International Mailings
International Mail Comes With Extra Steps & Export Control Approval
Due to the U.S. federal restrictions on exports and mailing to certain destinations, before mailing internationally we must take a few precautions.
Export Control
Exceptions
If your mail piece is being sent First Class Mail International, weighs under 16 ounces AND contains only non-negotiable documents or correspondence such as the following: audit and business records, personal correspondence, circulars, pamphlets, advertisements, written instruments not intended to be sold, money orders, checks or similar items that can’t be negotiated or converted into cash without forgery, then you need no further documentation and you can proceed with mailing.
Restrictions
USPS does not allow customers to send mail to these sanctioned countries: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria. Additional countries may be added without warning.
Export Control - International Shipping Checklist
If your mail piece is being sent via any other type of service such as Priority or Express OR weighs over 16 ounces OR contains items not listed above, you will need to complete the International Shipping Checklist before your mail piece can be sent. For your protection and that of the University, please complete the checklist before routing your mailing to Mail Services.
The International Shipping Checklist is run through the VPR Export Control office. If you have any questions or trouble with this checklist, please contact them directly at vpr_export_control@colostate.edu or visit their website. You must have access to Kuali to complete this form.
THIS IS A TWO STEP PROCESS! You will receive a red/green message an an Export Control Shipment ID # to enter into Transtream, however, you will need to wait until you are asked for additional details by Export Control and a final APPROVAL message before Mail Services will accept your shipment. We are unable to hold shipments during the approval process. This may take 24-48 hours for final approval.
Additional Resources
USPS Customs Form
This form is automatically completed when using Transtream. For mailings outside of Transtream, please complete the USPS Customs Form and attach three printed copies to the outside of your mail piece. You will still need to complete the Export Control process.
USPS International Service Alerts
For a full list of USPS International Service Alerts, please visit the USPS website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Yes. Although APO (Army Post Office), DPO (Diplomatic Post Office) and FPO (Fleet Post Office) destinations are considered US territory, your package must undergo transit through an intermediary country, subject to that country’s customs regulations, in order to reach its intended destination. Due to Export Control policies at CSU, you will need to clear the package by using the International Shipping Checklist before sending it to Mail Services.
It depends.
The US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico do not require customs forms, and do not need to clear CSU Export Control.
All others do require a customs form and must be cleared through CSU Export Control via the International Shipping Checklist before being sent to Mail Services.