Sending a package from US to Canada?

[Julie]

Have you ever sent a package from U.S. to Canada?
Have you used a label printed online from USPS?
Do you really have to list everything seperately that is inside your package? How important is it to list everything and give each items cost?
Do they actually open the packages at the border?
It seems the page I was looking at only printed labels for priority mail and something else. Can I send a package just regular parcel post?
Any help/info?

Thanks,
Julie.

 

[makenzie71]

You can just send it priority mail now...post office rules have changed and surface mail and such aren't really available anymore. You may have to fill out a customs label as well, but to Canada it's not always required. I ship a lot of parts to Canada and overseas and sometimes it just varies from country to country.

edit: Sorry, I didn't full read your post:

You can print labels online. Just point, click, follow instructions.

You are supposed to list the entire contents of the package but I'm usually pretty vague in order to save on customs fees. Typically, I send car and bike parts and instead of listing an individual, expensive sounding part I say "TL1000S parts".

Value of the items is important to USPS and customs but I usually cut the cost to save on customs fees. The more valuable the item is, the more it is taxed. However, if you insure the package you need to list the value of the contents for at least the amount you are insuring.

They do not open the package unless it is deemed suspicious. A light package that doesn't rattle from No Name Joe in Denver to No Name Sally in Quebec wouldn't be touched, but a heavy, ticking package from Al Jaqueem Nubar in Kwei'Jun to George Bush in Washington would probably get tagged.

 

[bubbatd]

You need to have a declation form ...... I always just put toy ,book , and put the value less than actual so the person doesn't have to pay any fees .

 

[makenzie71]

yeah no matter how you do it you'll have to fill out a declaration form at the post office. IRC international packages have to be dropped off at the post office (or a another drop location but those postal/shipping stores are rapingly expensive).

 

[Julie]

Thanks!
I will list a few items then and value them at less.... but, if I write "gift" then recepient won't have to pay duty fees etc. right? I mean it really is a gift.

Thank You..

 

[shazbot]

Thanks!
I will list a few items then and value them at less.... but, if I write "gift" then recepient won't have to pay duty fees etc. right? I mean it really is a gift.

Thank You..

That depends on how much the items your sending cost. There is an amount limit for a gift. I don't remember exactly how much it is. All items are supposed to be on the invoice sheet for customs with values of each. Also know that your package can be opened to check the contents, if customs feels it necessary

 

[Julie]

Thanks Shaz, I will check into the limit and include all the items. I wouldn't think I would be over the limit for a gift.

 

[bubbatd]

I used to have to write " Gift , no export license required " but I think things have changed .