You’re expecting a delivery and have received an “International Item Released from Customs for Processing by Canada Post” tracking update.
What does this mean exactly? Is there a problem with customs and is there anything you need to do?
Let’s take a look…
Summary: International Item Released from Customs for Processing by Canada Post
This update simply means that Canadian customs has granted clearance to the package and released it to Canada Post. It will now enter the delivery network and should arrive at the recipient’s address in a matter of days.
International Item Released from Customs for Processing by Canada Post – Guide
Essentially, this is a great tracking update to receive if you are expecting an international delivery.
All shipments into Canada (well any country for that matter), are subject to varying degrees of customs inspection.
When this process has been completed by customs and clearance granted, the shipment is handed to the relevant carrier for delivery to the destination address.
In this case, the alert is what Canada Post uses once this process has taken place.
Basically, when you see an “International Item Released from Customs for Processing by Canada Post” update, you know that the package has cleared customs and is ready to be received by Canada Post for delivery.
- Related Content: Canada Post “Check Delivery Progress” – Tracking Guide
Where is Your Package?
What Happens After the Update?
As release has been granted, the normal procedure will see the package be placed into a holding warehouse (connected to customs), ready for Canada Post to receive it.
International sorting centers form part of the Canadian customs infrastructure, meaning that Canada Post is basically on the same site.
This means it should take no time at all for the shipment to begin moving again toward the recipient’s address.
- Related Content: Crossing Border and in Transit to Carrier Hub – Landmark Global
How Long Until Delivery After the Update?
This will depend on the distance between the international sorting center where the package entered Canada and the final destination address.
Canada Post normally cites delivery windows after the update. In most cases, 5 to 7 days is the time it will take.
Essentially, the package will leave the main sort facility, and be in transit to one closer to the recipient before going out for delivery the following business day.
- Related Content: Electronic Information Submitted by Shipper – Canada Post
Tracking Stuck on “International Item Released from Customs for Processing by Canada Post”
Sometimes packages can get held up inside the international sort facility and not receive another scan to state that Canada Post has received the item in its delivery network.
This will cause your tracking to be stuck. Annoying I know.
If more than 2 to 3 days pass and you see no further update regaining the package, you should contact Canada Post to see what the delay is.
- Related Content: Item Re-routed Due to Processing Error – Canada Post
Final Words
Overall, the “International Item Released from Customs for Processing by Canada Post” is a good one to receive.
It means that the package has arrived in Canada, cleared customs, and is now ready for the postal service to resume delivery.
With any luck, it should be with the recipient within just a few days.
- Related Content: Item Has Arrived in Canada and Will be Presented for Review
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. 🙂
