Canada Post International Shipping

Canada Post provides several options for sending parcels abroad, from low-cost services for small items to faster premium deliveries. International shipping choices include Small Packet, Tracked Packet, International Parcel, and Xpresspost International, each with different delivery speeds, weight limits, and tracking availability. While economy options like Small Packet focus on affordability, trackable services such as Xpresspost International give you delivery updates and guaranteed timelines to many countries. This guide explains the differences so you can choose the service that best fits your budget, timeline, and tracking needs.

Quick answers

• Fastest international service: Xpresspost International, usually 4–7 business days with an on-time delivery guarantee to many destinations.
• Tracking included: Xpresspost International and Tracked Packet International. No tracking for Small Packet International or International Parcel (Air/Surface).
• Weight caps: “Packets” up to 2 kg; most “Parcels” up to 30 kg (some countries set lower limits).
• Surface vs air: Surface is the low-cost option, typically 1–3 months depending on region. Air is faster.
• Priority Worldwide: discontinued on August 1, 2023. Use Xpresspost International instead.

Does Canada Post offer international shipping?

Yes. Canada Post offers several international services. You can choose Air for speed or Surface for a lower price on non-urgent items. Not all services go to every country, so check the destination list before you buy postage.

At-a-glance: international services

Tracking for international shipments

Tracking is available on Xpresspost International and Tracked Packet International. For these services you’ll see the acceptance scan in Canada, in-network events, and delivery confirmation from the destination operator.

No tracking is provided for Small Packet International or International Parcel (Air/Surface). If you need scan events or delivery confirmation, choose one of the trackable services.

Tip: When a parcel moves from Canada Post to a partner (for example, a national post in the destination country), Ship24 shows events from both sides under the same number, so you don’t have to jump between websites.

Delivery windows (international only)

• Xpresspost International: 4-7 business days (Air).
• Tracked Packet International: 6-10 business days (Air).
• Small Packet International (Air): 6-10 business days.
• International Parcel (Air): 12+ business days.
• Surface services (Small Packet or International Parcel): about 1-3 months, depending on the region, such as Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, or South America.

Delivery standards depend on origin, destination, transport availability, customs, and local handoffs. During peak periods, guarantees may be limited or suspended. Some destinations also face temporary suspensions or delays; always check service alerts before you ship.

Weight and size basics

• Packets: up to 2 kg (Tracked Packet International, Small Packet International).
• Parcels: usually up to 30 kg, but some countries set lower limits or special size rules.
• Odd shapes: measurements are taken at the widest points; oversized items may incur extra handling.

Customs and paperwork (quick checklist)

• Complete customs details online before you visit the post office. That shortens counter time and reduces data errors.
• Describe the contents clearly and add HS codes when available. Vague descriptions can cause delays.
• Remind recipients: duties and taxes are assessed by the destination and collected locally.
• Expect variations in processing time. Customs agencies release items once screening is complete.

How to track an international parcel on Ship24

1. Open Ship24 and paste your Canada Post tracking number.
2. Press the search button to see current events.
3. If a partner carrier takes over abroad, Ship24 will display those scans under the same number.

Ship24's Canada Post tracking API

If your team handles many cross-border orders, Ship24 helps in two ways. First, the site view shows scans from Canada Post and destination operators together. Second, Ship24's tracking API lets you check large batches and auto-detect handoffs. Common use cases:

• Customer service queue: paste hundreds of numbers and filter by last event.
• Post-purchase emails: trigger messages when a parcel clears customs or arrives in the destination country.
• Ops dashboard: surface orders with no new scan after a set time so your team can follow up with the shipper.

Pricing note

Rates vary by destination, dimensions, weight, and service type. For current pricing, use the rate estimator. If you need a low price and can accept a long transit window, surface options are available to many regions (not all).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which Canada Post services include tracking overseas?

Xpresspost International and Tracked Packet International include online tracking. Small Packet International and International Parcel (Air/Surface) do not include tracking.

Why don’t I see events for Small Packet International?

Small Packet International does not include a tracking barcode, so no scan events appear online. For visibility, choose a trackable service.

What happened to Priority Worldwide?

Canada Post discontinued Priority Worldwide on August 1, 2023. Use Xpresspost International for time-sensitive shipments.

How long does surface mail take?

Surface services to international destinations typically take about 1–3 months, depending on the region and transport availability.

Are all countries eligible for the same services?

No. Availability, weight limits, and options vary by destination. Check the country listing before you ship.