Ship to Canada via USPS: Costs, Customs & Tips

Last updated 7 months ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.

This guide covers USPS shipping services to Canada, associated costs, customs regulations, potential duties and taxes, and practical tips for a successful shipping experience.

USPS Shipping Services to Canada

Priority Mail International

Priority Mail International balances cost and speed, typically delivering within 6 to 10 business days. Features include:

• Weight limit up to 70 lbs
• Package tracking
• Insurance coverage for merchandise up to $200
• Flat Rate options for envelopes and boxes (up to 20 lbs)

This service works well for non-urgent but important shipments where reliability and tracking are needed.

Priority Mail Express International

For faster delivery, Priority Mail Express International typically delivers within 3 to 5 business days, with overnight to 2-day service available to most Canadian destinations. Features include:

• Weight limit of 70 lbs for standard packages (Flat Rate Envelopes up to 4 lbs)
• Detailed tracking
• Insurance up to $200 for merchandise
• Date-certain delivery with a money-back guarantee to select destinations

This is the fastest USPS service to Canada, ideal for urgent deliveries.

First-Class Package International Service

First-Class Package International Service offers an economical solution for smaller items. Delivery typically ranges from 11 to 20 business days, though sometimes as quick as 2-8 business days. Features include:

• Weight limit up to 4 lbs (64 oz)
• Tracking included for shipments to Canada
• Most affordable option for lightweight packages

This service is best for small, non-urgent items valued under $400.

Global Express Guaranteed (GXG)

Global Express Guaranteed is the fastest international shipping option from USPS, delivering in 1 to 3 business days. This service operates through FedEx Express and includes:

• Weight limit up to 70 lbs
• Date-certain delivery with a money-back guarantee
• Detailed tracking

GXG is ideal for highly time-sensitive and critical shipments.

First-Class Mail International Service

First-Class Mail International Service is the most economical option for very light items such as letters and postcards. Delivery times generally range from 7 to 21 days. Features include:

• Weight limit up to 3.5 oz for letters and postcards
• Weight limit up to 15.994 oz for large envelopes (flats)
• No tracking available

This service works best for sending documents and lightweight items where cost is the primary concern.

Shipping Costs

Several factors influence the cost of shipping to Canada via USPS:

Weight and Dimensions

The package weight is a primary cost factor for weight-based services. Heavier packages cost more to ship. Dimensions also matter, especially for larger packages where dimensional weight pricing may apply. Oversized packages may incur surcharges.

Service Type

Faster services like Priority Mail Express International cost more than slower options like First-Class Package International Service.

Pricing Tiers

USPS offers different pricing for commercial and retail customers, with commercial customers receiving discounted rates.

Flat Rate Options

For predictable costs, USPS offers Flat Rate options for Priority Mail International and Priority Mail Express International to Canada:

• Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes and Boxes in various sizes (starting at $30.90)
• Priority Mail Express International Flat Rate Envelopes (up to 4 lbs, starting at $59.50)

These options allow shipping at a fixed price, regardless of weight (within limits) or destination within Canada.

Finding Current Rates

To access the most current USPS rates for shipping to Canada:

• Visit the official USPS website
• Check the Postal Explorer website (pe.usps.com), particularly the Notice 123 document
• Use the “Calculate a Price” tool on the USPS website
• Commercial shippers can access Commercial Price Lists on the Postal Explorer website

Third-party vendors may offer rate information with potential discounts, but official USPS sources provide the most reliable pricing.

USPS Shipping Services to Canada: Starting Rates

Retail rates as of January 19, 2025

Canadian Customs Regulations

Shipping to Canada requires following Canadian customs regulations, including completing necessary forms and accurately declaring contents and value.

Required Customs Forms

Several forms may be needed depending on the service used and shipment nature:

• PS Form 2976 (Customs — CN 22) – For smaller items with a value under $400:
  • First Class Mail International packages
  • Priority Mail International Small Flat Rate Boxes
  • Some Priority Mail Express International items
• PS Form 2976-A (Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note CP 72) – For a broader range of shipments:
  • Merchandise samples
  • Gifts
  • Commercial merchandise
  • Items subject to duty
  • Priority Mail International (excluding Small Flat Rate Box)
• PS Form 2976-R – A worksheet completed at a USPS retail counter, where a postal clerk creates the necessary electronic customs form
• PS Form 2976-B – Generally required for Priority Mail Express International shipments

Declaring Contents and Value

To properly declare shipment contents and value:

1. Provide detailed descriptions of each item in English (avoid vague terms like “gifts”)
2. Include the exact quantity of each article
3. Declare the accurate value in US dollars, even for gifts or samples
4. Indicate whether the shipment contains gifts, merchandise, or commercial samples
5. Include the country of origin for each item

Accurate declarations are crucial for smooth customs clearance and preventing delays, fines, or seizure.

Canadian Duties and Taxes

Recipients in Canada may need to pay duties and taxes determined by the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Potential Import Costs

• Goods and Services Tax (GST) – 5% federal tax on most imported items
• Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) – Combined tax (13%) in participating provinces
• Provincial Sales Tax (PST) – Varies by province (5% to 9.75%) in non-HST provinces
• Tariffs (Duties) – Based on goods type and origin
  • Note: The North American Free Trade Agreement eliminated tariffs on US-made goods shipped to Canada
• Excise Duty or Tax – Applicable to specific goods
• Handling Fees – Canada Post may charge for collecting duties and taxes
  • $5 CAD for items under $1,600 CAD
  • $8 CAD for Express Mail International

Payment Responsibility

The recipient in Canada typically pays any applicable duties and taxes:

• For items valued at or under 1,600 Canadian dollars, Canada Post collects fees, plus a handling charge, from the recipient at delivery
• For commercial shipments over 1,600 Canadian dollars, items are held by Canada Customs until the recipient provides necessary documentation
• USPS does not usually collect Canadian duties and taxes for shipments from the US

Inform recipients about potential additional charges to avoid unexpected issues upon delivery.

Packaging Tips

Proper packaging ensures your shipment arrives safely, especially for international transit.

Box Selection and Preparation

• Choose a sturdy box with adequate space for items and cushioning
• Consider a new box for international shipments
• Use ample cushioning materials (bubble wrap, foam, packing paper) for fragile items
• Opt for double-layered packaging for heavier items

Secure Sealing

• Seal all seams with 2-inch wide packing tape
• Use the H-taping method for added security
• Avoid less durable tapes (gift wrap, cellophane, duct, or masking tape)

Special Considerations

• For electronic devices with batteries:
  • Remove batteries when possible
  • Wrap batteries separately
  • Place them next to the device
  • Follow USPS regulations for lithium batteries
• Include a packing slip inside with sender’s and recipient’s addresses
• Consider custom shipping boxes for particularly fragile or valuable items

Package Labeling for Canada

Clear labeling ensures efficient delivery without issues.

Basic Requirements

• Print the full name and complete address of both sender and recipient
• Use capital letters and permanent marker for legibility
• Include apartment or suite numbers
• Ensure correct postal codes for both sender and recipient
• Write “CANADA” as the last line in capital letters
• Place the shipping label parallel to the longest side of the package
• Remove old labels from reused boxes
• Include a return address on the upper left corner

Canadian Address Format

• Include the Canadian province/territory using the standard two-character abbreviation
• Leave two spaces between the province abbreviation and the postal code
• Format Canadian postal codes as A1A 1A1 (six characters, with one space in the middle)
• Do not use hyphens in postal codes

Example of a correctly formatted Canadian address:

MR SMITH
123 MAIN ST NW APT 404
OTTAWA ON  K1A 0B1
CANADA

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Before shipping to Canada, verify that your items are allowed entry.

Prohibited Items

Items that cannot be shipped to Canada via USPS include:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Non-refillable butane gas lighters and refill cartridges
• Oleomargarine and butter substitutes
• Perishable infectious biological substances
• Plumage and skins of wild birds
• Prison-made goods intended for sale
• Radioactive materials
• Replica or inert munitions
• Reprints of Canadian or British works copyrighted in Canada
• Reproductions of Canadian postage stamps (unless specific conditions are met)
• Shipments with flammable contents caution labels
• Smoke-making devices for motor vehicles and boats
• Used or secondhand hives or bee supplies
• Vaping products making health claims without authorization
• Goods falsely marked as made in Canada, the UK, or another British country
• Commercial tags of metal
• Certain publications with advertising primarily directed to the Canadian market

Restricted Items

These items may only be shipped under specific conditions:

• Coins, banknotes, securities payable to bearer, traveler’s checks, precious metals/stones, jewelry, watches, and valuables:
  • Generally limited to First-Class Package International Service with Registered Mail
  • Exception for coins sent between collectors or dealers
  • Prohibited in Priority Mail Express International to Canada
• Drugs and medicines must comply with Canadian law
• Firearms require specific documentation
• Meat products need export certificates and specific labeling
• Eggs for hatching need new containers and veterinary certificates
• Veterinary biological products require permits
• Hemp-based products (including CBD) are allowed but restricted
• Lithium batteries have specific mailing conditions
• Live animals have very specific packaging requirements

Always check the official USPS International Mail Manual and Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) regulations before shipping any item to Canada.

For the most current information, consult official resources:

• USPS International Shipping Restrictions
• USPS International Mail Manual
• Canada Post Prohibited Items

Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.