A birthday in France, a wedding in the United States, the end-of-year holidays in Morocco: send a gift abroad It may seem like a simple gesture, but it involves crossing a border—and thus going through customs. In 2026, with the end of duty-free thresholds in the United States and new European regulations, an improperly declared gift may arrive accompanied by a bill for duties and taxes higher than the value of the gift itself.

The good news: Most countries still provide special treatment for genuine gifts sent between individuals. By knowing the thresholds, filling out the declaration correctly, and choosing the right service, your package will arrive at its destination without any unpleasant surprises for the recipient.

Here is the complete guide to shipping your gifts from Canada in 2026, whether to the United States, Europe, or anywhere else in the world.

Why a Gift Still Has to Go Through Customs

Many senders believe that a package marked «gift» is automatically exempt from duties and taxes. This is not true. All international shipments are subject to customs declaration, whether they are gifts or not. Marking «gift» on the form does not exempt the shipment from inspection; it simply allows the destination country to apply, if applicable, a exemption applicable only to gifts between individuals.

There are three conditions that apply almost everywhere for a shipment to be treated as a gift: it must be sent by one individual to another individual (no businesses involved), be for a special occasion (birthday, holiday, birth), and remain below a value threshold set by the destination country. If these conditions are not met, the package is treated as a regular import.

Exemption Thresholds by Destination in 2026

Each country sets its own rules. Here are the key points to know before shipping (these are approximate amounts and are subject to change—always check before shipping):

• United States : Since the end of the general «de minimis» exemption, all commercial shipments are subject to duty starting with the first dollar. Genuine gifts between individuals, however, remain subject to a separate regime, provided they meet the modest-value requirement (approximately 100 $ US). The declaration must be accurate and detailed; otherwise, the package will be treated as a commercial shipment.
• European Union : Gifts between individuals are generally exempt from duties and VAT up to approximately €45. Please note: As of July 2026, the EU has eliminated the €150 exemption for commercial shipments and is applying new fees per item—which is why it’s important to clearly identify your shipment as a gift between individuals. Also note that Canada Post has suspended delivery to several EU countries: check with available private carriers.
• United Kingdom : Exempt for gifts up to approximately £39; above that amount, 20% VAT and any applicable duties.
• Other destinations (Morocco, the Maghreb, Asia, Latin America): Thresholds vary widely, and some countries impose taxes starting with the first dollar. Check local regulations before shipping.

Keep this golden rule in mind: if the value of the gift exceeds the local threshold, the recipient will have to pay duties and taxes upon delivery—or refuse the package.

Declaring Your Gift Properly: The Key to a Smooth Process

The customs declaration is the most important document for your shipment. Here are the best practices for sending a gift:

• Check the box or enter «gift» as the nature of the shipment; ;
• Describe each item specifically («wool scarf,» «photo album,» rather than «clothing» or «miscellaneous»); ;
• Report the actual value for each item. Undervaluing a package is a violation that may result in a hold, a fine, or seizure; ;
• Provide the recipient's full contact information, including a phone number: customs or the carrier will be able to contact them if they have any questions; ;
• Keep proof of the amount (receipt, screenshot) in case of a dispute.

Prohibited or Restricted Gifts: Check Before You Wrap

Some popular gifts are actually the most difficult to ship. Alcohol and wine require permits and are refused by most postal services. Perfumes and aerosols are considered hazardous materials (restricted for air transport). Food items—such as chocolates, jams, and spices—are subject to strict health regulations depending on the country. Lithium-battery-powered products (toys, electronics) are subject to specific packaging requirements. If in doubt, check the list of prohibited items for the destination country before sealing the box.

Packaging, Delivery Times, and Costs: Ensuring a Successful Shipment

A gift often travels 5,000 km or more: the gift wrapping alone won't survive the journey. Place the wrapped gift in a rigid shipping box Use packing material on all six sides, and keep in mind that customs may open the package for inspection—avoid using sealing tape that cannot be re-sealed.

When it comes to delivery times, plan ahead: as a general guide, allow 4 to 10 business days to the United States via standard shipping, 1 to 3 weeks to Europe depending on the service you choose, and longer for more distant destinations—not including customs clearance. For the holiday season, it’s best to ship before the end of November, as peak-season surcharges and record-high volumes cause delivery times to increase starting in December.

In terms of price, a 2-kg gift package shipped internationally can cost anywhere from 30 $ to over 120 $, depending on the destination, delivery speed, and the carrier you choose. These amounts are approximate and vary depending on the agreement and service: comparing several carriers before shipping often saves 20 to 40 %.

Conclusion: Give the gift, not the customs fees

Sending a gift abroad in 2026 requires a little preparation: knowing the destination’s duty-free allowance, declaring the contents honestly, avoiding restricted items, and packing it securely. In return, you’ll spare your loved one the worst possible surprise: having to pay to receive their own gift.

Are you preparing a shipment to the United States, Europe, or elsewhere? The team at’Shipping Store It compares rates from Purolator, UPS, FedEx, and DHL for you, helps you fill out the customs declaration, and even offers custom packaging in-store. Get your quote in just a few minutes and ship your gifts with peace of mind.