Do us customs open mail from canada

Yes, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) does inspect and process mail from Canada, as well as from other countries, under the authority of the U.S. Customs Act and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Here are some general guidelines on how U.S. Customs handles mail from Canada:

  1. Mail from Canada is subject to inspection: All mail from Canada, including packages, letters, and parcels, is subject to inspection by U.S. Customs. This includes mail sent via Canada Post, courier services, and other mail carriers.
  2. Duty-free treatment: Under the U.S.-Canada Free Trade Agreement, most goods sent from Canada to the United States are duty-free, as long as they comply with U.S. regulations and are properly declared.
  3. Prohibited and restricted items: U.S. Customs may detain or seize mail from Canada if it contains prohibited or restricted items, such as:
    • Controlled substances (e.g., drugs, medications)
    • Firearms and ammunition
    • Certain food products (e.g., meat, dairy, eggs)
    • Plants and plant products (e.g., seeds, soil)
    • Hazardous materials (e.g., chemicals, batteries)
  4. Commercial mail: Commercial mail from Canada, such as packages containing goods for sale or resale, is subject to additional requirements, including:
    • Commercial invoices or packing slips
    • Proper classification and valuation of goods
    • Compliance with U.S. regulations (e.g., FDA, EPA, USDA)
  5. Personal mail: Personal mail from Canada, such as letters and packages sent to individuals, is generally subject to less scrutiny than commercial mail. However, U.S. Customs may still inspect the contents to ensure they comply with U.S. regulations and laws.
  6. Delivery: Once U.S. Customs has cleared the mail, it will be delivered to the recipient's address in the United States.

It's important to note that U.S. Customs may detain or seize mail from Canada if it contains items that are prohibited or restricted, or if the mail is not properly declared or documented. If you're sending mail from Canada to the United States, make sure to comply with U.S. regulations and laws to avoid any issues.