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# File a USPS Claim: International

Domestic Shipments | International Shipments

## Submit an Inquiry Online

If you sent a package from the U.S. to a foreign country and it was missing contents, damaged, or lost, learn how you can file an international claim for the insured value of the package (if it was covered by insurance):

- International claims are different from domestic claims—they have to be coordinated with foreign postal administrations.
- Only the U.S. sender can start an online inquiry to begin an international claim.

(For USPS® fee or postage refunds, please see Request a USPS Refund: International.)

Alert: USPS can no longer accept or deliver international mail to several countries due to service impacts. See all countries with temporary service and guaranteed-delivery suspensions. Read More

## International Claims Process

1. Check filing periods for each international mail service.
2. Gather your documents including your 13-digit tracking number and other supporting documentation.
3. Click "Create an Inquiry," log in to your USPS.com account, and complete the online form.
   NOTE: If any required documents are not included, you will be unable to submit your inquiry.
4. If your inquiry is eligible for a claim, you will be notified via email: "Claim Sent for Review."
5. After our claims department processes your claim, you'll receive an email with the claim results.

Create an Inquiry Inquiry History

## How to File an International Claim - Video

Our "How to File an International Claim on USPS.com" video gives step-by-step instructions for submitting your claim and proof of value documents.

Video Transcript: How to File an International Claim on USPS.com (TXT 4 KB)

## Filing International Claims: Step-by-Step

Expand All

#### Step 1: Check Filing Periods

Each international mail service has a different filing period. The filing period is based on the mailing date on your receipt.

#### Filing an International Claim for Lost Mail or Packages

Service | File After | File Before | Other Restrictions
--- | --- | --- | ---
Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI) | 3 days | 90 days | Online inquiries can only be initiated by the U.S. sender.
PMEI with Money-Back Guarantee | 3 days | 30 days | 3–90 days to submit an inquiry for loss, damaged, or missing contents
Priority Mail International® (to Canada) | 10 days | 6 months | Online inquiries can only be initiated by the U.S. sender
Priority Mail International (to all other countries) | 7 days | 6 months | Online inquiries can only be initiated by the U.S. sender
Registered Mail® | 7 days | 6 months | Online inquiries can only be initiated by the U.S. sender
First-Class Mail International® | - | - | Inquiries are not accepted for ordinary letters sent without Registered Mail service.
First-Class Package International Service® | - | - | Inquiries cannot be processed online for ordinary parcels sent without Registered Mail service.

#### Step 2: Gather Your Documents

You'll need to include all of the required documentation to submit your inquiry. Save all your evidence documents until your claim is resolved.

#### Tracking or Label Number

Include the 13-digit USPS Tracking® or label number that appears on the receipt beginning with EA-EZ, CA-CZ, HC-HZ, or RA-RZ and ending in US.

#### Sender's & Recipient's Contact Information

Have these basic contact details for the sender and recipient:

- Name
- Mailing Address
- Phone Number
- Email

#### Mailing Information

Be ready to provide these mailing details:

- Date
- Weight
- Postage paid
- Additional fees (if applicable)
- A description of contents

#### Proof of Mailing

Any of these can be used to show proof of mailing:

- Mailing label
- Customs form
- Printouts of the online transaction
- Post Office™ shipping receipt

#### Proof of Value

Any of these can be used to show proof of value:

- Sales receipt
- Invoice or bill of sale
- Copy of canceled check or money order
- Credit card billing receipt
- Statement of value from a reputable dealer
- Estimates of repair costs from a reputable dealer
- Printout of the online transaction

#### Step 3: Create an Inquiry

When you're ready to start your inquiry, log in to your USPS.com account, and complete the online form.

Create an Inquiry

#### Claim Status & Results

- If your inquiry is eligible for a claim, you will be notified via email: "Claim Sent for Review."
- After our claims department processes your claim, you'll receive an email with the claim results.

Check Inquiry History

## Receiving Damaged International Shipments

You must immediately present the article, mailing container, wrapping, packaging, and any other contents received in damaged condition and/or with missing contents to a Post Office for inspection. The Post Office will verify the damage and give you a PS Form 3831, Receipt for Article(s) Damaged in Mails, for your files.

In addition, it is recommended you contact the foreign sender and ask the sender to file an inquiry with the postal administration from where the item was mailed. All claims for inbound items that are lost, or are delivered to the addressee in damaged condition or with missing contents are payable to the sender, unless the sender waives the right to payment, in writing, in favor of the addressee.

### Proof of Damage

These items will help prove the damage to your incoming shipment:

- Document(s) supporting damage from U.S. mailer
- Document(s) supporting damage from foreign addressee
- Receipt of article(s) damaged in the mail
- Photos of the damage
- Description and value of contents

## Additional Resources

Get complete details regarding the international inquiry and international claims processes, including appeals in the International Mail Manual (IMM®).

IMM Chapter 9: Inquiries, Indemnities, and Refunds

Terms and Conditions of Use for USPS® International Inquiries