For many Shopify merchants in Canada, Canada Post is the go-to option for international shipping. It’s reliable, widely available, and offers cost-effective services to destinations around the world, making it an easy choice for stores looking to grow beyond Canada.
Shipping internationally, however, means dealing with more than just labels. Duties, taxes, HS Codes, and customs forms all play a major role in whether your package clears customs smoothly or gets delayed. Getting these details right is essential for fast, hassle-free delivery.
Shopify makes the process easier with built-in Canada Post integration, and apps like the PH Multi Carrier Shipping Label app can automate shipping and save time even further with real-time rates, customs forms, and smooth label printing workflows.
In This Article
- Canada Post International Shipping Options for Shopify
- How to Set Up Canada Post Shipping on Shopify
- HS Codes for Canada Post International Shipping
- Conclusion
- FAQ’s
Canada Post International Shipping Options for Shopify
When choosing the right Canada Post service for Shopify international shipping, the biggest differences come down to speed, tracking, coverage, and overall reliability. Here’s a simplified breakdown based on Canada Post’s official service features.
Shipping Speed
- Xpresspost International – Fastest Canada Post option outside Priority Worldwide. Typically, 4–7 business days by air.
- Tracked Packet International – Mid-range speed at 6–10 business days.
- Small Packet International Air – Similar timeline (6–10 business days) but without full tracking.
- International Parcel Air – Slower at 12+ business days.
- International Parcel Surface – Cheapest but very slow, taking 4–12 weeks.
Tracking & Delivery
- Xpresspost International – Full tracking, delivery updates, and delivery confirmation included.
- Tracked Packet International – Tracking + delivery confirmation included.
- International Parcel – No tracking or confirmation for most destinations.
- Small Packet International – No tracking or confirmation.
Coverage (Insurance)
- Xpresspost International, International Parcel, and Tracked Packet International include up to $100 liability coverage at no extra charge.
- Small Packet International includes no liability coverage.
- Additional coverage is available for Xpresspost and International Parcel, but not for Small Packet or Tracked Packet.
How to Set Up Canada Post Shipping on Shopify
Setting up Canada Post on your Shopify store is straightforward, and you can do it in two ways: using Shopify Shipping (the built-in method) or an easy way is using an app like PH Multi Carrier and Shipping label app. Both options let you ship internationally with Canada Post, but the app gives you more flexibility, offering automated label generation, support for contract accounts, manifest creation, and multi-carrier shipping features that Shopify doesn’t provide.
Here is how you set up each shipping option in Shopify:
Setting Up Canada Post Through Shopify Shipping
Shopify Shipping already includes Canada Post for merchants based in Canada, so most stores just need to turn it on and configure the basics.
How to Set It Up
- Add your shipping address: Go to Settings, Shipping and Delivery, and make sure your origin address is correct.
- Enable Canada Post rates: Under your “Shipping Zones,” select Canada Post as the carrier and choose which shipping services to show at checkout.
- Configure customs details: Add HS codes, country of origin, and product descriptions under each product so Shopify can generate international customs forms automatically.
Best For
- Merchants who want a simple, built-in setup
- Stores shipping moderately and don’t need automation
Note: Check out this Guide for detailed information on Shopify shipping with Canada Post.
Setting Up Canada Post Through PluginHive MCSL
If you want more control over rates, packing, automation, and multi-location fulfillment, the PH Multi Carrier Shipping Label app gives you deeper access to Canada Post options.
How to Set It Up
- Install the MCSL app from the Shopify App Store.
Note: You can refer to Setting up Shopify Multi Carrier Shipping Label App for a detailed guide on how to integrate the app.
- Connect your Canada Post account using your API credentials.
- Enable your preferred services (Small Packet, Tracked Packet, Xpresspost, International Parcel, Priority Worldwide).
- Set up rules: This includes packing methods, DDP/DDU rules, rate adjustments, and multi-origin settings.
- Generate customs forms automatically: The app pulls HS codes from the Shopify product settings, creates commercial invoices, and sends ETD to Canada Post.
Best For
- Works great for small stores, and is especially powerful for mid- and high-volume shippers who need more control.
- Suitable for basic setups as well as stores that need real-time rates, batch label printing, or multi-origin shipping.
- Merchants who want more control than Shopify’s default system
- Merchants looking to save time with automation and focus more on scaling their business
When to Choose Each Method
Both Shopify Shipping and PluginHive MCSL can handle Canada Post international shipping, but the right choice depends on how your store operates, how many orders you ship, and how much control you want over rates and automation.
Choose Shopify Shipping If…
- Your shipping volume is low to moderate, and you don’t need automation.
- You rely on basic Canada Post services like Small Packet, Tracked Packet, Xpresspost, or International Parcel.
- You prefer Shopify’s built-in discounts, tracking, and automatic customs form generation.
- You mainly ship from one location and don’t use packaging rules.
Choose PluginHive MCSL If…
- You ship internationally and need consistent automation.
- You want complete control over your Canada Post rates, packing methods, rules, and service mapping.
- You ship from multiple warehouses and need different origin points.
- You offer items that require custom packing logic or commercial invoices for customs.
- You are looking to scale your business and need automation to save time and reduce manual errors.
HS Codes for Canada Post International Shipping
What Is an HS Code?
An HS Code is a universal classification number used by customs to identify your product. It tells border agents what you’re shipping and helps them decide duties, taxes, and whether the product is allowed into the country.
Setting HS Codes in Shopify Using the PH Multi-Carrier Shipping Label App
With the PH Multi-Carrier Shipping Label app, adding HS Codes is quick and simple. You can add them:
- Directly in the product settings inside the app
- On each product page, along with the Country of Origin
The app automatically pushes these HS Codes into your Canada Post customs forms, so you don’t have to enter them manually for every shipment.
Why HS Codes Are Critical for Avoiding Delays
Using correct HS Codes helps ensure:
- Accurate duties and taxes at the border
- Fewer customs delays or holds
- Lower risk of returns or refusals
In short, HS Codes help your Canada Post international shipments move smoothly and avoid unnecessary problems.
Conclusion
Shipping internationally with Canada Post on Shopify doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you understand the services available, set up your rates, and get your customs details in place, the entire process becomes smooth and predictable. Whether you stick with Shopify’s built-in Canada Post setup or upgrade to the PH Multi Carrier Shipping Label app for more automation and control, both options can support reliable global delivery.
The key is getting the basics right: HS Codes, country of origin, product details, and accurate customs forms. These small steps make a big difference in preventing delays, surprise duties, or packages getting stuck at the border.
As your store grows, your shipping setup can evolve with it. Start simple if you need to, and move to advanced tools when your volume or workflow demands it. With the right setup, Canada Post can help you reach customers worldwide confidently and consistently.
FAQ’s
- Can Canada Post Do International Shipping?
Yes, Canada Post ships to over 190 countries. They offer multiple international services, tracking options, and customs support to make global shipping easier.
- Is DHL Cheaper Than Canada Post for International Shipping?
It depends on what you’re shipping. For domestic Canadian shipments, Canada Post is usually the cheaper option. For urgent or international deliveries, DHL can sometimes offer more competitive rates, especially for fast, time-sensitive shipments. Pricing varies by weight, destination, and speed, so it’s best to compare both carriers for each order.
- What are the main Canada Post shipping services?
The core services include Regular Parcel, Expedited Parcel, Xpresspost, and Priority, each offering different speeds and pricing.
