If your international customer needs their order quickly, we’ve got you covered. We've partnered with the United States Postal Service (USPS) to offer safe and reliable deliveries to global destinations. USPS Priority Mail International provides faster delivery times than USPS First Class International and accommodates heavier shipments, all managed through the USPS network using various transportation methods.


Service Features

By selecting USPS Priority Mail International for your shipments, you’ll benefit from these features:


Features:

Fully Tracked

*certain exceptions

Chit Chats Insurance Available

*unavailable for the flat envelope package type

Delivery in 7-12 business days

Return Service Available

Check out our shipping calculator to get a quote for your shipment.


Tracking

USPS Priority Mail International is primarily fully tracked; however, shipments to remote destinations may have partial tracking. For example, packages sent to Mongolia offer limited tracking. Additionally, shipments categorized as flat envelopes are partially tracked, and delivery confirmation is not provided.


Eligibility

Before you start shipping, let’s check if USPS Priority Mail International is right for your needs.

USPS Priority Mail International is ideal for parcels, thick envelopes, and heavier flat envelopes. However, there may be different restrictions with each category. It’s important to stay within the size limits to avoid additional charges for oversized items.

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.

  • Minimum weight: 16 oz


For parcels and thick envelopes:

  • 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: 70 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 Priority Mail International postage for your shipments:

  1. Create a Shipment: Process shipments one at a time through your account.

  2. Import Multiple Shipments: Use a connected store, Chit Chats CSV, or API to import shipments in bulk.


To get a USPS Priority Mail International rate, simply add you 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, thick_envelope, parcel

    • postage_type: usps_priority_mail_international

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 Carrier Insurance available?

Unfortunately, this service is ineligible for carrier insurance through USPS.


Why can't I see USPS Priority Mail International as an option for my international shipment?

If you’re having trouble finding USPS Priority Mail 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 Priority Mail International?

USPS Priority Mail 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 Priority Mail International shipments.