eBusiness Naturally

Does your online store ship to Canada?

If so, there are restrictions and prohibitions for shipping that you should know about. The United States Postal Service (USPS) provides the following information:

PROHIBITIONS:

An issue of a publication in which more than 5 percent of its total advertising space is primarily directed to a Canadian market and which indicates:
(a) specifically where goods or services may be obtained in Canada, or
(b) specific items or conditions relating to the sale or provision of goods or services in Canada.
All alcoholic beverages including wines, etc.
An issue of a publication that contains an advertisement primarily directed to a Canadian market is a prohibited import if that advertisement does not appear in identical form in all editions of the issue distributed in the country of origin.
Articles so marked as to create the false impression that they were made in Canada, Great Britain or any other British country.
Commercial tags of metal.
Firearms, except as follows: Firearms may be mailed to Canada provided that they meet the requirements in DMM 601.11.1, 601.11.2, 601.11.3, and 601.11.6 and that the importer has the required documentation. Customers must visit www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/courier/postal-postale/ind-imp-eng.html prior to mailing for Canadian import requirements.
Gold bullion, gold dust, and nonmanufactured precious metals.
Non-refillable lighters or any other lighter that contains fuel.
New lighters with no fuel may be sent.
Oleomargarine and other butter substitutes, including altered or renovated butter.
Shipments bearing caution labels indicating the contents are flammable.
Perishable infectious biological substances.
Perishable noninfectious biological substances.
Plumage and skins of wild birds.
Prison-made goods being sold or intended for sale by a person or firm.
Radioactive materials.
Reprints of Canadian or British works copyrighted in Canada.
Reproductions of Canadian postage stamps unless printed in publications in black and white only and with a defacing line drawn across each reproduction.
Smoke-making devices for motor vehicles and boats.
Used or secondhand hives or bee supplies.

RESTRICTIONS:

The maximum value of a GXG shipment to CANADA is $2,499 or a lesser amount if limited by content or value.
Coins; banknotes; currency notes; securities payable to bearer; traveler’s checks; gold, silver, platinum, manufactured or not; jewelry; and other valuable articles may be sent only in registered letter-post items.
Exceptions:
Coins sent to or from collectors or dealers may be mailed in ordinary (uninsured) parcel post packages. Jewelry and precious stones may be sent via GPL Air Courier (Premium) service to Canada subject to indemnity limits indicated in section 626.31.
Drugs and medicines must comply with Canadian law.
Eggs for hatching must be packed in new, clean containers and accompanied by a certificate issued by a veterinarian of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or one issued by a State veterinarian and endorsed by a veterinarian of that Bureau, stating that to the best of his or her knowledge the eggs come from a flock that is free from Newcastle disease, fowl pest, or fowl typhoid. See 135.3 for method of packing.
Meat and meat food products must be accompanied by an export certificate issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and labeled in accordance with Canadian regulations. Exception to these requirements are:
(1) bona fide sample shipments weighing less than 10 kg;
(2) meat products addressed to a government department or agency;
(3) meat products intended for personal consumption when they enter Canada in the possession of the importer.
Precious stones, set or not set; all items used as dress ornaments and coming under the term “jewelry” including articles of gold or other precious metal for personal use such as cigarette holders, cases, powder cases, card cases, opera glasses, fountain pens, watches, etc., are permitted in insured parcel post packages provided the articles have value not over $5 U.S. A parcel post package containing a number of such articles valued at $5 or less may be insured for the total value of the contents up to a maximum of $200.
Veterinary biological products including serums and vaccines must be accompanied by a permit issued by the Veterinary Director General, Ministry of Agriculture of Canada.

Customers who fail to electronically file their export information may be subject to civil and criminal penalties. If you need further assistance with AES filing requirements, contact the U.S. Census Bureau on their toll-free hotline at 1-800-549-0595 =, Option 1 – AES Assistance, Option 2 – Commodity Classification Assistance, Option 3 – Regulatory