Post vs courier
Why the same parcel can cost differently by post or by courier.
Last reviewed 9 Nov 2026 · knowledge base v2026.11.12-r3 · Not legal, tax or customs advice.
Different thresholds and fees
- Canada: C$20 by post, up to C$40/C$150 by courier from the US or Mexico. Sources: cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
- Posts charge flat handling fees (Royal Mail £8, Parcelforce £12, Deutsche Post €7.50, PostNL €10, Canada Post C$9.95, USPS $9.35). Couriers usually charge a percentage with a minimum. Sources: royalmail.com, dhl.de, postnl.nl, cbsa-asfc.gc.ca, about.usps.com
- Courier examples: FedEx UK greater of £12.90 or 2.5%; DHL Express UK 2.5% (min £11 for non-account customers); UPS US 2.5% (min $17.50); DHL Express Canada 2.75% (min C$18). Sources: fedex.com, mydhl.express.dhl, ups.com, mydhl.express.dhl
US specifics
- Since 24 Jul 2026, postal parcels to the US pay the same duties as courier parcels, and postal parcels under $2,500 must have duties prepaid. Sources: zonos.com
- In the EU the €3 duty clearly applies to postal and IOSS parcels; its scope for non-IOSS courier parcels is less clear. Unconfirmed Sources: taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu, eur-lex.europa.eu