The Canada market for Indian hotel & restaurant supplies
USA: steel, aluminium and copper articles and listed derivatives pay Section 232 tariffs (copper semis 50% since 1 Aug 2025; an April 2026 proclamation modified how the metal 232 tariffs apply) - check whether the HTS line is on the derivative list before quoting. Non-232 lines pay MFN + 10% Section 301 (as of Oct 2026).
Indian community in Canada (Ministry of External Affairs estimate): 3,247,980 (PIO 1,859,680 + NRI 1,388,300).
Hotel & Restaurant Supplies specification for Canada orders
| Parameter | Typical export value |
|---|---|
| Stainless steel | 304 / 18-10 for cutlery and buffet; 201 for budget lines (typical) |
| Copperware | Hammered copper with stainless or tin lining for food contact (typical) |
| Gastronorm | GN 1/1 to 1/9, depths 20-200 mm per EN 631 (typical) |
| Ceramics | Stoneware/porcelain, lead- and cadmium-safe glazes (typical) |
| Chafing dishes | 6-9 L, fuel or electric, roll-top or lift-top (typical) |
Final values are agreed per contract and checked against the Canada requirements below, then confirmed by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Import requirements in Canada
| Requirement | Regulator | Document / registration |
|---|---|---|
| Importer licence & controls | CFIA (SFCR) | SFC licence (My CFIA); Preventive Control Plan; traceability; AIRS requirements |
| Labelling | CFIA / Health Canada | Bilingual labels; allergens; nutrition facts |
General guidance as of November 2026. Confirm with your customs broker or the regulator before shipping. Final regulatory decisions require professional verification.
Shipping hotel & restaurant supplies to Canada
Typical sea transit Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) → Montreal: 26-34 via Suez; 34-42 via Cape days. Halifax alternative gateway; +1-3 days rail Montreal/Halifax to Toronto; St Lawrence winter restrictions
Supply window: Indian hotel & restaurant supplies is mainly produced or harvested Year-round; Year-round; hotel pre-opening & renovation cycles. Allow 26-34 via Suez; 34-42 via Cape days at sea plus 5–10 days for inspection, export clearance and Canada customs when you set delivery dates.
Container loading (estimate): 20' ~25-30 cbm, 40' HC ~60-68 cbm (volume-limited).
Quoted on FOB, FCA, CIF, DAP; CIF Montreal is the common choice for first orders.
Where buyers are in Canada
| City | Port / airport | Buyer sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | Montreal / Halifax / Port of Toronto (minor), inland; also rail from Vancouver/Prince Rupe | HORECA, Indian diaspora grocery/spice distributors (largest in Canada), apparel & home-textile importers |
| Montreal | Port of Montreal (St Lawrence container port) · Montréal-Trudeau (YUL); Montréal-Mirabel ( | HORECA, aerospace & engineering-component buyers, apparel & textile importers |
| Vancouver | Port of Vancouver (Canada's largest port; Deltaport, Centerm, Vanterm) · Vancouver Interna | Indian (Punjabi) diaspora grocers & restaurants, lumber/pulp traders, apparel |
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to import hotel & restaurant supplies into Canada?
Key requirements: Importer licence & controls — CFIA (SFCR) (SFC licence (My CFIA); Preventive Control Plan; traceability; AIRS requirements); Labelling — CFIA / Health Canada (Bilingual labels; allergens; nutrition facts). Your customs broker confirms the full list for your HS line.
How long does shipping from India to Canada take?
Typically 26-34 via Suez; 34-42 via Cape days port-to-port from Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) to Montreal, plus 5–10 days for stuffing, export clearance and destination clearance (estimates).
Does Canada have a trade agreement with India?
No FTA. India–Canada CEPA negotiations relaunched March 2026 (2nd round May 2026; aim to conclude by end-2026) [S7]. Canada's GPT preferences apply to many Indian goods. CONFLICT: 06 §C.7 says talks 'paused'; S7 (28 Oct 2026) reports relaunch and rounds in 2026 — S7 is newer A preferential certificate of origin is needed to claim any reduced duty.
Which HS code applies to hotel & restaurant supplies from India?
Usually HS 732393. Canada applies its own national tariff extension to the 6-digit code; confirm the full line with your broker.
Is copper serveware safe for food?
Only when lined with stainless steel or tin on food-contact surfaces. Unlined copper is decorative.
Can you supply a complete hotel F&B package?
Yes. Buffet ware, serveware, cutlery, crockery and glassware from different clusters, consolidated into one shipment.
Do you meet gastronorm sizes?
Yes, GN pans in standard EN 631 sizes and depths.
Related guides
Request a quote: hotel & restaurant supplies to Canada
Tell us grade, quantity and your port in Canada. We quote CIF/CFR with the destination documents listed above.