International parcel shipping with Canada Post.
Sunday August 24, 2025 | NATIONAL [Reporting from VICTORIA, BC]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Pre-paid duties on items sent to U.S. will be required starting August 29, 2025.
The United States has suspended its duty-free “de minimis” threshold of $800 USD for all countries, including Canada.
Starting August 29, 2025 all shipments entering the U.S. must have duties prepaid before crossing the border – regardless of their value.
Canada Post outlined this on Friday, in particular to its small business customers.
Canada Post truck and driver. [web]
It is another clear example of how the United States under President Donald Trump is reining in a range of things where the US feels it has been at an economic disadvantage in terms of global trade.
US executive order:
The change to the prepaid duties requirement was mandated under U.S. Executive Order 14324.
It applies to all business shipments from Canada, whether sent through the postal system, a Canadian courier, freight provider, or any commercial channel.
Canada Post message:
“We recognize that this change presents challenges for Canadian businesses. We’re committed to navigating this dynamic situation with you, providing you with up-to-date information and ensuring our southbound services remain accessible with a seamless Delivery Duties Paid (DDP) solution,” says Canada Post.
Canada Post is doing what it can to help its business customers, many of whom use Canada Post to send sometimes relatively small shipments to the United States.
“At Canada Post, we’ve been working to understand the order, assess options, and secure solutions that will ensure we can maintain continuity for your business. We are moving swiftly to make the necessary updates to ensure your shipments remain compliant and continue moving smoothly across the border,” said Canada Post in an email to small business customers on August 22.
Rate if value below $800:
Goods valued at $800 USD or less that are shipped to the United States through the Canada Post postal network will be subject to an ‘ad valorem’ duty.
That duty will be equal to the effective tariff rate applicable to the product’s country of origin under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). For Canada, the current IEEPA rate is 35% for most goods.
Show of proof starts August 29, 2025:
Starting August 29, 2025, every package shipped from Canada to the U.S. must show proof that duties have been prepaid before the shipment can be accepted for delivery.
Functionality:
As of August 29, 2025 Canada Post will only accept U.S.-bound label requests that include a valid Declaration ID – a 13-character code that confirms duties are secured before the shipment is accepted.
“The new U.S. customs regulations will impact your costs, delivery process and customer experience,” says Canada Post to their business customers.
Duties collected pre-shipping:
To meet the new U.S. requirements, Canada Post is partnering with Zonos® to collect duties before they enter the Canada Post network and remit them directly to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
More details on the Canada Post website:
In the coming days, Canada Post will post more details on the Canada Post website on how to prepare for the changes that take effect on August 29.
Expanding:
Canada Post says they are “working hard to expand capability for business customers”. That will include:
leveraging EST Desktop 2.0
as well as ecommerce platforms, shipping systems, marketplaces and 3PLs of partners.
Updates as solutions evolve..
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NEWS SECTIONS: CANADA POST | SHIPPING & TRANSPORT | DELIVERY & SHIPPING