Ordering Indian Food from India to Canada
Most people assume ordering food from India to Canada is slow or likely to be stopped at the border. Neither is true when it is done properly. Here is exactly how it works.
How it reaches Canada
Made to order in India, handed to DHL Express and flown out the same day. Delivery to Canada takes 3 to 5 business days, door to door, across Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, Scarborough, Vancouver and Calgary. Every customs charge is prepaid, so nothing is owed on arrival.
What Canada allows
Commercially packaged, shelf-stable vegetarian food is admissible into Canada, which covers mithai, namkeen, biscuits, pickles and spices. Declared properly and cleared through DHL Express weekly. Homemade food in unmarked containers is what causes problems, and we do not ship that.
How long it keeps
Milk sweets one to two weeks. Ghee laddus two to three. Dry-fruit sweets and chikki a month or more. Namkeen three to four weeks from frying. Pickles three to six months. Delivery sits comfortably inside all of it.
What it costs
Expect $17 to $40 for a proper 250g to 500g box. Minimum order is $100, and over $100 shipping is free with duties covered, which is why most families order six or eight things together rather than one box.
Questions people ask
Can I order Indian sweets and snacks to Canada from India?
Yes. Commercially packaged, shelf-stable food is admissible into Canada and clears customs routinely by DHL Express. Delivery takes 3 to 5 business days with all duties prepaid.
How long does delivery to Canada take?
3 to 5 business days by DHL Express air freight. Orders placed before 11 AM IST are dispatched the same day.
Will I be charged customs when it arrives in Canada?
No. Duties are prepaid under DDP, so nothing is owed at the door. Without DDP, couriers bill you before delivery.
Is there a minimum order?
Yes, $100. Over $100 express shipping is free and all customs charges are covered.