International Mail
Global Delivery Services
Airmail
Express Mail International Service (EMS)
Global Package Link
Global Priority Mail™ (GPM)
International Business Reply Service (IBRS)
International Priority Airmail™ (IPA)
International Surface Air Lift (ISAL)
Parcel Post™
Surface Mail
VALUEPOST/CANADA
Global Delivery Services
Overview
Global Delivery Services offer customers a range of options to send business mail, packages, documents, and printed matter to other countries. With Global Delivery Services, the Postal
Service is the world's largest international carrier, reaching virtually every country and address in the world.
Customer Benefits
worldwide reach:
reaching nearly every country and address in the world
flexibility:
meeting different customer
needs for cost, speed, and convenience
Special Features
Airmail:
Airmail provides quick, reliable handling and delivery of letters, small packages, documents, parcel post, and printed matter. Normal delivery is within 4 to 7 days.
Express Mail International Service (EMS):
EMS speeds urgent letters, small packages, and documents to the destination country, where they receive priority handling by a local postal administration or private courier.
Normal delivery is within 2 to 3 days to major cities.
Global Package Link:
Global Package Link is a state-of-the-art package delivery service designed for mailers who send large volumes of merchandise to other countries. Currently, Global Package Link is
available to eight countries: Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Germany, Japan, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.
Global Priority MailSM:
Global Priority Mail™ provides a service positioned between Express Mail International Service and airmail; this mail receives priority handling in the United States and in the
destination country. Global Priority Mail is currently available to a selected number of international destinations. Normal delivery is within 4 days.
International Business Reply Service (IBRS):
IBRS is a sensible marketing tool for any company operating in today's competitive world economy. These prebarcoded, postage-paid business reply cards and envelopes offer anumber of important benefits.
International Priority Airmail™ (IPA):
IPA speeds bulk mailings of correspondence, invoices, statements, printed matter, or merchandise packages-as fast or faster than international airmail. Normal delivery is generally within 4 to 7 days.
International Surface Air Lift (ISAL):
ISAL provides an economical way for sending bulk printed matter and small packets overseas at lower rates than airmail but with faster service than surface mail. Normal delivery is within 7 to 14 days.
M-bags:
For mailings of 11 pounds or more of printed matter to one addressee, M-bags allow customers to send catalogs, Advertising Mail, periodicals, and other printed matter. Customers
may use M-bags with airmail, surface mail, or with 50 pounds or more with ISAL.
Surface Mail:
Surface mail offers the least expensive way to send mail to any country on the globe if time is not an issue. Normal delivery is within 4 to 6 weeks.
VALUEPOST/CANADA:
VALUEPOST/CANADA offers economical delivery to Canada at competitive rates for Advertising Mail, catalogs, or merchandise shipments. Normal delivery is within 7 to 14 days.
Global Delivery Services also offer a number of special services:
certificate of mailing:
proves that an item was mailed
insurance:
gives coverage against loss, rifling, or damage to parcel post
recorded delivery:
gives a mailing receipt for selected countries (The office of destination keeps a record of delivery.)
registered mail:
provides added protection and security for letter mail (LC), small packets, matter for the blind, and all printed matter with limited indemnity
restricted delivery:
ensures delivery of mail only to a specific addressee or someone authorized in writing to accept mail for the addressee
return receipt:
provides confirmation of delivery of insured, registered, recorded delivery, or EMS mail to certain countries
special delivery:
expedites delivery of letter mail (LC), small packets, and printed matter after the mail reaches the addressee's post office
For more information on special services for international mail:
See the section on Special Services.
See Chapter 3, Special
Services, in the International Mail Manual (IMM).
Where To Go Next for Details
Ask an account representative or postal personnel at a post office about international mail.
For rates and fees, ask at the post office for Publication 51, International Postal Rates and Fees.
For more information, see the International Mail Manual (IMM).
For more information on each of the Global Delivery Services options and special services, see other sections of the Information Desk.
Airmail
Overview
Customers may send items by airmail to ensure expeditious handling and dispatch by the fastest mode of transportation. Airmail is designed for quick, reliable handling and delivery of
correspondence, business documents, merchandise samples, computer materials, all types of printed matter, and heavier merchandise shipments.
Customer Benefits
speed:
can reach virtually any country
in the world within 4 to 7 days
reach:
service to virtually every
country in the world
easy payment:
by stamps, meter postage, or
advance deposit account
Special Features
Customers should place the
endorsement, AIRMAIL, or its French equivalent, PAR AVION, on the
address side of the mailpiece to the left of the delivery
address. Post offices can provide their customers with Label 19-A
or
Label 19-B, which also can be
used for this purpose.
When customers are mailing at least 11 pounds of printed matter for a single foreign addressee, M-bag service is a useful, money-saving option.
Postage can be paid by stamps, meter strips or impressions, or through an advance deposit account.
Most-asked Questions
Is airmail service available to all countries?
Airmail service is available to all countries except where service has been curtailed for exceptional reasons, including wars, strikes, etc. For current information, ask at a local post office.
How long does it take for an airmail item to be delivered?
Airmail items from the United States are generally delivered in the destination country within 4 to 7 days.
What can I send by airmail?
Letters, business documents, printed matter, and merchandise.
Where To Go Next for Details
A local post office can provide information about airmail shipments to specific countries.
Customers may purchase the International Mail Manual (IMM) and Postal Bulletin.
For applicable regulatory references, see International Mail Manual (IMM).
Express Mail
International Service (EMS)
Overview
Express Mail International Service (EMS) speeds urgent letters, small packages, and documents to the destination country, where they receive expedited handling by a local postal
administration or private courier company. The normal delivery time is 2 to 3 days to major cities.
There are two services available for EMS:
On Demand Service:
This service lets customers mail on an as-needed basis. Mailers can choose:
to have the mail picked up at the mailer's place of business or
deposit the mail in an EMS collection box or take it to a post office
Custom Designed Service:
This service lets customers arrange scheduled pickups and deliveries on the basis of their shipping needs.
Customer Benefits
speed:
EMS is the fastest of the Global Delivery Services, with delivery averaging 2 to 3 days to major cities worldwide. (This delivery average is not guaranteed.)
versatility:
Choose from the two EMS options: On-Demand and Custom Designed.
economy:
Prices start as low as $15-about half of the competitors' published rates.
global reach:
EMS offers delivery to nearly 200 countries and territories.
reliability:
Shipments generally receive expedited handling in the destination country.
convenience:
EMS offers these ways to send international shipments:
Take the package to any of the 40,000 post offices or airport mail facilities.
Drop the prepaid package into any of the 27,000 Express Mail™ collection boxes.
Hand the prepaid package to any of the 265,000 letter carriers.
Use pickup service by calling 1-800-222-1811.
protection:
EMS merchandise items and documents with a value of up to $500 are insured against loss, damage, or rifling, at no additional cost to the sender. Optional insurance
coverage-above $500-is available for merchandise items only. The insurance fee is $0.90 for each $100 fraction of additional coverage-up to a maximum indemnity limit of $5,000.
payment:
Customers may pay for EMS with postage stamps, meter postage, cash, checks, Express Mail corporate account, credit cards (where available), and federal agency account numbers.
Special Features
EMS items are insured against loss, damage, and rifling at no additional cost.
Return receipts are
available for certain countries at no additional charge.
Most-asked Questions
1.What may be sent by EMS?
Letters, merchandise, gifts, and documents.
2.How long does it take EMS to be delivered?
The normal delivery time is 2 to 3 days to major cities.
3.How may I pay for EMS?
Postage stamps, meter postage, cash, checks, Express Mail™ corporate account, credit cards (where available), federal agency account numbers, and postage validation imprinter
(PVI) labels.
4.Is insurance available for EMS?
EMS merchandise items and documents with a value of up to $500 are insured against loss, damage, or rifling, at no additional cost to the sender. Optional insurance
coverage-above $500-is available for merchandise items only. The insurance fee is $0.90 for each $100 fraction of additional coverage-up to a maximum indemnity limit of
$5,000.
5.What may not be sent by EMS?
coins, bank notes, and
currency traveler's checks ,gold, silver, and platinum
(manufactured or not)
securities payable to bearer,
precious stones, jewelry, and other valuables.
Where To Go Next for Details
Ask an account representative about EMS.
See Publication 273, Express Mail International Service (EMS) Service Guide.
For rates, weights, and fees, ask at the post office for Publication 51, International Postal Rates and Fees.
See International Mail Manual (IMM).
Global Package Link
Overview
Global Package Link is a state-of-the-art package delivery service designed for mailers who send large volumes of merchandise to other countries. Currently, Global Package Link is
available to eight countries:
Brazil
Canada
Chile
China
Germany
Japan
Mexico
United Kingdom
Global Package Link is designed to meet these customers' needs:
reduce operating costs
improve customer service
bring added value to virtually every aspect of their overseas business
Customer Benefits
shipment preparation:
Mailers do not have to prepare shipments manually. The USPS™ proprietary computer program generates all required customs documentation and delivery labels.
help with customs:
Customs Pre-Advisory Systems (CPAS) offer a number of benefits:
Shippers can inform customers of the duties and taxes charged for each order.
Customs officials can choose in advance the packages they want to examine, which can save time clearing Customs, creating an opportunity for faster delivery.
Shippers can apply for a drawback of duties paid for imported merchandise and eliminate duties for returned merchandise.
Just by entering the package order number into the computer, shippers can use the enhanced international Track-and-Trace system-at no additional cost.
Merchandise Return Service:
This service is convenient and easy to use: the package can be mailed from any post office in the recipient's country.
Special Features
The minimum shipment volume requirement for Global Package Link to all countries is 10,000 pieces a year.
Computerized tracking of packages is available for some levels of service.
The Customs Pre-Advisory System (CPAS) captures information about each package to satisfy Customs requirements.
CPAS also can determine a customer's total mailing costs and initiate electronic funds transfers to pay duties, taxes, and fees in some countries.
Most-asked Questions
1.How does Global Package Link save money for mailers?
The Postal Service does all the paperwork-through a direct data link with the mailer-expediting shipments through Customs.
2.Which countries does Global Package Link serve?
Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Germany, Japan, Mexico, and the United Kingdom
3.What is the minimum shipping volume for Global Package Link?
10,000 pieces per year to all countries
4.What does the mailer need to do to prepare a shipment?
The mailer just applies the shipping labels and barcodes; the Postal Service does the rest.
Where To Go Next for Details
For detailed information on Global Package Link, see the International Mail Manual (IMM).
For more information, contact the International Business Unit, U.S. Postal Service, Washington, D.C.
Global Priority Mail™ (GPM)
Overview
Global Priority Mail offers the best value for mailers who want international delivery of documents, correspondence, and merchandise. This service is for correspondence and packages that are extremely important but not urgent. Global Priority Mail is handled in an expedited manner in the United States-processed with Express Mail™ - and gets priority handling in 33 countries worldwide.
With Global Priority Mail, mailers can use the following:
a small flat rate envelope
a large flat rate envelope
or
their own packaging with a variable weight mailing sticker to send items that weigh up to 4 pounds
Customer Benefits
extremely competitive rates:
Flat rate envelopes start at only $3.75, and volume rates are available if you use 6PM stickers. You can get up to 20% off the single piece rates, but there are restrictions.
global delivery:
Global Priority Mail delivers to every address in most destination countries worldwide. Service to China, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and Saudi Arabia is limited to designated cities only.
priority handling:
The U.S. Postal Service and foreign postal administrations give correspondence, documents, and merchandise priority handling.
impact:
The colorful, hard-to-miss package design getsshipments special attention.
convenience:
Global Priority Mail™ shipments can be handed to a letter carrier, dropped into an Express Mail™ collection box, or brought to a post office. Customers can also use the Postal
Service's pick-up service.
Special Features
For pickup information and supplies, call the pickup service at 1-800-222-1811. The Postal Service charges one price per pickup-not per package.
The gray and red envelope is designed to be noticed and opened first.
The unique internationally recognized symbol on the envelope ensures priority treatment here and abroad.
You may send Global Priority Mail to Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain (England, Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales), Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Portugal,Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
You can get supplies at local post offices or by calling 1-800-222-1811.
Postage may be paid by postage stamps, meter postage, or postage validation imprinter (PVI) strips.
Most-asked Questions
1.What is the symbol on the envelope?
It's the international symbol that identifies the mail for foreign postal administrations and shows how the mail is to be handled.
2.Does Global Priority Mail™ receive priority handling?
Global Priority Mail receives priority handling by the U.S. Postal Service and foreign postal administrations.
3.How much does Global Priority Mail cost?
Prices start at $3.75. The price varies based on the size of the envelope and the country you are mailing to.
4.How do I get supplies for Global Priority Mail?
You can get supplies at post offices or call 1-800-222-1811.
Where To Go Next for Details
For information on Global Priority Mail, see International Mail Manual (IMM) 226.
For information about this new product, call 1-800-THE-USPS, extension 1148.
International Business Reply Service (IBRS)
Overview
With International Business Reply Service (IBRS), a mailer can send reply envelopes and postcards to foreign countries for return to the United States without prepaying postage. IBRS is a marketing tool that makes sense for any company operating in today's increasingly competitive world economy.
Customer Benefits
These prebarcoded, postage-paid business reply cards and envelopes offer many important benefits.
customer convenience:
Customers can respond easily, without having to use stamps.
economy:
The Postal Service bills only for the actual number of returned reply cards or envelopes.
speed:
All responses are returned by airmail.
ease of use:
IBRS is as simple to use as domestic business reply mail.
easy bookkeeping:
To help with accounting, the Postal Service issues barcodes for international items.
The Postal Service also provides regular statements of account activities.
worldwide service:
IBRS is currently available from more than 50 countries.
Special Features
Cards must meet these dimensions:
minimum size: 3 1/2" high x 5 1/2" long
maximum size: 4 1/4" high x 6" long
thickness: not less than 0.007", not more than 0.016"
Envelopes must meet these dimensions:
minimum size: 3 1/2" high x 5 1/2" long
maximum size: 4 3/4" high x 9 1/4" long
thickness: not less than 0.007", not more than 0.20"
maximum weight: 2 ounces
To use IBRS, customers must have a Postal Service Business Reply Mail Accounting System (BRMAS) permit number. (If customers already have a business reply mail (BRM)
permit number, they may use it for IBRS after contacting the post office to obtain the appropriate POSTNET barcode.)
IBRS mail must meet all BRMAS requirements, including unique ZIP+4® codes.
Most-asked Questions
1.In which countries is IBRS available?
Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Belgium, Bermuda, Botswana, Brazil, Burundi, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Greece, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kiribati, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Mexico, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe. This list changes frequently. For current information, see the International Mail Manual
(IMM) or Postal Bulletin.
2.Is IBRS expensive?
No. You are billed only for the actual number of reply cards or envelopes that are returned.
3.May I use special services such as registered mail with IBRS?
No.
4.How quickly can the return mail be delivered to me in the United States?
All IBRS mail will be returned by airmail.
5.If I have a business reply mail (BRM) permit number, do I need to get a new one for IBRS?
No. You may use your BRM permit number for IBRS, but you must notify your post office and obtain the appropriate POSTNET™ barcode.
Where To Go Next for Details
Ask an account representative about IBRS service.
See Publication 513, International Business Reply Service (IBRS) Service Guide.
For information and rates, see International Mail Manual (IMM) 393.
International Priority Airmail™ (IPA)
Overview
International Priority Airmail (IPA) is an international service for mailing correspondence, invoices, statements, printed matter, or merchandise packages. IPA is delivered as fast or faster than regular international airmail service-generally within 4 to 7 days.
Customer Benefits
IPA offers service features unmatched by any remailer or other international carrier:
speed:
delivery within an average of 4 to 7 days
low minimum requirements:
just 10 pounds per mailing
economical rates:
significant savings off regular airmail postage
versatility:
presorted or nonpresorted rate options
flexible postage payment:
mailer may use precanceled postage stamps, meter postage, advance deposit account-or qualify to arrange payment through the Postal Service's billing service
convenience:
IPA is available to all countries except Canada.
Customers can mail business correspondence, invoices, statements, printed matter, or merchandise packages.
Free scheduled pickup is available in most metropolitan areas nationwide.
Special Features
IPA is available to customers of all mailable letter class (LC) and other objects (AO) that are properly prepared.
IPA mailings must contain at least 10 pounds of addressed mail.
The pieces in an IPA mailing do not have to be the same size or weight.
IPA postage may be paid by precanceled postage stamps, postage meter, permit imprint, or a combination of the two.
Most-asked Questions
1.Is IPA service available to all countries?
Service is available to all countries, except Canada.
2.Is there a minimum weight for an IPA mailing?
Yes, 10 pounds.
3.Must an IPA mailing have to contain pieces all addressed to the same country?
No. You may include mail to different countries.
4.Does the mail in an IPA mailing have to be identical in size or weight?
No. You may combine qualifying IPA mail of different sizes and shapes.
5.How quickly is IPA mail delivered?
Generally, within 4 to 7 days.
Where To Go Next for Details
Ask an account representative about IPA service.
See Publication 507, International PrioritySM Airmail (IPA) Service Guide.
For information and rates, see International Mail Manual (IMM).
International Surface Air Lift (ISAL)
Overview
International Surface Air Lift (ISAL) is a bulk mailing system that provides fast, economical international delivery of printed matter and small packets, such as the following:
publications
catalogs
newsletters
annual reports
advertising mail (Ad Mail)
merchandising packages containing computer software, video and audio tapes, apparel, or other items.
Customers transport their ISAL mail-in properly prepared and labeled sacks-to one of the dozens of ISAL acceptance points across the country. The mail goes overseas by air, then is delivered in the destination country by the official government postal administration.
ISAL costs less than airmail but travels faster than ordinary surface mail.
Customer Benefits
Benefit from a delivery time between airmail and surface mail for bulk printed matter and small packets.
Receive discounts for delivering mail directly to an ISAL gateway office instead of an average acceptance site.
Receive a special discount for using an M-bag if total weight of printed matter to a single foreign addressee is 11 pounds or more. (Merchandise may not be sent in M-bags.)
Benefit from a delivery time averaging within 7-14 days.
Send all types of printed matter.
Retain U.S. identity of mail, with U.S. return address and U.S. postal markings.
Keep control by entering the mail into the U.S. mail system, not through others in foreign countries.
Send mail to more than 120 countries worldwide.
Pay with mailer-precanceled postage stamps, meter postage, or an advance deposit account-or qualify to arrange payment through the Postal Service's billing service.
Special Features
Customers take ISAL mail to designated U.S. acceptance cities. Then the mail is flown to its foreign destination and entered into that country's mail system for delivery.
For each ISAL mailing, you must fill out PS Form 3650, Statement of Mailing-International Surface Air Lift.
Each ISAL mailing must contain at least 50 pounds. These customers are eligible for reduced postage rates:
customers who send at least 750 pounds to a single country from a designated acceptance city
or
customers who enter ISAL mail at New York, Miami, or San Francisco.
Merchandise packages generally are limited to 4 pounds per item; also, the length, width, and height combined may not exceed 36 inches.
Each customer must have a 10-digit ISAL permit number. This number must be used on PS Form 3650, Statement of Mailing-International Surface Air Lift.
For mailings of 11 pounds or more to one addressee, customers may use an M-bag with Tag 158, M-bag Addressee Tag. (Merchandise may not be sent in M-bags.)
Most-asked Questions
1.When would I want to use ISAL?
ISAL is most effective to send bulk quantities of printed matter and small packets that need a delivery time between airmail and surface mail.
2.Is there a minimum weight for an ISAL mailing?
Yes, 50 pounds.
3.How long does it take an ISAL mailing to be delivered?
An average of 7 to 14 days.
4.Does an ISAL mailing have to contain pieces all of the same size or weight?
No. You may combine printed matter of different sizes and weights.
5.How many countries accept ISAL mailings?
You can send ISAL to more than 120 countries, which are listed at the end of this section.
Where To Go Next for Details
Ask an account representative about ISAL.
See Publication 31, International Surface Air Lift (ISAL) Service Guide.
For information and rates, see the International Mail Manual (IMM).
Countries that currently accept ISAL
Albania
China
Algeria
Colombia
Angola
Congo
Argentina
Costa Rica
Aruba
Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
Australia
Cuba
Austria
Czech Republic
Bahrain
Denmark
Bangladesh
Dominican Republic
Belgium
Ecuador
Belize
Egypt
Benin
El Salvador
Bolivia
Ethiopia
Brazil
Fiji Islands
Bulgaria
Finland
Burkina Faso
France
Burundi
French Guiana
Cameroon
Gabon
Central African Republic
Germany
Chile
Ghana
Great Britian and Northern Ireland
Kuwait
Greece
Lebanon
Guatemala
Liberia
Guyana
Libya
Haiti
Liechtenstein
Honduras
Luxembourg
Hong Kong
Madagascar
Hungary
Malaysia
Iceland
Mali
India
Mauritania
Indonesia
Mauritius
Iran
Mexico
Ireland
Morocco
Israel
Mozambique
Italy
Netherlands
Jamaica
Netherlands Antilles
Japan
New Zealand
Jordan
Nicaragua
Kenya
Niger
Korea, Republic of (South)
Nigeria
Norway
Sri Lanka
Oman
Sudan
Pakistan
Suriname
Panama
Sweden
Papua New Guinea
Switzerland
Paraguay
Syrian Arab Republic
Peru
Taiwan
Philippines
Tanzania
Poland
Thailand
Portugal
Togo
Qatar
Trinidad and Tobago
Reunion
Tunisia
Romania
Turkey
Russia
Uganda
San Marino
United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia
Uruguay
Senegal
Venezuela
Sierra Leone
Yemen Arab Republic
Singapore
Zaire
South Africa
Zambia
Spain (including Canary Islands)
Zimbabwe
Parcel Post™
Overview
International parcel post is similar to domestic zone-rated Standard Mail Parcel Post. Customers can use parcel post to send merchandise and printed matter items to foreign addressees.
Parcels can be sent by airmail or surface mail. The delivery time will vary considerably, depending on which level of service the mailer selects.
Customer Benefits
economy:
Parcel post is inexpensive to use.
convenience:
Mailing procedures are uncomplicated.
global service:
Parcel post is available to all but a handful of countries.
insurance coverage:
Protect parcels against loss, damage, or rifling.
easy payment:
Stamps, meters, or an advance deposit account may be used.
Special Features
Insurance coverage for parcel post is available to most countries. For indemnity limits to specific countries, see the individual country listings in the International Mail Manual (IMM).
Personal communication should not be enclosed in a parcel. A parcel may, however, include invoices or out-of-date correspondence.
Countries frequently prohibit or restrict the sending of certain articles. For a list of these prohibitions and restrictions, see the country listings in the IMM.
Unless prohibited by the destination country or by the United States, all types of merchandise may be sent by parcel post.
Parcel post weight limits by country range from a low of 22 pounds to a maximum of 70 pounds. These are the size limits:
minimum length and width: 3 1/2" x 5"
maximum length: 42"
length and girth combined: 79"
(For exceptional maximum size limits, see the individual country listings in the IMM.)
Most-asked Questions
1.Which countries can I reach by parcel post?
Virtually every country in the world.
2.How long does it take an airmail parcel to be delivered?
Normal delivery is within 4 to 7 days.
3.How long does it take a surface parcel to be delivered?
From 4 to 6 weeks.
4.What kind of mail may I send by parcel post?
Parcel post can be used to send all kinds of merchandise-but not letters or other current personal correspondence. It is important to be aware of the specific mailing conditions that
apply to specific destination countries.
5.Do I need customs forms?
You must fill out PS Form 2976-A, Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note CP 72, and insert it into PS Form 2976-E, Customs Declaration Envelope CP 91. The envelope with the completed form must be affixed to each international parcel post package. Both forms are available at local post offices.
Where To Go Next for Details
Ask at a post office about international parcel post.
For conditions of mailing and postage rate information, see the International Mail Manual (IMM) and the international country listings.
Surface Mail
Overview
Surface mail is the least expensive way to send mail to foreign countries. By using surface mail, customers trade speed for economy: delivery often takes a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks.
Customers can send printed matter items and parcels by surface mail. All letters and post cards are handled as airmail.
When customers have at least 11 pounds of printed matter for a single foreign addressee, surface M-bag service is a useful, money-saving option.
Customer Benefits
economy:
Customers can send mail to any country at very inexpensive postal rates.
convenience:
Except where specifically prohibited, all mail matter can be sent by surface mail, except letters and postcards.
global reach:
Surface mail service is available to all countries except where service has been curtailed for exceptional reasons, including wars, strikes, etc.
Special Features
M-bag service is available when the customer has at least 11 pounds of printed matter for one addressee in a foreign country.
Most-asked Questions
1.Which countries can I reach by surface mail?
Virtually every country in the world.
2.How long does it take surface mail to be delivered?
A minimum of 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the destination. (Sending surface mail items to Canada and Mexico takes less time.)
3.What kind of mail can I send by surface mail?
Use surface mail for all printed matter and parcel post packages that are not time-sensitive. Letters, letter packages, and postcards automatically receive airmail treatment.
Where To Go Next for Details
Ask an account representative about surface mail.
See the International Mail Manual (IMM).
VALUEPOST/CANADA
Overview VALUEPOST/CANADA is a bulk mail service for sending regular printed matter, books, sheet music, publishers' periodicals, and small packets to Canada. This service offers economical delivery of advertising mail. Rates are generally less than the single rates for these classifications. The mailer sorts and prepares this mail.
Customer Benefits
economical delivery of advertising mail to Canada
competitive rates for direct mail, catalogs, and small merchandise samples
no "goods and services tax" on U.S. postage as there is on Canadian postage
normal delivery within 7 to 14 days through U.S. Postal Service and Canada Post Corporation
for all types of printed matter
easy payment by postage meter, permit imprint, or mailer precanceled stamps
Special Features
At least 50 pounds of letter-size items or 100 pounds of flat-size items are required for each mailing. A mailing that combines both sizes must weigh at least 100 pounds.
These are the size limits for letter-size:
minimum: 3 1/2" x 5 1/2"
maximum: 6' 8" x 11' 2"
thickness: .007" minimum, 1/4" maximum,
These are the size limits for flat size:
maximum: 11 1/2" x 15"
thickness: 3/4"
Individual items may not weigh more than 2 pounds.
Customers may take VALUEPOST/CANADA mailings to a business mail entry unit of the post office where the postage permit or meter license is held (or to other locations designated by the postmaster).
For each mailing, customers must complete PS Form 3651-C, International Statement of Mailing--VALUEPOST/CANADA.
To pay for postage, customers may use permit imprint, postage meter, or mailer precanceled stamps. Customers compute the postage on PS Form 3651-C.
Customers must bundle and sack all mail according to the destination Canadian province.
Most-asked Questions
What is the major benefit of VALUEPOST/CANADA?
This service offers significant savings compared with the per-piece rates for printed matter.
Does the Canadian goods and services tax apply to my U.S. postage?
No. You pay the tax on all goods, but the U.S. postage is not included in the value.
Is there a minimum weight for a VALUEPOST/CANADA mailing?
Yes. At least 50 pounds of letter-size items or 100 pounds of flat-size items are required for each mailing. A mailing that combines both sizes must weigh at least 100 pounds.
How long does it take a VALUEPOST/CANADA mailing to be delivered?
An average of 7 to 14 days.
How may I pay postage for VALUEPOST/CANADA?
By meter postage, permit imprint, or mailer-precanceled stamps.
Where To Go Next for Details
Ask an account representative about VALUEPOST/CANADA.
For information, see Publication 517, VALUEPOST/CANADA Service Guide.
For information, see International Mail Manual (IMM) 247.
