International Mail (CBP Shipment Type)

🔖 This article is part of the Shipment Release Types Guide

International Mail (CBP)

A specific release process for mail moving under postal authority from a foreign operator to the USPS.

Type: Shipment Release Region: United States (CBP)

Overview

A typical International Mail shipment

International Mail is a specific designation used in the highway environment when a commercial carrier is transporting mail that remains under postal authority. This typically involves mail dispatched by a foreign postal operator (e.g., Canada Post) that is being tendered directly to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).

In these movements, the cargo is generally processed under CBP’s mail importation rules (19 CFR Part 145) rather than the standard commercial entry workflow used for typical truck freight.

Key Distinction: This process applies only to genuine postal mail. If you are hauling commercial freight (even if it looks like parcels) that is not entering the USPS stream, it must be cleared using standard commercial processes (e.g., PAPS, Section 321).

What Qualifies as International Mail?

A shipment should only be treated as International Mail when it meets specific criteria regarding its origin and destination:

• Origin: Moving from a foreign postal operator (e.g., Canada Post, Royal Mail).
• Destination: Destined to the USPS as mail under postal handling.
• Carrier Role: Transported by a carrier acting in support of the postal stream (i.e., the shipment remains mail and is not converted into a standard commercial freight shipment).

CBP’s mail rules govern how this cargo is handled at facilities, including specific protections regarding correspondence and authority to examine.

Merchandise & Declarations

Contrary to common belief, International Mail is not limited to letters or correspondence. It frequently includes merchandise (parcels), provided they are moving within the postal stream.

Item Type	Requirements & Handling
Merchandise / Parcels	Must be accompanied by a postal customs declaration (e.g., CN 22 or CN 23 forms) affixed to the package.
Processing	Merchandise is processed under Part 145 regulations. CBP may examine mail and assess duties/taxes, which USPS then collects upon delivery.

ACE eManifest Reporting

For highway carriers, the handling of International Mail in ACE eManifest is unique because there is currently no electronic shipment type to declare it.

Do Not Manifest: Since there is no functionality to declare an International Mail Shipment in ACE, highway carriers should simply leave the International Mail Shipment off the manifest.

Procedure at the Border:

1. Verbal Declaration: The driver must verbally declare the shipment to the CBP officer upon arrival. 2. Paperwork: The driver must present the postal tender paperwork and any documentation provided by the postal operator/contract authority.

Operational Notes for Drivers

• Do Not Mix Workflows: If the load is genuine postal mail tendered to USPS, it remains in the postal process. If the freight is commercial cargo, it must be manifested using commercial processes (PAPS, etc.).
• Carry Supporting Paperwork: Drivers must have physical copies of the postal tender documentation available for CBP or USPS at the port or mail facility.
• Admissibility Applies: Mail is not exempt from CBP controls. Officers can examine mail and enforce restrictions or prohibitions (e.g., contraband, prohibited food items).