Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with family in the U.S. might get a surprise trying to send parcels south of the border ahead of Christmas.

As of August 29, the United States implemented changes that require duties to be paid before a package is mailed.

Previously, shipments valued at $800 USD or less could enter the U.S. duty-free, however that threshold was removed, and duties are now owed, up-front, on all shipments.

That requires the download of the Zonos app to pay duties, and get a confirmation code before heading to the post office with your parcel.

John Reynolds, who was trying to send a parcel to family in the U.S., was surprised when he showed up at the post office counter this morning with package in hand, and he expects many more will be surprised by the changes.

“And I was so…put off by Canada Post, that I actually went to UPS, and they photocopied a list of a litany of requirements if you dare to try and send something across the border to the United States.”

Reynolds says even shipping items through UPS to the United States is no guarantee.

He was told that as much as 85 per cent of their shipments to the States have been returned.