File a USPS Claim: International
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 COVID-19 service impacts. See all countries with temporary service and guaranteed-delivery suspensions. Read More
COVID-19 Return to Sender Postage Refunds
How to Request a Postage Refund
If you sent a package out of the U.S. and it was returned due to a COVID-19 service suspension (with the pink label shown here), please read carefully to learn what you can do to get a refund:
- If you bought postage directly from the USPS at a Post Office™ location or using a postage meter, please bring your package to your local Post Office for a refund.
- If you bought postage with the Click-N-Ship® application, you can start a refund inquiry by contacting the Click-N-Ship Help Desk: Please put the label number in the "Additional Information" field.
- If you bought postage from a third-party PC Postage® vendor (like Stamps.com, EasyPost, Endicia, Pitney Bowes, Ebay, or PayPal), please follow instructions provided by your vendor. For more refund information, visit PostalPro.
If your package is damaged or has missing contents, please see the "Receiving Damaged International Shipments" section.
International Claims Process
- Check filing periods for each international mail service.
- Gather your documents including your 13-digit tracking number and other supporting documentation.
- 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. - 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.
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)
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