Find answers to your top questions related to CUSMA certification with Chit Chats. Learn more about CUSMA certification and how it may affect you here. 

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Once your products have been submitted for approval - you will need confirmation of approval BEFORE preferential duty-free treatment will be seen at time of DDP postage purchase. 

How long does the approval process take?

  • After submission and if there aren't any errors, please expect same day approval. 

Do I need to submit CUSMA for each of my SKUs, product variation, pricing variation/changes or set variations?

  • CUSMA approval is based on a valid HTS Code and Country of Origin (Canada, United States or Mexico) - SKUs are no longer required for CUSMA certification. If you have a variation (e.g. price or bundle) on an item but the country of origin and 10 digit HTS code is the same, there is no need to submit a separate request.
  • In other words, it applies to each product, not shipment. 
Be sure to check your HTS code is valid on the US site and indicates CUSMA treatment (Special column indicated by an 'S' or doesn't have a general rate of duty)
  • If you have products with new HTS Codes you will need to submit CUSMA approval for new HTS Codes (once approved, validity is one year)


If I change my descriptions when creating shipments, would this affect my CUSMA eligibility?  

It does not affect your CUSMA eligibility since description alone isn't a variable needed for the CUSMA combination. As long as you use the right combination of COO and HTS, you will get access to the CUSMA rate. 


Does CUSMA apply to all postage heading to the U.S.?

CUSMA only applies to USPS DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) postage; therefore, any CUSMA-approved products will still be subject to tariffs if shipped through Chit Chats International Tracked to the U.S.

Is it required to include the CUSMA document with my shipments?

No, it is not mandatory to include this documentation with every shipment. However, it is recommended to place it in an envelope attached to the outside of the parcel or (less recommended) inside the parcel. Regardless, you must keep this information readily accessible in case it is requested by U.S. customs.

Will I receive a refund for duties paid on CUSMA-eligible products that were shipped BEFORE approval?

No, duties for products shipped prior to CUSMA approval are not refundable. That’s why it’s important to verify eligibility for the specific HTS code on the official U.S. website and complete the CUSMA certification process. When done correctly, approval is granted the same day.

Do I need to submit CUSMA if I don't see an S or S+ on the US site in the Special Duty column?

  • Yes, if your shipment is of Mexico U.S., or Canada origin and it does not have any General Rate of duties, you will still need to submit CUSMA with a valid 10 digit HTS code. 
    • This does not apply to informational materials. Shipments classified as informational materials are exempt from reciprocal tariffs, regardless of origin or CUSMA certification. For details, see the CBP FAQ definition of informational materials here. 
  • Remember blanket tariffs could apply. Duties & tariffs are determined by country of origin AND 10 digit HTS code. 

If CUSMA approved, why am I seeing fees?

  • If your product is approved for CUSMA duty-free treatment, you will see the following fees tied to different reasons:
    • Postage cost
    • Chit Chats Insurance (optional)
    • Customs Processing
      • Flat fee per shipment, covering administrative costs for informal entry into the U.S. It is a flat fee per shipment (1.35 USD flat fee*).
    •  Broker Line Item 
      • Fee for our broker to process the individual line items in the shipment (0.15 USD / line item*).
        • Example: You are shipping 1 t-shirt, 2 mugs and 3 pins = 3 shipment item
  • *These fees are subject to change – we have worked hard to keep these as low as possible as we understand sellers are grappling with having to now pay duties on top of postage costs up front. 


I made a mistake. How can I cancel my CUSMA submission?

  • Simply resubmit the CUSMA application with the corrected information. The incorrect information will be denied automatically. 

While we are experts in shipping logistics and providing solutions to get your goods into the U.S., we are not licensed customs professionals and do not specialize in tariff classifications or trade compliance matters.

My product is made in the U.S. Do I still need to apply for CUSMA certification for a duty-free and blanket tariff (as applicable) exemption? 

  • Yes, CUSMA certification approval is still needed for products made in the U.S. even though it is going back to the U.S. to get a duty-free and blanket tariff (as applicable) exemption.

My products contain materials from different sources. How do I determine the country of origin (COO)?

Trade Commissioner

For questions specifically related to HTS codes, country of origin, CUSMA regulations, we strongly recommend consulting a licensed customs broker or trade compliance expert. That said, we’re always here to help guide you through the process and connect you with trusted resources when needed. Our goal is to make your cross-border shipping experience as smooth and efficient as possible.