Chit Chats

We understand cross-border shipping can be confusing. We've created this handy checklist compliant with every shipment you send from Canada to the United States.

Step 1: Figure out the Country of Origin for each item in your U.S.-bound shipment. 

You must physically label each product/item you intend to ship across the U.S. border with its Country of Origin and fill in the Country of Origin in Chit Chats when you purchase any U.S. postage. 

Need help figuring out the Country of Origin for your items? Check out these resources:

• How do I figure out the Country of Origin for each product I want to ship to the U.S.?
• What is Substantial Transformation, And Why Does it Matter?
• Quiz: Find the Country of Origin for your products.

Step 2: Ensure each physical item inside the shipment is correctly labelled. 

Unsure how to correctly label each product/item in your shipment? Check out the support article:

• How do I physically label and provide proof of Country of Origin for my products?

If you still aren’t sure, check the U.S Customs and Border Protection guidelines here. 

Step 3: Figure out the 10-digit HTS code for each item in your U.S.-bound shipment.

Some postage types also require a 10-digit HTS code in addition to the Country of Origin. Don’t know how to find your 10-digit HTS code? Check out these resources:

• How do I figure out the HTS Code for my shipments?

Step 4: Login to Chit Chats and purchase your postage. 

You must enter the Country of Origin for each physical item in your shipment when purchasing any type of postage. HTS code is only required for some U.S. postage types.

Unsure which postage type to choose? Check out the support section on Postage Types.

Step 5: Gather any required supporting documentation and include it in your package.

Depending on the postage type you choose, the total value of your shipment and where it was made, you may need to include additional documentation. Unsure what supporting documentation you need? Check out these resources:

• What is Supporting Documentation, and Do I Have to Include it in my Shipments?

• What is Manufacturer Information, and Do I Need It?

• Does my Shipment Need an Invoice?

Step 6: Print and affix the postage label to your shipment and hand it over to Chit Chats.

Unsure which postage type to choose? Check out the support section on Printing Postage.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Chit Chats spot checks shipments to ensure compliance. If your shipment is not correctly declared, your shipment will be held and you will be notified to make the necessary changes. 

✨ Download your own digital checklist to keep on hand, below.