Canada Post-Based U.S. Shipments Facing Rejection by U.S. Customs in Ontario
Update: June 30, 2025
We are currently observing delays affecting Canada Post U.S. services, specifically Tracked Packet USA and Expedited Parcel USA, for all shipments originating from Ontario, regardless of the Country of Origin (COO).
Our team is actively working with Canada Post to investigate the cause of these delays and will share updates as soon as more information becomes available.
In the meantime, if timely delivery is a concern, you may consider using Chit Chats International as an alternative Delivered Duties Unpaid (DDU) service, where the recipient is responsible for any applicable duties and taxes.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to resolve this matter.
Update: June 20, 2025
We will be temporarily suspending Tracked Packet USA and Expedited Parcel USA with shipments originating from China, Hong Kong and Macau on Monday, June 23, 2025 at 11 AM EST for Ontario clients until we have a definitive response from Canada Post.
Alternatives
While this service type will be suspended for Ontario clients (Ottawa included) for Chinese-origin items, if you are affected, you can use:
- Chit Chats International Tracked as your DDU (recipient pays duties) alternative for U.S. shipments that include Chinese-origin goods
- DDP (client pays duties) postage should you know the manufacturer information of the goods.
What does this mean for me?
- In an effort to show our commitment and dedication to you, Chit Chats is actively working with Canada Post on providing refunds for postage fees of affected returned shipments.
- All Canada Post-based U.S. postage currently in Chit Chats’ possession will continue to be processed as normal unless you request it to be held or relabeled.
- Contact your local branch as soon as possible should you would like to do so.
- If you have any affected shipments that you have yet dropped off and you would like to take the risk, you may continue to drop off these shipments after service has been suspended.
Thank you for your understanding as we work through this situation.
With the recent changes at the U.S. border, we’re seeing some inconsistencies in how U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is handling Canada Post-based U.S. shipments, specifically Tracked Packet USA and Expedited Parcel USA services.
What is happening?
When these shipments are handed off to Canada Post in Ontario, they’re typically forwarded to the Chicago International Service Center (ISC)—a major facility that processes international mail entering the U.S. Recently, this center has begun refusing shipments it flags as originating from China.
The reason being there is ongoing confusion over who is responsible for collecting tariff fees—Canada Post or USPS.
Rather than USPS rejecting the shipments, it’s CBP operating out of the Chicago USPS ISC. We have reached out to both Canada Post and USPS for an explanation, and it is currently being investigated. In addition, it has been noted by both postal entities that this is happening province wide, and we are actively working with both organizations to get more information.
What does this mean for you?
The vast majority of Canada Post U.S. based shipments originating from Ontario are unaffected; however, there are a number of shipments being rejected.
At this time, using Canada Post-based U.S. services in Ontario is done at your own risk.
Recommendations and What We’re Doing
Unfortunately, this situation is not within our control; however, we can suggest that you use Chit Chats International Tracked as an alternative for your DDU (recipient pays duties) shipments as we try to find another solution.
If you happen to have any Tracked Packet or Expedited Parcel USA shipments returned, please note that they are NOT eligible for a postage refund as they have already been dispatched by Canada Post; however, we will waive the return fees associated in processing the return.
We understand how frustrating this situation is for you; however, please rest assured that this stems from CBP, and we are looking into solutions.