Canada Post offers four main services for sending a parcel overseas: Small Packet International (under 2 kg, no tracking), Tracked Packet International (under 2 kg, tracked), International Parcel by air or surface (up to 30 kg) and Xpresspost International (the fastest, with tracking and an on-time delivery guarantee to select countries). The right one depends on weight, whether you need tracking, and how urgent it is. Compare the total price and estimated date for your parcel before you buy the label.
Canada Post's international services
For shipments outside Canada and the United States, Canada Post groups its services into two families: light packets, designed for goods under 2 kg, and parcels, which go up to 30 kg. Within each family, you pay more to go faster or to get tracking.
| Service | Maximum weight | Tracking | Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Packet International (air or surface) | 2 kg | No | None; the cheapest |
| Tracked Packet International | 2 kg | Yes | No on-time guarantee; select countries |
| International Parcel, surface | 30 kg | Not included | None; the slowest mode |
| International Parcel, air | 30 kg | Not included | None; faster than surface |
| Xpresspost International | 30 kg | Yes, with signature | On-time delivery guarantee; select countries |
Size limits, the list of countries served, transit times and options vary by destination and change over time. Rely on what the rate step shows for your parcel and destination country, not on a general table.
Small Packet or Tracked Packet: under 2 kg
For a light item (jewellery, clothing, a book, a spare part), the two packet services are often the cheapest. The real difference is tracking.
- Small Packet International: no tracking number. If the packet goes missing, you have almost nothing to trace it with. Keep it for low-value items where the customer accepts that risk.
- Tracked Packet International: tracking through to delivery in the countries served, but no guaranteed date. The logical choice for an online store that needs to answer "where is my order?".
- Over 2 kg, neither is available: you need a parcel service.
International Parcel by air or surface
International Parcel covers heavier shipments, up to 30 kg. By surface, the parcel travels by sea and land: it is the slowest mode, best kept for things that are not urgent at all. By air, it arrives noticeably faster, for a higher price.
Tracking is not included by default on this service. If your customer or the value of the goods calls for it, look at the options offered at the rate step or move up to Xpresspost International.
Xpresspost International: when every day counts
Xpresspost International is the fastest service in the range: tracking, signature on delivery and an on-time delivery guarantee to a list of countries. It costs more, but it is the one to pick for an important document, a high-value order or a customer expecting a specific date. To countries outside that list, Canada Post points you to International Parcel by air instead.
If the delivery time truly matters, also compare the express services of private couriers. Our Canada Post vs DHL comparison explains the difference between a postal date commitment and time-definite delivery.
Customs: what does not change with the service
Whatever the service, an international shipment of goods travels with a customs declaration. A precise description, an accurate value and, ideally, the product's HS code prevent most delays at the border. Duties and taxes in the destination country are usually paid by the recipient, unless agreed otherwise.
- Describe the contents concretely: "wool sweater", not "clothing" or "gift".
- Declare the real value of the goods: an undervalued declaration can hold the parcel or lead to a fine.
- Let your customer know that duties or clearance fees may be added on delivery.
Choosing the right service for your parcel
The simple rule: under 2 kg and low value, Small Packet; under 2 kg with tracking, Tracked Packet; heavier and not urgent, International Parcel by surface or air; urgent or high value, Xpresspost International. But the real price depends on weight, dimensions and country, and a private carrier can sometimes do better on a given lane.
MesColis is not a carrier. Enter your parcel's weight, dimensions and destination: we show side by side the Canada Post services available for that shipment and those of other carriers serving that country, each with its total price and estimated transit time. A Canada Post service your parcel exceeds the limits for is not offered.
With a free MesColis account, no contract and no volume minimum, you compare Canada Post's international options and other carriers' before you buy the label.