Customs form when shipping to Canada (1 Viewer)

[DrStrange]

For the first time, I was required to complete a customs form to ship a priority mail box to Canada. I have shipped there before and the process was the same as sending anywhere else inside the USA. This time I had to complete a customs declaration which then was entered into the computer right there on the spot before they would take the package.

Is this new? Or was my local Post Office lax about the rules in previous shipments?

DrStrange

 

[manamongkids]

youre probably on a watch list

 

[atomiktoaster]

For the first time, I was required to complete a customs form to ship a priority mail box to Canada. I have shipped there before and the process was the same as sending anywhere else inside the USA. This time I had to complete a customs declaration which then was entered into the computer right there on the spot before they would take the package.

Is this new? Or was my local Post Office lax about the rules in previous shipments?

DrStrange

Lax PO, I think. The online USPS priority flat rate labels have had customs information required for a while. I've needed customs forms for first class to Canada as well.

 

[Ben]

Yes, it's been required for at least the past 3 years. Before that I can't say...

 

[bentax1978]

I've always had to print out/fill out customs forms when sending packages to Canada (I've been periodically shipping things there for the past 8 years or so). Same form as shipping to other countries as far as I recall.

 

[Quicksilver-75]

I can say that I've always had to fill them out for everything larger than a letter when mailing to the US. From this side. Little green sticker.

 

[trever]

Seems like a lax post office. I've had to fill out customs forms for packages to Canada for as long as I can remember, recipients also got hit with customs fees occasionally too. Hopefully, you didn't list too high of a value on the form

 

[jbutler]

Agree with the above. I've had to fill out customs forms when shipping to Candada for at least the last two years.

 

[DrStrange]

I was caught off guard and actually responded with the truth.

 

[sleepypiggly]

During the process of printing out a label on USPS.com for int'l packages, there are always some simple questions which serve as the customs form. Item value, item description, merchandise/gift, claim exemption under $2500, etc. A one-sheet label is printed out with all information, which I stick onto the package.

Then I drop these off in the neighborhood blue mail box as I would any other domestic package.

I think it's just easier to print labels out at home.

 

[lnlver]

The post office will let you skip the declarations form if you let them know you know Chanman personally.

 

[DrStrange]

So every international shipment to or from the USA should have this customs form?

Hmmm, I have been skirting the law more than I thought -=- DrStrange

 

[links_slayer]

I've filled these out as long as I can rember...to Canada or anywhere else non-US.

 

[sleepypiggly]

So every international shipment to or from the USA should have this customs form?

Other than letters and flat rate envelopes, yes.

 

[DrStrange]

and incoming shipments as well? I didn't recall seeing such a form with the box, but maybe it doesn't come with the box when I am receiving chips?

DrStrange

 

[sleepypiggly]

and incoming shipments as well? I didn't recall seeing such a form with the box, but maybe it doesn't come with the box when I am receiving chips?

DrStrange

Not sure about other country’s requirements, but usually there are sheets of customs attached on the package.

But of course, they could have outlaw shippers just like us!

 

[BGinGA]

I've filled these out as long as I can rember...to Canada or anywhere else non-US.

^^ this for me too... pita.

 

[Taghkanic]

The USPS form now has a box requiring an EEL code (Exemption or Exclusion Legend), with no comprehensible info on what that is or a key to appropriate codes. This is what I googled:

Just skip this? Or use code B.? Or A.? Oy

 

[BGinGA]

a. , and looks like b. for shipments to CAN.

I hate filling out those things. Half the time when I get to the PO they tell me it's the wrong form and i have to fill out something different. Makes no frickin' sense.

 

[Taghkanic]

What I’m not clear on is whether I have to enter a code at all. The box is bolded, which suggests a required field. From the above, it sounds like maybe some packages meeting basic requirements don’t have to use any of these codes... Will have to quiz my local P.O. again, they don’t handle many foreign shipments it seems.

 

[Lemonzest]

I fill out a customs declaration every time when sending a package to the USA. If the package is small like a bubble mailer then I don't have to fill one out.

 

[Thomacetti]

Ahhhh my good friends from customs

I'm probably supporting 2 or 3 families of customs employers with my frequent donations.
But they only screwed up once (cutter damage) and TCR solved that, besides that...I'm glad to pay if the don't damage or hold my packages.

Takes about 5 min to fill in the declaration...no sweat

 

[Lemonzest]

Yeah I actually asked for a big stack of empty forms and keep them at home now. Much faster to fill out the form at home then filling out 4-5 forms at the post office...

 

[Taghkanic]

When I returned to the P.O. with a suitable, packed box, there was a different clerk, and she gave me a different form, with no blank for an EEL code. Go figure. Note: Not cheap. It cost over 50 bucks to ship ~320 chips, and they still say it will take 6-10 days. Next tier up was about $85. Geez.

 

[Lemonzest]

50 bucks for shipping 3 racks sounds crazy. What province was it going to? If it was in a populated city and not some crazy place up north that price sounds really high.

 

[David O]

I fill out the declaration when I use PayPal Shipping. Pretty easy and only adds about 20 seconds to the process. If it is a bubble mailer there is no form but if it is box it prints everything that I need to be placed in the clear pouch.

 

[CdnBeerLover]

50 bucks for shipping 3 racks sounds crazy. What province was it going to? If it was in a populated city and not some crazy place up north that price sounds really high.

Sounds close to the price of a priority intl MFRB to Canada, which is around $47, I believe.

 

[Taghkanic]

50 bucks for shipping 3 racks sounds crazy. What province was it going to? If it was in a populated city and not some crazy place up north that price sounds really high.

A town in B.C. Package was 8 lbs.