivery. If you are unable to visit in person, customs clearance through a broker is also available for an additional fee.

You may be eligible for duty-free clearance of your personal and household effects if you meet one of the following criteria:

1. Citizens / Permanent Residents

• Returning Citizens or Permanent Residents: Returning to resume residence in Canada after living abroad for at least one year.
• New Permanent Residents: Arriving in Canada for the first time after obtaining Permanent Resident status (First Landing).
• Note: Upon arrival at the port of entry, you must submit Form BSF186 (Personal Effects Accounting Document, formerly the B4 Form) along with a list of "Goods to Follow."

2. Work Permit / Working Holiday / Study Permit Holders

• You must have at least one year remaining on your current visa or permit.

3. General Requirements

• The exemption applies only to personal belongings and household goods that you have personally owned, possessed, and used.
• Items intended for commercial use, business, or sale are strictly excluded.

📌 Important Notice Based on our extensive experience and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) regulations, COSHIP provides guidance regarding your eligibility for duty-free clearance. However, please be advised that the final decision rests solely at the discretion of the examining CBSA officer. Duties and taxes may still be assessed even if the general conditions are met. Thank you for your understanding.

Inspections are randomly selected by the CBSA and are outside of our control. While customers are responsible for the actual inspection costs, COSHIP waives all additional handling fees when the inspection takes place at our own warehouse.

Most items may be duty-free if you meet returning resident criteria. Please refer to the Korea Customs Service for final eligibility.

Refer to the provided guide (if available) or contact the Korea Customs Service support center for confirmation.

No. Simply provide the required documents, and COSHIP will handle customs clearance and delivery for you.

Your shipment will be safely transferred to our private Vancouver bonded warehouse. To give you time to settle in, we provide up to 1 month of free storage.

※ Please note: Free storage is exclusive to our Vancouver warehouse.

Once your shipment clears customs, we will coordinate a delivery date and time that works for you. Our team will place large furniture in your designated areas and provide basic assembly. For your convenience, all boxed cargo will be placed unopened in the rooms of your choice.

※ Please note: While we provide basic furniture placement and assembly, this service may be limited for items with missing parts, brand-new products in their original packaging, or complex assembly furniture, depending on on-site conditions.

We provide basic assembly for standard items like bed frames. For complex, brand-new, or incomplete pieces, assembly may be limited based on the situation. If you need extensive setup, we can discuss additional labor options.

Compensation for damaged goods applies exclusively to items covered by transit insurance; uninsured shipments are not eligible for compensation.

Please note that partial loss or damage to items inside a box is excluded from coverage. To file a claim, you must submit photographic evidence via email within 30 days of receiving your final delivery.