International Shipping - Canada

Index

Canadian buyers are looking for more cards, and eligible sellers have an opportunity to reach them. If you have been hesitant to enable shipping to or from Canada because international shipping feels unfamiliar, this guide is here to help.

Whether you are shipping from the U.S. to Canada, from Canada to the U.S., or within Canada, the key is choosing the right shipping method, preparing the required information, and keeping the buyer informed about tracking, timing, and any potential import-related charges. .

This guide covers common shipping options, including lettermail/stamped mail and tracked shipping, so you can enable Canada with more confidence.

Shipping requirements can vary based on the carrier, service, destination, order value, package type, and items being shipped. Before sending an order, check the current carrier requirements, make sure the shipment details are accurate, and confirm whether any customs, duties, taxes, or marketplace requirements apply. This guide is general information only and is not customs, tax, or legal advice.

Shipping from the U.S. to Canada

Lettermail/Stamped Mail

For some lower-value card orders, lettermail/stamped mail may be a simple and cost-effective way to ship from the U.S. to Canada. Sellers need the card(s) being shipped, protective packaging, an envelope, postage, and customs forms if required.

International lettermail may have specific content and packaging requirements. While trading cards may be accepted, rigid protectors such as toploaders may not always meet carrier guidelines. To help reduce the chance of returned mail, we recommend using cardboard or other alternatives that fit within the carrier’s requirements.

Before shipping, review the latest USPS guidelines to confirm your mail meets current requirements. The USPS provides step-by-step instructions for sending international mail.

Tracked Shipping

Tracked shipping from the U.S. to Canada may be easier than you think, especially if you prepare the required information prior to shipping.

When shipping through USPS or another carrier, you may need:

A customs form
A Harmonized System code or HS/HTS code
Sender and buyer information

If you are new to international shipping, USPS Click-N-Ship and the USPS online Customs Form can help you create international labels and customs forms for eligible services.

HS codes may vary depending on the destination details. Classification may differ for accessories, binders, sleeves, deck boxes, sealed products with mixed items, collectibles, or non-card merchandise. The HS/HTS code can affect duties, taxes, and customs processing.

Lastly, ensure all the sender and buyer information is accurate before sending the shipment.

Shipping from Canada to the U.S.

Lettermail/Stamped Mail

For some lower-value card orders, lettermail/stamped mail may be a simple and cost-effective way to ship from Canada to the U.S. Sellers only need the card(s) being shipped, protective packaging, an envelope, postage, and customs forms if required.

Once mail enters the USPS system, it may be subject to USPS requirements for international lettermail. While trading cards may be accepted, rigid protectors such as toploaders may not always meet carrier guidelines. To help reduce the chance of returned mail, we recommend using cardboard or other alternatives that fit within the carrier’s requirements.

Before shipping, review the latest Canada Post and USPS requirements for international merchandise, customs declarations, packaging, and U.S.-bound duty payment. U.S.-bound shipments may require duties to be prepaid before crossing the border.

Tracked Shipping

Sellers shipping from Canada to the U.S. have several tracked shipping options such as Canada Post, FedEx, Purolator, and UPS. You can also use mail forwarding companies such as ChitChats and Stallion Express.

When choosing a shipping method, confirm whether your provider supports:

CUSMA compliance, when applicable
- CUSMA-compliant goods are items originating from Canada, the U.S., or Mexico that meet specific “rules of origin” to receive duty-free or preferential tariff treatment under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.
Harmonized System code or HS/HTS code
- These ensure items are dutied or taxed appropriately. You can use Canada Post to find your HS code.
Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) options
- Some carriers offer duties-paid, duty-prepaid, or Delivered Duty Paid-style services. These services may reduce surprise charges for buyers and may help avoid customs delays. Shipping with a duty free or duties paid method will allow your packages to arrive easier than the other options listed.

Once your order has been shipped, be sure to mark the item as shipped in the Seller Portal and provide the buyer with the tracking information. If your tracking method is not accepted by TCGplayer, or if you are unable to mark the item as shipped, use our Canadian Seller - Mark as Shipped Request form which will automatically send a message to the buyer with the tracking information and mark the order as shipped for you.

Shipping Within Canada

Lettermail/Stamped Mail

For some lower-value card orders, lettermail/stamped mail may be a simple and cost-effective way to ship within Canada. Sellers should confirm that the envelope, packaging, thickness, weight, and postage meet Canada Post requirements for the selected service.

Before shipping, review the latest Canada Post guidelines to confirm your mail meets current requirements. Customs documentation is generally not required for shipments moving only within Canada, but sellers should still confirm size, weight, packaging, insurance, and tracking requirements.

Tracked Shipping

Sellers shipping within Canada have several tracked shipping options such as Canada Post, FedEx, Purolator, and UPS. You can also use mail forwarding companies such as ChitChats and Stallion Express.

Shipping Checklist

Before shipping to, from, or within Canada, make sure you have:

Selected a shipping method for the order
Confirmed the correct postage
Reviewed the carrier requirements
Prepared customs information, if applicable
Confirmed the correct HS or HTS code, if applicable
Confirmed the correct seller and buyer information

Additional Resources

For more information on International Shipping, refer to the following help files:

Enabling Canada can help make your inventory available to more buyers. If you are eligible and have not enabled Canada, you can opt into International Orders and review your shipping options.

With the right shipping method and a clear process, selling to Canadian buyers can become a manageable part of your business.