You’re expecting a delivery from Canada Post and have received an “International Item Mailed in Originating Country” tracking update.
What does this mean exactly? How long is your parcel from delivery and is there anything you need to do?
Let’s take a look…
Summary: International Item Mailed in Originating Country
This update means that an international shipment has begun that is destined for Canada. The postal service in the originating country has received the package, and Canada Post is aware of its existence and will be responsible for delivery once it arrives in Canada.
International Item Mailed in Originating Country – Guide
This update from Canada Post means that an international package is on its way to Canada.
When the sender first posts the item in the origin country, the international delivery network database that postal services around the world are part of, will automatically send Canada Post details of the shipment.
Canada Post is therefore aware that it will be delivered mail item once it arrives in Canada.
- Related Content: Shipment Received at Originating Postal Facility – Canada Post
How Long Until My Package Arrives in Canada?
It is important to understand that the shipment is at the very beginning of its journey when the “International Item Mailed in Originating Country” update is triggered.
Essentially, it is the first physical scan that the postal service in the originating country has made of the package. The sender has only just handed it over.
This means you could potentially still be in for a long wait before the shipment arrives in Canada.
Obviously, the delivery service speed purchased and the origin location all have a part to play in this.
For example, a package mailed from the USA to Canada may only take a day or two.
An economy package mailed from a China-based eCommerce platform could take multiple weeks to arrive. And that’s even when air transit is utilized.
As your package is being tracked and has a tracking number, your best course of action is to keep an eye on your tracking page for details of estimated delivery times.
Tracking Stuck on “International Item Mailed in Originating Country”
Let’s face it, you may have reached this article because your tracking is stuck on this pesky update.
What is happening if you receive no further alerts for multiple days?
Again, the origin of the shipment is key here.
Many of the carriers used by Ecommerce platforms in the far east provide lackluster tracking information at best.
And remember, Canada Post does not have your item at this stage so they will not be scanning or providing alerts either.
If the origin country postal service is not updating you with progress, you will see this alert for a long time with no information.
In fact, you might not receive anything until the shipment has arrived in Canada and the postal service there carries out the first physical scan.
So, in this scenario, it is quite possible for your shipment to be stuck on this update for weeks.
For international shipments closer to home, you should receive more regular updates.
However, if this does not happen and/or your estimated delivery window is drawing to a close, rather than contact Canada Post for progress, you are better placed to contact the sender (who should begin making inquiries), or the postal service in the originating country.
- Related Content: Canada Post “Item Delayed Stay Tuned for Updates”
Final Words
Overall, the “International Item Mailed in Originating Country” simply means that an international shipment destined for Canada has begun.
The sender has handed it over to the postal service in the originating country and will be delivered by Canada Post once it arrives in the country.
How long this will take is dependent on many factors, however, your tracking page should keep you updated.
- Related Content: Canada Post: Verifying Recipient’s Address; Possible Delay
I’m a 25 year veteran of USPS. I’m retired now, but as the editor of Mailbox Master, I can’t quite remove myself from the carrier industry just yet. 🙂
