Cross-border (International) shipmentsUpdated a month ago

How the process works

1. The mail carrier hands off the package to the Border Services Agency, or BSA, for customs inspection.
2. The package is inspected by the BSA. Inspection times will vary depending on the volume of packages being inspected.
3. Package contents are verified and any package contents that are not prohibited for delivery and are not subject to duties and taxes are released for delivery.
4. If the package is held for duties and taxes owed, the recipient of the package will need to pay the fees to have the package released from customs. Duties and taxes are the responsibility of the package recipient.
   1. Refusal to pay duties and taxes will result in the package being returned to the shipper. Unpaid duties and taxes are deducted from the recipient's refund along with the postage cost.
5. After clearing customs, the package is handed off to the mail carrier to complete the delivery.
   1. The mail carrier will vary depending on the shipping service selected.
   2. Fully trackable services will usually reflect customs clearance.

FAQs

Q: What are duties and taxes?

A: Import taxes assessed by the destination country based on the package contents. It is recommended to refer to your country's import policy to determine if your order is liable for duties and/or taxes.

Q: Will I be charged duties and taxes?

A: Duty and tax estimates are displayed during checkout. Some mail carriers like FedEx allow duties and taxes to be prepaid as part of the postage cost. It is recommended to refer to your country's import policy to determine if your order is liable for duties and/or taxes.

Q: Can the customs clearance process be expedited?

A: No. Once the package is in possession of the Border Services Agency, or BSA, neither the shipper nor mail carrier can intervene.

Q: How will I know when my package has cleared customs?

A: Fully trackable shipping services usually reflect customs clearance.