Frequently Asked Questions About Canada Post Customs
Which Canada Post customs form do I need?
Often none, because the label already has it. On Xpresspost - USA (43-074-236), Xpresspost - International (43-074-244), Expedited Parcel - USA (43-074-243), International Parcel (43-074-172) and Tracked Packet or Small Packet (43-074-253), Canada Post states the shipping label includes the customs declaration. Where you do complete a separate form, it goes by declared value: the 43-074-253 CN22 for items worth less than CAD $500, and Customs Declaration 43-074-172 for items over CAD $500. On Tracked Packet and Small Packet above CAD $500 you affix 43-074-172 in addition to the CN22 already on the label, not instead of it.
Does every international parcel need a customs form?
Yes. A customs form is required for every package you send outside Canada. Canada Post warns that providing false or incomplete information may result in the package being rejected by foreign customs authorities, so the description and declared value need to be accurate and specific rather than vague. "Gift" or "sample" on its own is not a description of contents.
Does Canada Post set the duties and taxes on my parcel?
No. Duty and tax are set and assessed by the destination country's customs authority, and for parcels arriving in Canada that is the Canada Border Services Agency. Canada Post transmits your declaration and, on inbound items, collects what the CBSA assesses. The amount depends on destination, the commodity and its tariff classification, so no rate is published here. Canada Post is explicit that its own customs guidance is provided as a convenience only, is subject to change without notice, and that compliance is the shipper's responsibility.
What is the CAD $9.95 Canada Post handling fee?
It is Canada Post's own charge for processing an item that customs has assessed: "we apply a handling fee of CAN$9.95 per dutiable or taxable mail item." It applies to items mailed into Canada, not to parcels you send abroad. It is worth knowing how that compares: the courier equivalent is a brokerage or entry-preparation fee charged on a scale that rises with declared value, where Canada Post charges one flat amount. On a low-value import that difference can be larger than the shipping cost, so it is worth comparing the total rather than the headline rate.
Is there a value below which an inbound parcel is not taxed?
Canada Post states that the CBSA collects provincial and harmonized sales taxes according to the province of residence on most taxable imports valued at over CAD $20, and it lists mail items valued at less than CAD $20 as an exemption category, along with gifts and certain other exemptions. The thresholds and the gift allowance are CBSA rules rather than Canada Post rules, so check the CBSA for the current figures before relying on them.
Can I pay Canada Post duties and taxes online?
Yes, on eligible inbound items. You can pay online when you track the item or through the Canada Post mobile app, instead of paying at the door, and you get an email confirmation with a number and barcode as proof of payment. If the parcel does not need a signature, the delivery agent will then attempt delivery to your usual location and will respect a stated delivery preference. If you do not pay online, Canada Post collects the fees on behalf of the CBSA at the time of delivery or pickup, which is a common reason a parcel ends up as a notice card instead of a delivery.
Whose rules apply to an international parcel, mine or the destination's?
Both, and Canada Post says so plainly: all international mail is subject to the customs regulations and laws of both the country of origin and the country of destination. It splits this into three sets of requirements to check: fees and restrictions on items mailed into Canada, Canadian requirements and restrictions on what you mail out, and the destination country's own customs rules. A parcel that is legal to send can still be refused on arrival, which is why the destination country's rules are worth checking before you book.
What does PAR AVION mean on an international parcel?
It is a marking requirement, not an option. Canada Post states that all International Parcel or Small Packet items intended for transmission by air mail must bear the words "PAR AVION" printed in block lettering. If you are preparing labels through a shipping platform this is usually handled for you, but on a hand-prepared item it is easy to miss.
Does time spent in customs count against the delivery estimate?
No. Canada Post's delivery standards exclude the day of mailing, weekends, statutory holidays and time in customs. So a parcel held for inspection can arrive well after the published standard while still, by Canada Post's own definition, having met it. Plan international timelines with that in mind, and see our Canada Post Delivery Times guide for the published standards by service.