Small Packet™ (U.S.A. and International)

1	What’s In This Chapter

The following sections are covered in this chapter:

2

What Is Small Packet (U.S.A. and International)?

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Small Packet is a package usually containing goods. A Small Packet item must be posted in Canada for delivery in a foreign country and must bear a Canadian return address.

U.S.A. and International Small Packet prices are available for items that meet the correct size and weight requirements.

3

Unacceptable Items

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The following items are unacceptable as Small Packet:

• an item that is or contains any dangerous substance or article prohibited by law or defined as a dangerous good (for more information see the chapter “Non-mailable Matter”, or refer to the Non-mailable Matter Regulations and to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act)
• an item that does not meet the size and weight specifications for this service (see Table 1: “Small Packet Size and Weight” for more information)
• an item that may soil, taint or damage mail or mail equipment, expose a person to danger or emit offensive odours
• an item containing food perishables or live animals that do not meet applicable shipping requirements
• an item improperly or insecurely packed or wrapped
• an item in contravention of applicable Universal Postal Union prohibitions and Customs Regulations of the destination country, as well as U.S.A.’s Department of Transportation Regulations.

4

Size and Weight

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Each Small Packet (U.S.A. and International) item must meet the size and weight specifications shown in Table 1.

5

Pricing Information

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To obtain information on pricing:

• see Canada Post Prices.

6

Payment Options

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6.1	Proofs of Payment

Table 2 lists the acceptable proofs of payment for Small Packet items. Some restrictions or conditions may apply.

6.2	Methods of Payment

Table 3 lists the acceptable methods of payment for Small Packet items. Some restrictions or conditions may apply.

For more information, see section 4.6 “Pay for the Item” of the “ABCs of Mailing” chapter.

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Service Standards at a Glance

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These service standards are not guaranteed and are estimates of how long it will take for the mail to be delivered.

8

Features

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A feature is something that is provided as part of the basic service. The available features are described below.

8.1	Return to Sender

Small Packet items that cannot be delivered or redirected will be returned to the sender for a fee, payable by the sender. Where the item bears postage stamp(s) or meter impression denoting the original amount of postage, the item will be returned for an amount equal to the original postage, less any option fee, using the postage due process. Where the Customer Number is located on the item, the item will be returned and the Customer will be invoiced an amount equal to the original fee paid, less any option fee. A return of a Small Packet item is dependent upon the regulations for return of mail in the destination country.

8.2	Coverage for Loss or Damage

Coverage up to $100CDN is included for Small Packet. Canada Post’s liability is limited to the actual value of the item if less than $100CDN.

Canada Post shall have no liability for loss, damage or rifling of items containing bank notes, stocks, bonds or other securities negotiable by the bearer, lottery tickets, travellers’ cheques or non-mailable matter, as well as any article prohibited by law in Canada or in the destination country. Also, no coverage is available on food items to the U.S.A. See General Terms and Conditions at www.canadapost.ca/generalterms for more information.

8.3	Customs Clearance

Canada Post will provide a presentation of all items to the exchange office in the destination country. Issues related to duties and admissions will be the responsibility of the addressee (importer of record).

9

Options

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An option is a service enhancement which is not included automatically as part of the basic service. Most options are available for an additional fee. The available options are described below.

9.1	Scheduled Pick-up

This option is available to Customers using “Account” as a method of payment for Services. Scheduled Pick-up is provided on business days only.

This option is available for a fee based on total volume shipped each week. It is offered at no additional charge for Customers who ship more than 120 items per week. The weekly volume of U.S.A. and International Services can be consolidated with the weekly volume of Domestic Services and counted towards the pick-up fee threshold. For a list of available pick-up locations, Customers can visit www.canadapost.ca/pick-up or contact the Customer Relationship Support group at 1-888-550-6333.

10

Labels and Documentation Required

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Every U.S.A. and International Small Packet must have all of the following:

• the names and addresses should include telephone numbers of the sender and the addressee clearly printed on a label affixed to the item
• proof of payment (postage stamps, postal indicia, or meter impression)
• a Small Packet CN22 Customs label with the Customs Declaration portion accurately completed (see section 4.5.3 “Customs Documentation” of the “ABCs of Mailing” chapter for more information)
• be accompanied by any document (invoice, licence, certificate, permit, etc.) required by Customs regulations.

All items must have the declared value indicated in the Customs Declaration portion of the shipping label.

All shipments to the U.S.A. containing commercially-prepared food for human or animal consumption must be preceded by a Prior Notice of Imported Food Shipments. The Prior Notice number provided by the U.S.A. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must be included on the Customs documentation prior to shipping. More information on the Prior Notice can be obtained from the FDA.

For information on Customs documentation, see the chapter “Customs Requirements”.

10.1	Order (Manifest)

Two paper copies of the electronic Order (Manifest), or the original hard copy Manifest, must be given at the time of mailing to an authorized Canada Post employee at the Receipt Verification Unit (RVU) or at the postal facility approved by Canada Post. For more information, see section 4.5.2 “Order (Manifest)” of the “ABCs of Mailing” chapter.

11

Format

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A Small Packet item may be mailed sealed or unsealed. If sealed, they may be opened, if needed, to verify their contents.

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Packaging

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All items must be securely packaged with sufficient cushioning and reinforcing material to prevent loss of or damage to the items, damage to postal equipment or other mail and injury to persons handling the items. Items must not consist of dangerous or prohibited articles.

13

Addressing

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All items must bear a legible address including the correct ZIP code, and should include the shipper’s and addressee’s telephone numbers. See the chapter “Addressing Guidelines” for more information.

14

Deposit of Small Packet (U.S.A. and International) Items

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Customers can deposit a Small Packet item at any one of the following locations:

• a post office
• a mail processing plant
• a street letter box (items processed by a Canada Post online shipping system only).

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Delivery of Small Packet (U.S.A. and International) Items

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Canada Post transfers U.S.A. and International Small Packet items to transfer points for delivery by the postal administration of the destination country.

16

Light Packet™

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Light Packet is a line extension of Small Packet which is available to Customers at post offices and using the online eBay shipping platform. Light Packet is a Parcel Service for lightweight non-document goods.

16.1	Size and Weight

16.2	Service Standards at a Glance

16.3	Features and Options

No features or options are available for Light Packet items.

16.4	Labels and Documentation Required

All Light Packet items must bear a Small Packet/customs label and an O/S label.