Canada Post has been collecting duties and taxes on behalf of the CBSA for many years. For regular mail, Canada Post has been compensated for this service through a $5 handling fee charged to customers plus additional payments from the CBSA. For EMS mail, Canada Post has been compensated solely through an $8 handling fee charged to customers.

As a result of government funding changes, as of June 4 Canada Post will be compensated for collecting duties and taxes on behalf of CBSA through an $8.50 fee to customers for all mail that has been assessed with import duties by CBSA.

Canada Post is mandated to be financially self-sufficient and therefore must ensure that we reflect the true costs in providing products and services. Despite this change, Canada Post still offers the most competitive all-in price for international parcel shipments.

Items that clear Customs before June 4 will be subject to the original rate; items clearing Customs on June 4, 2011 or after will be subject to the $8.50 handling fee.