Spanning from the Atlantic to the Pacific and up into the Arctic, it is the second-largest country in the world by land area. With a population that reflects a rich blend of cultures and languages, Canada embraces both modern innovation and deep-rooted traditions. Its stable economy, high quality of life, and progressive values make it a respected player on the world stage and an attractive destination for business, education, and tourism alike. Among its diverse culinary and beverage preferences, tea holds a special place as a comforting and widely enjoyed drink, with demand growing for both traditional blends and modern wellness-focused infusions.
Tea Culture in Canada
Tea culture in Canada is a reflection of the country's multicultural identity and evolving lifestyle preferences. While Canada does not have an ancient tea tradition like some parts of Asia or Europe, it has embraced tea as a widely enjoyed beverage across all age groups and communities.
Black tea remains the most commonly consumed type, especially traditional blends like English Breakfast and Earl Grey. However, green tea, herbal infusions, and specialty teas such as matcha and masala chai have become increasingly popular, driven by both cultural diversity and rising health consciousness.
Tea is consumed both hot and iced, depending on the season. Iced teas and ready-to-drink bottled options are popular in the warmer months, while loose-leaf and premium blends are often preferred for home brewing in the winter. Overall, tea in Canada is more than just a drink—it’s a part of daily life, social gatherings, and personal wellness routines. As interest in organic, artisanal, and ethically sourced products continues to grow, so does the demand for high-quality teas from around the world.
So, here is what should you be importing
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Black Teas from Darjeeling and Assam(India), Sri Lanka and Kenya for Canada’s English Breakfast and Earl Grey Tea practices
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Green Teas from the Nilgiris(India), Japan and China
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Herbal and Wellness Teas like Chamomile, Peppermint, Hibiscus, Tulsi, Ashwagandha, Turmeric blends for sleep, digestion, detox, energy from India
How to Import Tea in Canada
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You need to register your business with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and get a Business Number (BN) and an Import/Export Account. You can do this online as well.
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Since tea is a food product, you need a Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) Licence from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). It is compulsory for you to have this licence. You can register for the same at MyCFIA
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You must know the HS code for the specific kind of tea you are importing as different teas have different customs tariff applicable on them. You can check the applicable tariffs on CBSA Tariff website
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You must find a supplier who can produce a Certificate of Origin and Comply with Canada’s health and safety standards
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All imported tea must comply with Canadian labeling laws, including:
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English & French
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Product name
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Net weight (in grams or kilograms)
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Country of origin
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Name & address of the importer
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Ingredients (if flavored or blended)
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You must produce the following documents to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) with the shipment
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Commercial invoice
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Bill of lading / airway bill
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Packing list
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Certificate of origin (if claiming duty benefits)
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SFC licence number
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Most teas are duty-free under Canada's trade agreements. You’ll only be required to pay 5% GST on the value of the tea
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Bonus Tip: Due to the rising interest in organic, artisanal, and ethically sourced products, indications of sustainable practices and fair trade labels to your business can give you a leverage in the market
Why choose Mittal Teas?
Mittal Teas also understands the evolving global palate. They offer not just traditional black and green teas, but also organic blends, herbal infusions, wellness teas, and custom formulations as per the requirements of Canada’s multicultural market. Whether you're targeting mainstream grocery stores, specialty retailers, or boutique cafés, their wide range and flexible packaging options can meet your specific market needs.
With decades of expertise in sourcing and curating some of India’s finest teas, Mittal Teas offers an unmatched combination of authenticity, quality, and customization. Their direct access to top estates in Darjeeling, Assam, Nilgiri, and Kangra ensures that you're getting fresh, ethically sourced tea straight from the gardens.
Check us out here!
