Complete Guide to Chit Chats: Creating Shipments

Just as you might run an e-commerce business, Chit Chats is largely based online. Meaning you can create shipments from anywhere, thus saving you time when dropping off your packages. You have two main options for this: creating shipments manually or via import.

Note: This is a part of our Complete Guide to Chit Chats. If you haven’t explored the main page of the guide yet, be sure to click here for comprehensive insights and resources!

Creating Shipments Manually

To create shipments manually in your Chit Chats account, simply click on ‘Create a Shipment’ on the left sidebar:

You will then be prompted to fill out all the applicable fields regarding the recipient, description dimensions, package, and postage. Keep reading to learn more about each category.

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Can I add Shipments Manually?

Importing Shipments

Selling on e-commerce platforms like Shopify, eBay, or Etsy? You can streamline the process by importing your unfulfilled orders directly onto the Chit Chats platform. This saves time by skipping multiple manual steps.

Keep in mind that not all e-commerce platforms transmit the same information to Chit Chats. For a complete list of compatible store integrations and the details they share, click here. If you frequently ship similar products, you can create presets for details like dimensions, descriptions, and more to make quick edits after import. Learn about the two types of presets—shipment presets and line-item presets—here.

Alternatively, you can import shipments via CSV or API, which offers you the most flexibility. For detailed instructions, refer to the applicable articles.

Once integrated and ready to import, simply select ‘Import Shipments’ from the left menu bar to get started.

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Folder: Store Integrations & Importing Tools

Descriptions and Retail Value

Accurate descriptions are essential for smooth logistics. They help customs, our partners, and you track and identify the contents of your shipment. For international shipping, detailed descriptions are not just helpful—they are mandatory to meet customs requirements. It’s important to note that all descriptions, no matter the destination, must be in English.

When describing items, generic terms such as “clothing” are insufficient. Instead, include key details such as quantity, color, material, and intended use or gender. Examples of clear and acceptable descriptions include:

1 black unisex cotton T-shirt
1 gold-plated unisex ring
1 original sketchbook
1 pack of lavender body oil

Visit here for a more in-depth look into descriptions.

When declaring the value of your package, it is essential to use the retail value rather than the wholesale value. Wholesale values are not accepted because they do not accurately reflect the true value of the items; this is important for other aspects such as insurance claims.

Within Canada: The maximum value limit for shipments is 2,500 CAD.
To the U.S. and international destinations: The maximum value limit is 800 USD.

The 800 USD limit ensures a smoother border-crossing process and helps your recipients in the U.S. avoid additional taxes and fees. For shipments to the U.S. and other countries, the 800 USD limit applies to multiple packages sent to the same recipient. U.S. customs will combine the declared values of all shipments sent on the same day addressed to the same recipient to calculate the total.

Example:

You would like to send 2 packages to John Doe on the same day.

Shipment 1: $300 USD
Shipment 2: $600 USD
Combined Value: $900 USD

Since the combined value exceeds the $800 USD limit, it is considered overvalued, which will result in delays or penalty fees.

To avoid exceeding this threshold:

Send shipments to the same recipient on separate days.
Ensure the combined value of packages to the same recipient stays below $800 USD.

Always declare the correct retail value for your shipments. U.S. customs may conduct random checks to verify declared values and could consult your e-commerce listings. Misrepresentation of values can lead to penalties, delays, or returned shipments.

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Restrictions and Regulations

Keep in mind that certain carriers and destinations impose restrictions on what can be shipped. As a general rule, all shipments to the U.S. and other countries must comply with customs regulations, such as FDA regulations. For example, items such as food, medical products, and organic materials are prohibited for international shipping through our services. If sending gifts internationally, the retail value must have a maximum value of $100 USD.

Additionally, some carriers or services have additional restrictions. For example, Chit Chats International utilizes air transportation and therefore must adhere to TSA (Transportation Security Administration) restrictions. TSA restrictions involve prohibiting ‘dangerous goods,’ which include flammable items (ex. alcohol-based perfumes) as well as a limit on batteries and products that include batteries.

Note: All shipments originating from Atlantic Canada and Alberta are transported via air and must comply with TSA regulations.

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Invoices

All U.S. and international Chit Chats shipments must pass the U.S./Canada border. Due to the specific processes involved, an invoice may sometimes be required. To avoid potential delays, we recommend always including an invoice with your shipment. Customs agents may do random checks to verify the declared value of your items; having an invoice will expedite the verification process.

Here are the specific instances where an invoice is mandatory:

Shipments valued at $300 USD or more: An invoice is required.
Collectibles: Items like sports cards, Pokémon cards, collectible comic books, or any other items with values that are difficult to determine require an invoice, even if their value is below $300 USD.
Gifts: All gifts must include an invoice.
Shipments to U.S. Amazon FBA Fulfillment Centers: An invoice is necessary, and additional details are required. Learn more about what’s needed here.

For most shipments (excluding Amazon FBA), your invoice should contain the following details:

Shipping address
Billing address
Item(s) sold
Amount paid: Must reflect the retail value.
Method of payment: Indicate whether it was by credit card, cash, cheque, etc.

If you sell through an e-commerce platform like eBay, Shopify, or PayPal, you can easily generate an invoice from the order page. These invoices include all the necessary information for customs.

We strongly recommend attaching the accompanying invoice to the outside of your parcel for easy reference, especially for shipments destined for non-U.S. international locations. This ensures customs officials can quickly access the necessary documentation, helping to streamline the clearance process.

For shipments to Amazon FBA warehouses, it is required to be on the outside of the parcel, no exceptions.

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Country Specific Requirements and Tax Reference Numbers

When shipping to international destinations, some locations require more than just an invoice. Ensuring you include the necessary documentation can help prevent delays and ensure smooth delivery.

For certain destinations, including Spain, the recipient’s phone number or email address is required. This information enables the local post office to contact the recipient and facilitate a successful delivery.

When shipping to the U.S. or other international destinations, you must include a Country of Origin (COO) for each product. This requirement was introduced under the new regulations enacted during President Donald Trump’s executive order for shipments entering or passing through the U.S. Additionally, certain packages may require a Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) code, depending on the product’s origin. Currently, only shipments originating from China and Hong Kong must include an HTS code.

For shipments to U.S. territories (e.g., Puerto Rico) or military bases, a Harmonized System (HS) code is mandatory. HS codes classify the characteristics and contents of your packages for customs purposes. Additionally, an HS code is required when using USPS International postage (details available in a separate section).

Shipping to countries in the European Union (EU) , the United Kingdom (UK), and Norway involve their own set of requirements:

GPSR Compliance: Ensure your products are compliant with the GPSR (if applicable).
- Note: Chit Chats is not affiliated with GPSR compliance. It is your responsibility as a seller/manufacturer to meet the requirements.
Customs Tax Reference Number (Optional)
- IOSS Number (EU): The Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) number indicates that VAT (value-added tax) has already been paid by the recipient.
- VAT Number (UK): Similar to the IOSS, the VAT number is used for shipments to the UK.
- VOEC number (Norway): Similar to the IOSS, VAT on E-Commerce (VOEC) is used for shipments to Norway.

Including the applicable tax reference number in the customs declaration indicates your recipient should not be assessed duties or fees upon delivery. If the IOSS/VAT/ VOEC number is not included, it will be the responsibility of the recipient to pay the custom and duty fees for the shipment.

For shipments using Chit Chats International (to Europe), you can take advantage of Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) postage, which prevents the recipient from paying taxes for a seamless customer experience. However, note the following value limits for DDP postage:

UK addresses: Maximum value of $220 CAD*
EU addresses: Maximum value of $215 CAD*
Norwegian addresses: Maximum value of $380 CAD*

*Subject to currency exchange fluctuations.

Different countries may have unique requirements. While this is not an exhaustive list, here are a few examples—other locations may have additional requirements:

Brazil: CPF or CNPJ number
South Korea: Personal Customs Clearance Code (PCCC)

It is your responsibility to ensure all required documentation is included when shipping internationally. Failure to do so can result in delays or your package being unretrievable.

For detailed guidance, refer to our dedicated article here.

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Insurance

Once your packages are measured, weighed, declared accurately, and any required supplementary documentation is included, you may have the option to purchase Chit Chats Insurance depending on the postage type and destination.

While we take pride in delivering packages efficiently, the logistics industry can sometimes be unpredictable. To safeguard against potential loss or damage, we strongly recommend purchasing Chit Chats Insurance for added peace of mind.

Coverage Includes (up to the limit):
- The total value of your shipment. (Claims will be given in USD)
- Postage fees.
- Note: The insurance fee itself is not covered.
Exclusions:
- Certain items, such as collectibles and documents, are not covered.
- Partially tracked U.S. and international shipments are ineligible for Chit Chats insurance.
Coverage Limits:
- Up to $300 USD for shipments to the U.S.
- Up to $50 USD for Chit Chats Slim shipments.
- Up to $400 USD for all other shipments within Canada.

For details such as the waiting period to file a claim or to view pricing, please refer to the resources below.

If you choose not to purchase Chit Chats Insurance, certain services include a complimentary insurance, Carrier Insurance, through our partners. Typically, the maximum is $100 USD for the applicable U.S. services and $100 CAD for the domestic services. This coverage is available for the following:

For more details about Carrier Insurance coverage, eligibility, and terms, refer to the resources below.

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For additional resources regarding insurance, visit this folder: Folder: Insurance

Postage Types

Once your shipment is ready, it’s time to select the postage type that best suits your needs. The services available depend on the package type (e.g., thick envelope or parcel) and destination. Below is a comprehensive summary of the available postage options:

Destination	Package Type	Services Available	Notes
Canada	Thick Envelope	Chit Chats Slim	*Partially Tracked
	Thick Envelope Parcel	Chit Chats Select	*Unavailable to PO boxes and some rural destinations
	Thick Envelope Parcel	Chit Chats Canada Tracked
United States	Thick Envelope Parcel	Chit Chats U.S. Select	*Only available to clients in ON, QC, and Atlantic Canada
		Chit Chats U.S. Edge	*Ground transport (excludes shipments originating from Alberta and Atlantic Canada)
		Tracked Packet USA	*DDU postage
	Letter Flat Envelope Thick Envelope Parcel	USPS Priority Mail	*Partially Tracked if using letter or flat envelope
	Letter Flat Envelope	USPS First Class Mail	Documents Only Partially Tracked
	Thick Envelope	Chit Chats U.S. Slim	*Partially Tracked
International	Thick Envelope Parcel	Chit Chats International	DDP & DDU postage No return service available *All shipments are considered merchandise for customs purposes.
	Letter Flat Envelope Thick Envelope Parcel	USPS First Class International USPS Priority Mail International	Requires an HS code for purchase Partially Tracked if using letter or flat envelope

Each service comes with its own minimum and maximum dimension and weight requirements, along with distinct benefits. For instance, USPS International services require an HS code and includes a return service for added convenience. In contrast, Chit Chats International is more cost effective and provides DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) postage to select destinations; this spares recipients from paying customs duties and taxes.

For a comprehensive overview of your postage options and requirements, refer to the linked folder.

Complete Guide to Chit Chats: Creating Shipments

Table of Contents

Creating Shipments Manually

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Importing Shipments

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Descriptions and Retail Value

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Restrictions and Regulations

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Invoices

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Country Specific Requirements and Tax Reference Numbers

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Insurance

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Postage Types

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