If you're looking to send shipments to international destinations, we’ve got you covered. We've teamed up with the United States Postal Service (USPS) to provide safe and reliable deliveries. This service is operated and provided through the USPS network, utilizing various transportation methods.
Service Features
By selecting USPS First Class International for your shipments, you’ll benefit from these features:
Check out our shipping calculator to get a quote for your shipment.
Eligibility
Before you start shipping, let’s check if USPS First Class International is right for your needs.
There are two categories for USPS First Class International:
USPS First Class Mail International
USPS First Class Package International
USPS First Class Mail International is ideal for sending letters and postcards weighing up to 3.5 ounces and flat envelopes up to 15 ounces. It’s important to stay within the size limits to avoid additional charges for oversized items.
For letters and postcards:
Minimum size: 5-1/2 inches long, 3-1/2 inches wide, and 0.007 inches thick.
Maximum size: 11-1/2 inches long, 6-1/8 inches wide, and 1/4-inch thick.
Must be rectangular and machineable.
For flat envelopes:
Minimum size: 11-1/2 inches long, 6-1/8 inches wide, and 1/4-inch thick.
Maximum size: 15 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 3/4-inch thick.
Must be flexible, rectangular, uniformly thick, and machineable.
For more information on dimensional requirements, visit the USPS manual.
USPS First Class Package International is ideal for sending parcels and thick envelopes weighing up to 4 lbs. It’s important to stay within the size limits to avoid additional charges for oversized items.
Dimensional requirements:
Maximum length (longest dimension): 24 inches
Minimum length (longest dimension): 6 inches
Minimum height: 4 inches
Maximum combined length, height, and width (L+H+W): 36 inches
Maximum weight: 4 lbs
For more information on dimensional requirements, visit the USPS manual.
HS Codes
To access all USPS International services through the Chit Chats platform, you must enter the HS code for the product(s) you're shipping. The HS code, short for Harmonized System tariff code, is crucial for customs as it identifies the contents of your package. This standardized numerical system classifies traded goods for customs processing, ensuring smoother shipment movement and reducing the risk of fraud or security issues. You can find HS codes using this look up tool.
Buying Postage
There are two convenient ways to purchase USPS First Class International postage for your shipments:
Create a Shipment: Process shipments one at a time through your account.
Import Multiple Shipments: Use a connected store, Chit Chats CSV, or API to import shipments in bulk.
Both letters and flat envelopes are accepted package types for USPS First Class Mail International. Thick envelopes and parcels work for USPS First Class Package International. To get a USPS First Class International rate, simply add the HS code(s) and select the appropriate package type:
Creating shipments one by one: Add your HS code in the “Description” step then choose the package type during the "Package" step.
Importing from your store: Save time by updating your shipping presets or import from a platform that passes HS codes on the platform.
CSV or API imports: Use the following inputs:
package_type: flat_envelope, letter, thick_envelope, parcel
postage_type: usps_first_class_mail_international (letters and flats) or usps_first_class_package_international (thick envelopes and parcels)
Having trouble? Read our troubleshooting tips.
Once you're satisfied with your shipment details, simply select the shipments for which you need postage and click “Pay for Shipment.” You’re now ready to print your postage labels! When applying them, ensure that your barcode is placed on a flat, visible area of the package for optimal scanning.
Sending Your Shipments
After preparing your shipments, it’s time to send them to Chit Chats. Remember to organize and sort them along with your other U.S. shipments, even though they are bound for international destinations. This is necessary because USPS, our partner for this service, requires that these shipments be treated as U.S. mail.
If you're handling multiple shipments, batching is a helpful strategy. It allows you to stay organized and receive simultaneous acceptance scans for all your shipments, streamlining the process.
Once our team receives and processes your shipments, don’t forget to share the tracking details with your customers. Learn more about tracking your shipments here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Chit Chats Insurance available?
Chit Chats Insurance is not offered for USPS First Class Mail International, but it is available for USPS First Class Package International. Unfortunately, shipments using the Mail or Package international services are ineligible for carrier insurance through USPS.
Why is full tracking only available for select countries?
Complete tracking is only available for countries that are part of the E-DELCON network and is only available for First Class Package International. Typically, USPS First Class International does not offer full tracking, but for these destinations, it’s included at no extra cost.
Why can't I see USPS First Class International as an option for my international shipment?
If you’re having trouble finding USPS First Class International as a shipping option, double-check that your package dimensions and weight are within the service’s limits. In addition, don’t forget that you will not be able to purchase USPS international postage without adding an HS code. Lastly, some destinations may no longer be serviced due to conflicts or other issues. For a list of temporarily restricted countries, please refer to our blog.
Which currency are my postage fees displayed in?
All postage rates are displayed in Canadian dollars (CAD).
Where can I ship with USPS First Class International?
USPS First Class International allows shipping to over 180 countries, with the exception of countries where the service has been discontinued.
Is signature confirmation available?
No, signature confirmation is not available for USPS First Class International shipments.
Can I refund unused postage?
Refunds are not available for USPS First Class Mail International, but are available for Package International.