You can request information on mail sent to the United States and international destinations including:

• Tariffs
• Taxes
• Requirements for certificates of origin
• Other import charges

You should address requests to:

FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TRADE, AND DEVELOPMENT CANADA
125 SUSSEX DR.
OTTAWA ON K1A 0G2

You can also call 1-613-944-4000.

Mailers living outside the Ottawa area can call toll-free 1-800-267-8376.

All postal items entering foreign countries are subject to customs inspection. Sometimes, the items may be exempt from customs duties (for example, gifts up to a certain value). See our International destination listing for specific information respecting the country of destination. If customs duties or fees are applicable in the country of destination, the addressee will be responsible for the payment of any duties or fees.

Regardless of value, all items on the Export Control List or items sent to countries on the Area Control List need export permits.

You can get copies of both lists, and General Export Permits, from:

FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TRADE, AND DEVELOPMENT CANADA
EXPORT AND IMPORT CONTROLS
125 SUSSEX DR
OTTAWA ON K1A 0G2

You can get hard copy Export Permit application forms from:

• The Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development Canada website 
• Most CBSA Offices

In some cases, Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development Canada has authorized the use of general export permits. Exporters should make sure they’re entitled to use the specific general export permit before mailing the item. Exporters qualifying for individual permit exemptions must mark each item with:

“EXPORTED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF GENERAL EXPORT PERMIT No. (applicable permit number)”.