How to Generate FedEx B13A Document for Canada Exports using WooCommerce Shipping FedEx Plugin

In this guide, we are going to tell you whether you can print the FedEx B13A document along with WooCommerce Shipping plugin for FedEx with Print Label for the Exports from Canada or not. We will take a real-life business case to explain the situation better.

The Business Case – FedEx B13A Document

The FedEx B13A Document is an important piece of paper required to declare all the items that are destined to leave Canada. The Canada Border Services Agency requires you to submit this document at the time of departure. Failing to do so will result in various government penalties and delivery cancellation.

WooCommerce Shipping plugin for FedEx with Print Label offers all the necessary features to ensure your international shipments are fulfilled. This includes the delivery of shipments that require a FedEx B13A Document. Let’s take a real-life case where our client wanted to export items from Canada.

“Hello! Is there a way to manage the production of the B13 document (it is usually generated alongside the EDT Label) via your WooCommerce Shipping plugin for FedEx with Print Label? Currently, we have to manage the B13 in our FedEx dashboard directly, but we would like to know if it’s possible to generate this document with your plugin (if you have a built-in solution)”
 
Let’s check out how the WooCommerce Shipping plugin for FedEx with Print Label solves her issue.

Solution using WooCommerce Shipping plugin for FedEx

Before we get into the actual solution, we would like to share a few more details regarding the B13A Document. This document is required to be completed and submitted for items that are valued at CAD $2,000 or more for countries other than the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands.

The WooCommerce Shipping plugin for FedEx facilitates users to print the declaration number on the FedEx Shipping Label. This number can be further verified by government officials at a later step. Keep in mind that this number is generated by the Canadian government and is always unique for each shipment. You can read more about the important rules and regulations here.

The second important document you would need is the Declaration form. Since FedEx does not allow users/developers to fetch this document via FedEx APIs, you will have to get the documents manually. CBSA’s Canadian Automated Export Declaration (CAED) program is an electronic method that allows you to complete and transmit export information directly to the Government of Canada.

How to enter the declaration number on the Edit Order page?

The mechanism of printing the declaration number is available at the Order level. Meaning, you must fetch the number manually and paste it into the allocated area. The plugin will then pass on this number to FedEx for the further label generation process.

Now let’s say you receive an order which has to be exported outside of Canada. Once you have the number ready for that order, you will have to copy and paste it under the section provided. Please refer to the sample screenshot below.

fedex b13a document

How to print the FedEx Shipping Label?

This way, once you fulfill and complete your shipment, you should be able to print the FedEx shipping label with the Print Label option indicated below.

fedex shipping label

Here’s a sample FedEx Shipping Label generated for the order which contains the declaration number. This label can be bundled together with the FedEx B13A Document for the final shipping process.

fedex b13a etd

Important notes following the FedEx B13A Document and related FedEx shipments

The CBSA strongly encourages exporters to complete and transmit the Export Declaration (B13A) using Statistics Canada and CBSA’s Canadian Automated Export Declaration (CAED) program. The CAED program is an electronic method that allows you to complete and transmit export information directly to the Government of Canada. The program is a fast, inexpensive, and easy way of reporting your exported goods.

  • A fast and easy way to report goods
  • Available at no extra charge
  • Provides a complete and accurate audit trail

Goods transiting the U.S. destined for the Rest of the World that meet the above criteria must also be reported on an export declaration. Be mindful of fluctuating exchange rates to ensure that the CAD $2,000 value is met. 

Conclusion

We discussed how you can prepare your international shipments when you plan to ship outside of Canada. As you can see, the WooCommerce Shipping plugin for FedEx proves to be an ideal solution to help you prepare your shipments along with FedEx B13A Document.

If you have any doubts or need help setting up UPS shipping on your WooCommerce-based website then feel free to Contact PluginHive Customer Support. Our support team should be able to help you out.

Good luck!