Frequently Asked Questions About iHerb Shopping from Canada

Orders valued under $150 CAD (product value only, excluding shipping) qualify for Canada's de minimis threshold and incur no customs duties. However, GST/HST still applies to all orders regardless of value. iHerb calculates and collects these taxes at checkout, so you won't face surprise fees at delivery. For orders exceeding $150 CAD, duties of 0-6.5% may apply depending on product classification, plus GST/HST at your provincial rate (5-15%). The exact amount appears during checkout before you complete payment. Products like vitamins and minerals typically enter duty-free, while some cosmetics and personal care items may incur small duties.

Shipping times vary by method selected and destination. Economy shipping typically takes 10-14 business days and costs $4-8 USD for most orders. Standard shipping arrives in 7-10 business days at $8-12 USD. Express options deliver in 5-7 business days for $15-25 USD, while DHL Express reaches most Canadian addresses in 3-5 business days at $20-35 USD. Remote locations in northern territories may add 2-4 days to these estimates. Weather conditions, customs processing, and peak shopping seasons can cause delays. Orders shipped before 2 PM Pacific Time typically leave the warehouse same-day, while later orders ship the next business day. Tracking information becomes available within 24-48 hours of shipment.

Not all iHerb products can ship to Canada due to Health Canada regulations. Restricted items include supplements containing DHEA in any amount, melatonin exceeding 10mg per dose, certain herbal extracts like kava and ephedra, and products with ingredient combinations unapproved in Canada. When you set your shipping address to Canada, iHerb automatically filters out unavailable products so you cannot accidentally order restricted items. The product page will display 'This item cannot be shipped to your location' for restricted products. Approximately 85-90% of iHerb's catalog remains available to Canadian customers. If you order a restricted item using workarounds, Canada Border Services Agency will confiscate the shipment without refund.

Most Canadian customers save 20-40% purchasing from iHerb compared to domestic retailers, even after accounting for shipping, exchange rates, and taxes. A vitamin D3 supplement costing $8.50 USD on iHerb typically sells for $20-25 CAD in Canadian health stores. Protein powders show even larger differentials, with 40-50% savings common. The savings vary by product category, current USD/CAD exchange rate, and whether you catch sale prices. Bulk purchases amplify savings by spreading shipping costs across more items. However, for single low-cost items under $15, local purchase may be comparable once shipping is factored in. The home page provides detailed price comparisons across popular product categories to help you evaluate potential savings.

iHerb accepts all major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover from Canadian customers. PayPal provides an alternative payment option that many Canadians prefer for buyer protection and simplified checkout. Canadian-issued debit cards with Visa or Mastercard logos work for payment. iHerb does not accept Interac e-Transfer, which is Canada-specific. Credit card charges appear in USD on your statement, and your card issuer applies their exchange rate plus any foreign transaction fees (typically 2.5% for most Canadian cards). Some credit cards like the Home Trust Visa or Scotiabank Passport Visa charge no foreign transaction fees, providing additional savings. iHerb also accepts store credit from previous returns or rewards program earnings.

Most iHerb packages clear Canadian customs within 1-3 business days without issues. If your package undergoes detailed inspection, tracking will show 'Item being held by customs' or similar status. This inspection typically adds 3-7 business days to delivery time. If the package contains restricted ingredients or mislabeled products, CBSA may issue a notice requiring additional documentation or may confiscate the shipment. iHerb provides proper labeling and ingredient declarations to minimize inspection issues. If confiscation occurs due to restricted ingredients, iHerb typically does not offer refunds as their terms state customers are responsible for knowing import regulations. For inspection delays without confiscation, packages resume delivery once CBSA releases them. You can contact CBSA at 1-800-461-9999 for status updates on packages held longer than 7 days.

iHerb offers a satisfaction guarantee allowing returns within 60 days of delivery for most products. However, return shipping from Canada to the US warehouse costs $15-30 USD typically, which customers must pay. For this reason, many Canadian customers find returns impractical for low-value items. iHerb issues refunds as store credit or to the original payment method upon receiving returned products. Opened supplements can be returned if you're unsatisfied with results, though some restrictions apply to personal care items for hygiene reasons. For damaged or incorrect items, contact iHerb customer service immediately with photos—they often provide refunds or replacements without requiring return shipment. The 60-day window starts from delivery date, not order date, giving adequate time to evaluate products.

Yes, iHerb separates shipping charges, product costs, duties, and taxes as distinct line items at checkout. Shipping costs depend on weight, destination, and selected speed, ranging from $4-35 USD for most Canadian orders. The de minimis threshold of $150 CAD applies only to product value, not shipping costs. GST/HST calculates on the combined product and shipping total. For orders exceeding $150 CAD product value, duties (if applicable) calculate on product value only, then GST/HST applies to the sum of products, shipping, and duties. This transparent breakdown at checkout shows exactly what you'll pay with no surprise fees at delivery. The about page explains how understanding these cost components helps optimize order value to minimize total expenses.