Online customs form FAQ

You can access the customs form through these options:

• Texting CUSTOMS to 55555 to receive a link to the online customs form
• Online at www.canadapost.ca/customs
• Using the Canada Post mobile app

Fill out the customs form to declare what you are sending. This information is then used to create a QR code, which you can print or email to your mobile device. Take your QR code to a post office near you to complete your shipment.

A customs form is your package’s official document for international shipping and is required for each package you send outside of Canada.

The information on the form goes to destination customs agencies in two ways:

1. Printed on the shipping label affixed to the package.
2. Sent electronically, within minutes of shipping your item. This is done through the electronic data of the customs declaration.

The information is used by customs authorities for inspections. You must provide complete, accurate and detailed information. All mandatory fields must be completed. Please be specific when filling out the form instead of using ‘N/A’. If information is missing, the shipment may be delayed or refused entry. This could result in the item being abandoned or returned to the sender at the sender’s expense.

To make sure your package gets through customs, you must include the following information:

• The sender’s full name and complete address, including postal code. The sender’s address must be a Canadian address.
• The recipient’s full name, phone number and complete address, including postal code.
  • The recipient's phone number is very important. It allows the recipient to be contacted if there are duties and taxes owing. The phone number also facilitates processing and delivery. If the recipient’s phone number is unknown, consider adding the sender’s phone number in this field.
• The reason for sending the package. Customers can choose from one of the following options: gift, sale of goods, commercial sample, document, return/repair/warranty or other (specify reason).
• A detailed description of each item. Generic descriptions will not be accepted on a customs declaration form.
  • For example, instead of entering “Clothing” or “Goods” as a description, the shipper must be more specific i.e., “Men’s cotton T-shirts.”
  • “Gifts” are not considered as a valid description.
• The country of origin or manufacture (mandatory for items destined to the United States).
• The quantity.
• The item declared value.
• The total declared value will be calculated automatically based on the item declared value and the number of items entered.
• The total gross weight (kg) will be captured at the post office.

Providing accurate and complete information in the customs form is the best way to reduce the chance of your shipment being delayed. When good data is provided, the item is more likely to be released for delivery after the primary customs inspection. When there is incomplete data or the item being sent is restricted, the package may be held for further review by a customs officer or an outside government department.

If you are shipping to the United States, you will also need to prepay any duty and taxes in advance using the Zonos app to provide a Declaration ID at the time of mailing.

Click here for more information on recent changes to US Trade regulations impacting shipments to the United States.

Yes, you can review and edit your information before submitting the customs form.

Our customs form uses AddressComplete, a tool that helps you find the right address as you type. AddressComplete is available for addresses in Australia, France, New Zealand, United States and United Kingdom. If you need more help, you can use the UPU Postal Addressing System Database. The database helps you find the correct address format for any country.

The reason to send a package outside of Canada varies. Common reasons for sending an international package include:

• Gift
• Sale of goods (items you sold)
• Commercial sample (product sample not for sale)
• Document
• Return, repair or warranty
• Other

If you select ‘other’ please provide a brief description of why you’re sending the package.

The item description is a mandatory field. Customs needs to know what's inside your package. A clear and accurate description helps them process your shipment quickly. It also helps prevent potential delays and ensures your package reaches its destination.

Your description should include the specific details of your items. Avoid using general terms like 'gift,' 'sample,' or 'clothes.' Instead, use detailed descriptions such as 'men's blue cotton t-shirt' or 'set of 12 watercolor paints.' Each description must be at least 4 characters long. The item description must reflect what is in the package.

If you’re sending items to Europe, you can refer to The European Commission’s acceptable and unacceptable descriptions of goods.

For customs purposes, you must declare the value of your item. If you’re unsure, you can use:

• The current market price (what a similar item sells for).
• The cost to replace the item with a new one.

Please note that the total declared value must be at least $1.

Before you send your package, it’s important to know what you can and can’t ship. Dangerous and prohibited materials are not allowed. You can find detailed information on these items on the Dangerous goods page.

You can also check for restrictions in the destination country using the International destination listing tool. This tool provides information on:

• Restricted items
• Prohibited items
• Required documentation, such as applicable licenses, certificates or invoices

It is the responsibility of the shipper to ensure the items being sent comply with the destination country’s laws and regulations. More information on what can be shipped can often also be found on the foreign customs authority website of the destination country.

You must write all customs form information in English or French. You may also include a translation in the language of the destination country, but English or French is required. You can refer to the Customs requirements page for more information.

You are encouraged to fill out the online customs form before visiting a post office. This helps reduce the transaction time and protects your privacy. If you can't complete the form ahead of time, the retail clerk can do it for you.

If you are shipping to the United States, you will also need to prepay any duty and taxes in advance using the Zonos app to provide a Declaration ID at the time of mailing. If you are unable to access the Zonos app, you will unfortunately not be able to ship to the United States at this time. 

Click here for more information on recent changes to US Trade regulations impacting shipments to the United States.

Canada Post understands your privacy is important. We share your data with foreign postal administrations that have signed data-sharing agreements. These agreements ensure your data is used solely for processing mail and customs.

Your data may be used for purposes like routing, law enforcement or national security, as required by the destination country's laws. We do not sell your personal data to third parties, and it is never used for promotional purposes.

More information can be found in the customs requirements section of our postal guide.

Please also refer to the following quick links:

• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
• Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA)
• Canadian Firearms Centre (CFC)
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
• Department of Justice
• Export Development Canada
• Global Affairs Canada
• Health Canada
• International Air Transport Association (IATA)
• Measurement Canada
• Narcotics Control Regulations
• Tobacco and Vaping Products Act
• Transport Canada
• Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act
• United States Customs and Border Protection
• Universal Postal Union (UPU)
• US Food and Drug Administration
• World Customs Organization (WCO)
• World Trade Organization (WTO)