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Completing customs documents

Items shipped outside of Canada must have the proper customs documentation. This documentation depends on the:

  • Service used
  • Content of the item
  • Destination

You must write all customs and content information in English or French. You may also translate the information into the language of the destination country, but the requirement for English or French remains mandatory.

Items must not contain dangerous or prohibited materials. See our Dangerous goods page for more information.

Use our International destination listing tool to find information (by destination) on:

  • Restricted items
  • Prohibited items
  • Required documentation (including any applicable licenses, certificates, or invoices)

You must affix the proper service label to every item as per the service purchased.

Proper service label example

Here’s an example of the proper service label with important sections highlighted:

Canadian customs label
1

Complete address (including street name, city, state or province, and valid postal code) as well as sender and receiver’s name and phone number

2

Unique tracking number assigned by us

3

An accurate description of contents

4

Net weight (weight of the contents, not including any packaging, and so on)

5

Sender's signature

6

Total coverage (if purchased)

7

The country of origin or manufacture and Harmonized System (HS) code (if applicable)

8

Value of the contents (in Canadian dollars)

9

Acceptable proof of payment

Your responsibilities

It’s your responsibility to make sure all customs documentation and item content is:

  • Complete
  • Accurate
  • Legible

Failure to provide any of the information required may result in any or all of the following:

  • Delays
  • Non-delivery
  • Return of the item to you, at your expense
  • Voiding of any delivery guarantees

Fines or customs seizure in the international destination may apply.

We may electronically send shipping documentation to domestic or international customs and postal administrations. Even with the presence of electronic data, the hard copy customs declaration must go with the mail item. For more information about our personal information practices, please read our Privacy Policy. 

We’re providing this information as a convenience only. All of this information is subject to change without notice, and we don't guarantee its accuracy or completeness. It's your responsibility to make sure that you are complying with all applicable requirements when you send or receive international mail items.