Canada Post Corporation Logo
Canada Post
From anywhere... to anyone

Help | Search | Legal | Copyright | Privacy | Graphic Version | Français


Home > Online Tools > Postal Guide > Postal Guide

Personal
Business

Small Packet™ (U.S.A. and International)

PDF to print

Last updated: 2012-01-16

IMPORTANT UPDATES
Last Updated Date
Description
Location
June 20, 2011
Added information “On-Demand Pickup”.

1

What Is Small Packet (U.S.A. and International)?

  to top of page

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.

NOTE:
Products and services are subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the General Terms and Conditions.

1.1

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.

2

Unacceptable Items

  to top of page

The following items are unacceptable:

  • 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 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.
NOTE:
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

  to top of page

Each item must meet the size and weight specifications shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Small Packet and Light Packet Size and Weight
Category
Length
Width
Height
Weight
Small Packet
max.
Length + width + height = 90 cm
Length: 60 cm
1 kg (U.S.A.)
2 kg (International)
min.
140 mm
90 mm
1 mm
Light Packet
max.
380 mm
270 mm
20 mm
500 g
min.
140 mm
90 mm
0.18 mm

4

Pricing Information

  to top of page

To obtain information on pricing, see Canada Post Prices.

5

Payment Options

  to top of page

5.1

Proofs of Payment

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
Consumer
  • postage stamp*
  • postal indicia (produced by the Ship-in-a-click™ service)
*
A postage stamp cannot be applied to a Small Packet item ordered through the Electronic Shipping Tools (EST) or a third-party shipping system.

5.2

Methods of Payment

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
Consumer
  • cash*
  • certified cheque
  • credit card (where available)
  • debit card (where available)
  • international Reply Coupon
  • meter
  • money order
  • postage stamp
  • traveller’s cheque
*
Payment by cash, debit card or Money Order is available only to Customers paying at a post office.

6

Delivery Standards at a Glance

  to top of page

Delivery standards are estimates of how long it will take for the mail to be delivered. These delivery standards are not guaranteed.

Table 4: Small Packet and Light Packet Delivery Standards
Category
Delivery Zone
U.S.A.
International
Small Packet – Air
4 to 10 business days
6 to 10 business days
Small Packet – Surface
6 to 12 business days
4 to 6 weeks
Light Packet – Air only
4 to 6 business days
4 to 7 business days

7

Features

  to top of page

A feature is something that is provided as part of the basic service. The available features are described below. No features are available for Light Packet items.

7.1

Return to Sender

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.

7.3

Customs Clearance

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

  to top of page

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 and Light Packet are available to contract Customers only.

8.1

On-Demand Pickup

On-Demand Pickup services are available to all Canada Post Customers with a “Standing Offer Agreement” (paying by Account or by credit card) and to VentureOne cardholders (paying by credit card).

There is no minimum volume requirement when arranging a Canada Post On-Demand Pickup. A pickup fee per stop will apply unless shipping using either Priority™ Next A.M. or Priority™ Worldwide. Pickups can be arranged up to one month in advance for “ACCOUNT” Customers, 5 Business Days in advance for Customers paying by credit card or on the same Business Day, provided the request is made before the local call-in cut-off time.

Third-Party On-Demand Pickup allows Customers to authorize a Canada Post pickup at a third party location or alternate address. “ACCOUNT” Customers can arrange for the additional pickup locations themselves or provide their seven-digit Canada Post Customer Number to their third-party, authorizing the third-party to arrange for On-Demand Pickup service. It is also acceptable for the authorized third-party to pay for the pickup by credit card.

To arrange an On-Demand Pickup, Customers may contact Customer Service at 1.888.550.6333. Visit canadapost.ca/pickup for areas where Canada Post offers pick-up services and for call-in cut-off times.

9

Labels and Documentation Required

  to top of page

Every item 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 printed on an eBay electronic shipping platform.
NOTE:
Shipping labels can be ordered by visiting canadapost.ca/cpo/mc/business/tools/est.jsf or by calling Customer Service at 1.888.550.6333.
  • 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

  to top of page

A Small Packet item may be mailed sealed or unsealed. If sealed, they may be opened, if needed, to verify their contents.

11

Packaging

  to top of page

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

  to top of page

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

  to top of page

Customers can deposit Small Packet and Light Packet items (including items processed online through the eBay shipping platform) 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.

14

Delivery of Small Packet (U.S.A. and International) Items

  to top of page

Canada Post transfers U.S.A. and International Small Packet items to transfer points for delivery by the postal administration of the destination country.Keywords: air, surface, return to sender, RTS, returned, coverage, insurance, loss, damage, indemnity, stolen, theft, lost, sticker, BOL, small packet label, customs, FDA, prior notice, EST, acceptance office, mailing office, manifest




POSTAL SERVICES INFORMATION
Postal Guide Prices International
Destination Listing
Customer Guides Postal Standards Guides Mail Preparation &
Presortation Guides
Postal Indicia Container Labels General Terms
and Conditions
Canada Post Corporation
Act and Regulations
Glossary ABCs of Mailing
    Service and Price changes
Canada Post ©2006 - 2007 Canada Post