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Canada Post reminds customers of international mailing dates for the Holidays
The earliest date is next week – October 12!

Oct. 7, 2010

Even though the holiday season seems far away, Canada Post would like to remind everyone that it is already time to think about planning international holiday mailings. As they do every year, foreign countries have notified Canada Post of the optimal time to send holiday cards and parcels to ensure delivery in their country in time for the holidays.

The earliest suggested deadline for the most economical parcel service is October 12 for Africa, the Middle East and New Zealand. Parcels for Central and South America, Asia and Australia should be sent by October 18; and October 25 for Carribean and European destinations. Parcels shipped to the US should be sent by December 8. Canada Post does offer priority services for those who cannot meet these early-bird special rates.

Below is a summary of all international mailing dates:

Holiday CardsHoliday Packages

Mailing to…

I’m ready early

I want the most economical
service…

Took me longer than I thought…

I’m at the last minute…

Letter-post

Surface Parcel

Air Parcel

Xpresspost

Priority™ Worldwide

Africa

November 22

October 12

November 22

December 1

December 15

Asia November 29 October 18 November 29 December 6 December 17
Australia November 29 October 18 December 6 December 16
Caribbean November 29 October 25 November 29 December 6 December 17
Central/South America November 29 October 18 November 22 December 1 December 17
Europe November 29 October 25 November 29 December 6 December 17
Middle East November 29 October 12 November 29 December 6 December 17
New Zealand November 29 October 12 December 6 December 16
USA December 13 December 8 December 16 December 20

In Canada a package sent via Priority™ Next A.M. will be accepted up to December 23. Regular Parcels going across the country need to be in the mail system by December 11.

Greeting cards going outside a province should be mailed by December 16; within a province by December 17; and local greetings should be in the mail by December 20.

Even though there is still plenty of time to send holiday greetings and gifts within Canada, last year Canada Post delivered close to 800 million cards and packages during the holiday season. It really is important to mail holiday items in time to avoid disappointment.