Small Packet™ (U.S.A. and International)
1 | What Is Small Packet (U.S.A. and International)? |  |
Small Packet is a package usually containing goods. All items must bear a Small Packet shipping label, be posted in Canada for delivery in a foreign country and bear a Canadian return address.
Canada Post's Small Packet service is also available with an Agreement. Contract Customers must consult their Customer Guide to obtain detailed information about Canada Post's Small Packet service. Contract Customers may also visit canadapost.ca/postalservices under Parcel Services for a list of support documents or call a Commercial Service Network Representative at 1.866.757.5480 for general information on Canada Post's products and services.
U.S.A. and International Small Packet prices are available for items that meet the correct size and weight requirements.
2 | Unacceptable Items | |
The following items are unacceptable as Small Packet:
- an item that is or contains any dangerous substance or article prohibited by law or defined as a dangerous good (for more information see “Non-mailable Matter”, or refer to the Non-mailable Matter Regulations and to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act)
- an item that does not meet the size and weight specifications for this service (see Table 1: “Small Packet Size and Weight” for more information)
- an item that may soil, taint or damage mail or mail equipment, expose a person to danger or emit offensive odours
- an item containing food perishables or live animals that do not meet applicable shipping requirements
- an item improperly or insecurely packed or wrapped
- an item in contravention of applicable Universal Postal Union prohibitions and Customs Regulations of the destination country, as well as U.S.A.’s Department of Transportation Regulations.
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NOTE:
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The United States prohibits or applies restrictions on the acceptance of certain articles for transmission by post. For more information on individual country restrictions and prohibitions, see “International Destination Listing”. |
3 | Size and Weight | |
Each Small Packet (U.S.A. and International) item must meet the size and weight specifications shown in Table 1.
Table 1: Small Packet Size and Weight
4 | Pricing Information | |
To obtain information on pricing, see Canada Post Prices.
5 | Payment Options | |
Table 2 lists the acceptable proofs of payment for Small Packet items. Some restrictions or conditions may apply.
Table 2: Small Packet Proofs of Payment
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A postage stamp cannot be applied to a Small Packet item ordered through the Electronic Shipping Tools (EST) or a third-party shipping system. |
Table 3 lists the acceptable methods of payment for Small Packet items. Some restrictions or conditions may apply.
Table 3: Small Packet Methods of Payment
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Payment by cash, debit card or Money Order is available only to Customers paying at a post office. |
For more information, see “Paying For Your Mailing”.
6 | Service Standards at a Glance | |
Delivery Service standards are estimates of how long it will take for the mail to be delivered. These service standards are not guaranteed.
Table 4: Small Packet Service Standards
7 | Features | |
A feature is something that is provided as part of the basic service. The available features are described below.
Small Packet items that cannot be delivered or redirected will be returned to the sender for a fee, payable by the sender. Where the item bears postage stamp(s) or meter impression denoting the original amount of postage, the item will be returned for an amount equal to the original postage, less any option fee, using the postage due process. Where the Customer Number is located on the item, the item will be returned and the Customer will be invoiced an amount equal to the original fee paid, less any option fee. A return of a Small Packet item is dependent upon the regulations for return of mail in the destination country.
7.2 | Coverage for Loss or Damage |
Coverage up to $100CDN is included for Small Packet. Canada Post’s liability is limited to the actual value of the item if less than $100CDN.
Canada Post shall have no liability for loss, damage or rifling of items containing bank notes, stocks, bonds or other securities negotiable by the bearer, lottery tickets, travellers’ cheques or non-mailable matter, as well as any article prohibited by law in Canada or in the destination country. Also, no coverage is available on food items to the U.S.A. See General Terms and Conditions at canadapost.ca/generalterms for more information.
Canada Post will provide a presentation of all items to the exchange office in the destination country. Issues related to duties and admissions will be the responsibility of the addressee (importer of record).
8 | Options | |
An option is a service enhancement which is not included automatically as part of the basic service. Most options are available for an additional fee. The options for Small Packet are available to contract Customers only.
9 | Labels and Documentation Required | |
Every U.S.A. and International Small Packet must have all of the following information:
- a Small Packet/customs label or an approved Small Packet label by a shipping system. For items with a declared value of over $500CDN, a Customs Declaration form must also be completed and affixed.
- all Light Packet items must have a Small Packet/customs label. Light Packet items must also have an O/S Stream identifier label or be generated by a ROSS printer) or be printed on an eBay electronic shipping platform.
- the name and address of the addressee including the Canadian return address of the customer and the Customs Declaration portion clearly printed on the shipping label affixed to the item
- acceptable proof of payment (postage stamps, postal indicia, or meter impression)
- a Small Packet CN22 Customs label with the Customs Declaration portion accurately completed (see “Customs Requirements” for more information)
- any document (invoice, licence, certificate, permit, etc.) required by Customs regulations.
All items must have the declared value indicated in the Customs Declaration portion of the shipping label.
The importation of food and drugs is strictly regulated in the U.S.A. Please refer to “Customs Requirements” for more information.
10 | Format | |
A Small Packet item may be mailed sealed or unsealed. If sealed, they may be opened, if needed, to verify their contents.
11 | Packaging | |
All items must be securely packaged with sufficient cushioning and reinforcing material to prevent loss of or damage to the items, damage to postal equipment or other mail and injury to persons handling the items. Items must not consist of dangerous or prohibited articles.
12 | Addressing | |
All items must bear a legible address including the correct ZIP code, and should include the shipper’s and addressee’s telephone numbers. See “Addressing Guidelines” for more information.
13 | Deposit of Small Packet (U.S.A. and International) Items | |
Customers can deposit a Small Packet item at any one of the following locations:
- a post office
- a street letter box (items processed by a Canada Post online shipping system only).
Items deposited after the last collection time specified on the street letter box are considered as being deposited on the next business day.
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NOTE:
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Light Packet items cannot be deposited in a street letter box. |
14 | Delivery of Small Packet (U.S.A. and International) Items | |
Canada Post transfers U.S.A. and International Small Packet items to transfer points for delivery by the postal administration of the destination country.
15 | Light Packet™ | |
Light Packet is a line extension of Small Packet which is available to Customers at post offices and using the online eBay shipping platform. Light Packet is a Parcel Service for lightweight non-document goods.
Table 5: Light Packet Size and Weight Requirements
15.2 | Service Standards at a Glance |
Table 6: Light Packet Service Standards
No features or options are available for Light Packet items.
15.4 | Labels and Documentation Required |
All Light Packet items must bear a Small Packet/customs label and an O/S label.
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