International Mail

The United States Post Office (USPS) requires all mail or packages being sent to an international destination to have a custom forms attached. International mail is subject to custom examinations in the destination country.

The contents and value of an item must be declared on the applicable customs form. Additionally, the custom form must be completed by the mailer.

The U.S. Post Office requires all international packages to have a customs form attached.

Addressing International Mail

USPS recommends all International mail be printed in UPPERCASE letters. The full address should be typed or legibly written in English—using Roman letters and Arabic numerals—and should be placed lengthwise on one side of the item. An address in a foreign language is permitted if the names of the city, province, and country are also indicated in English.

The last line of the address block area must include only the complete country name (no abbreviations) written in uppercase letters.

Foreign postal codes, if used, should be placed on the line above the destination country. The following shows the order of information for the destination address:

LINE 1: NAME OF ADDRESSEE
LINE 2: STREET ADDRESS OR POST OFFICE BOX NUMBER
LINE 3: CITY OR TOWN NAME, OTHER PRINCIPAL SUBDIVISION (such as PROVINCE, STATE, or COUNTY) AND POSTAL CODE (IF KNOWN) (Note: in some countries, the postal code may precede the city or town name)
LINE 4: COUNTRY NAME (UPPERCASE LETTERS IN ENGLISH)

The following format should always be used for destination addresses to Canada:

MS HELEN SAUNDERS
1010 CLEAR STREET
OTTAWA ON K1A 0B1
CANADA

A return address showing the sender's complete name (no first name initials unless trademarked) and address is required. Your name and address, including zip code and country of origin, should be shown in the upper left corner of the address side on all mail. This ensures that an undeliverable item can be returned, if appropriate.