Every item must have:

• A shipping label which must be visible and affixed flat and wrinkle-free to the largest side of the item. Avoid wrapping the label around the edges of the item or applying it in a manner that makes it difficult to scan the barcode.
• A complete address, including but not limited to:
  • Origin and destination
  • Valid Postal Code
  • Sender name or company name
  • Sender telephone number
  • Recipient name or recipient company name
  • Recipient telephone number
• An acceptable proof of payment.
• Item content information accurately completed for each item in the electronic Customs Declaration part of the shipping label. The information must include the:
  • Sender's name, telephone number and address;
  • Recipient's name, telephone number and address
  • Reason for export
  • Non-delivery instructions
  • Quantity
  • Description
  • Unit value, including currency
  • Weight information
• Any accompanying document (invoice, licence, certificate, permit, and so on) required by the destination.
• The declared value indicated in the electronic Customs Declaration part of the shipping label.
• Harmonized system (HS) code is strongly recommended to avoid delays (further facilitates customs clearance and ensures accurate application of duties and taxes); there are many European countries where delays are common due to a missing HS code.

Please note:

• It’s your responsibility to make sure all electronic customs documentation and item content information and certificates for the goods you ship are provided and that the documents are complete, accurate, and legible. Failure to do so may result in any or all of the following:  
  • The item being returned to sender at your expense
  • Delays
  • Non-delivery
  • Voided guarantees (if applicable)
  • Fines
  • Customs seizure in the international destination
• You must provide customs and item content information in English or French. You can translate the information into the language of the destination. Shipping documentation may be sent or shared with domestic or international customs and postal administrations or designated postal operators. The information will be used to facilitate customs formalities in respect of, or for the delivery of, postal items. For more information about our personal information practices, visit our Privacy Centre.
• You should contact the appropriate local bureau of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade for information about:
  • Tariffs, taxes, and other import charges
  • Any requirements for certificates of origin

You may access permits and certificates from the Trade Documentation website. Also, see our Customs requirements page for more information.

• You must not use Business Reply Mail™ addresses for Parcel Services.

Except for those markings required by us for the mailing of an item, no other indicia or markings may appear on the item unless they’re Canada Post approved.

Application of the Canada Post authorized indicia and other markings must follow the requirements as set out on our Postal indicia requirements page.

Please note: All International Parcel or Small Packet™ items intended for transmission by air mail must bear the words “PAR AVION” printed in block lettering.

The words must be:

• On the address side of the item in the upper left-hand corner
• Under the sender’s name and address
• In bold capital letters in black or blue ink or in bold capital letters in white on a blue or black label

Similarly, you may add the words “AIR MAIL” printed in block lettering to the item.