Mail Shipments to Canada

Inaccurate mail information subject to delays, confiscation, or return

Accurate customs declaration forms are essential.

Canada has intensified customs inspections at the port of entry to prevent terrorism; consequently, the number of cases where mail has been returned to Japan or confiscated under Canadian law has increased as well. The major reason for such treatment is that the mail accompanies a customs declaration form where the name, quantity, and price and price are not written accurately in English or in French.
Please be advised that due to the intensified customs inspections, there may be an overall delay in mail delivery to Canada.

About Customs Declaration Form

How to write contents properly

Item Names	Incorrect entry	Correct entry
Instant Ramen	Stating simply “Food” or “Instant Ramen” in Japanese	Instant noodles
Daily Necessities (such as Jacket, Pants)	Stating simply “Article for daily use” or “Nichiyohin” in Japanese	Give specific item names, such as Jacket, Pants, or Books.

Special care must be taken when sending the following items.

Contents		Reminders
Documents		Even when mail contains only a document, be sure to clearly indicate the article as “Document” on the customs declaration form (CN22) or label, along with the quantity and price (reasonable total amount, such as the total of paper cost, production cost) Example：　Document － 10 pages　－ $1 or 100yen
Gift		When including two or more gifts in one package, the name of the addressee must be specified for each article. E.g., Shirts-gift-John Smith - $20
Food	All foods or plants, including dried food, frozen food, pet food, confectionery, candies, chocolates, and vegetables	Clearly specify the end use of the products on the customs declaration form. E.g., Non-commercial use, Sample, Commercial use, For experiments. When the quantity surpasses the amount permitted for personal use, a special export certificate and an import certificate obtained by the end user are required.
Pharmaceuticals	Vitamins, vitamin supplements, ointment, drugs, prescription drugs, dental adhesive, cosmetics, and similar items	For personal use, an amount sufficient for three months can be imported at one time once per quarter, provided the import of such articles is not prohibited by law. For prescription drugs, if they are dispensed by a pharmacist and packaged at a pharmacy or a hospital, the amount for a single administration or for a three-month administration can be imported at one time once per quarter. When the quantity of the product included in the mail exceeds the permissible amount for personal use, such articles will be considered for commercial use and only those that have obtained an official permit can be imported. For pharmaceuticals, be sure to clearly indicate the specific name of the product.

Be sure to enter the sender's phone number

Upon receiving a request from Canada Customs, we may ask the sender about the details regarding the mail. Therefore, please be sure to write the telephone number of the sender on the label when using EMS or parcel post.