How do you recommend I send my film to you?
There are a number of great options! Clients in the UK/Europe may use our ‘film forwarding’ service (or can send directly to us in Canada - see below). We have trusted team members based at our UK address. They will receive your film, package it securely and send it on to us as part of a weekly shipment (every Thursday or Friday) via our DHL express service at no extra cost to you, and shipments are delivered to us in Canada 3 working days later. This is likely to be a more cost-effective option for smaller orders than sending to us directly via our DHL account (see below). Please send your film along with an order form to our UK address: Jackie Ward, Unit 1 Penmore Business Centre, Penmore House, Hasland Rd, Chesterfield, S41 0SJ, United Kingdom
We also recommend our expedited courier service. Take advantage of our preferential rates with DHL, one of the world’s leading international express mail services, to offer a fast and effective delivery service. Please click HERE to find out more, and to book your shipment using our quick and simple online tool. We take care of all the rest, and we also include a shipping discount for using this service. This service will be particularly cost effective for medium to large size orders.
You may also use your own country’s national post service or a courier of your choice. If using your own courier you must provide them with our email address hello@canadianfilmlab.com so that we receive notification of your order. For your customs declaration please describe the contents of your package as ‘Exposed film’. In terms of value, used photographic film has a nominal value of around 5 cents per roll, so a value of $10 or less should be entered. Please note you should not declare a higher value, such as that you would place on your film for insurance purposes. This is not the intended purpose of the customs declaration, and it will result in duty and tax being applied to your order. If you have any questions please email HELLO@CANADIANFILMLAB.COM
If I use your DHL partnered shipping service, how long will it take for my film to get to you in Canada?
The average shipping time is 3 business days.
How expensive is it to ship film with your DHL partnered service?
We have worked closely with DHL to secure excellent rates. Please look up your country in our ZONE TABLE, and you’ll find shipping rates.
What about the Customs process, is it complicated?
It’s actually very simple. If you choose to use our partnered DHL service we will actually prepare the Waybill (shipping label) for you, and ensure it’s declared appropriately (so as to not incur customs charges).
If you choose to use your own country’s national post service or your own courier please describe the contents of your package as ‘Exposed film’. In terms of value, used photographic film has a nominal value of around 5 cents per roll, so a value of $10 or less should be entered. Please note you should not declare a higher value, such as that you would place on your film for insurance purposes. This is not the intended purpose of the customs declaration, and it will result in duty and tax being applied to your order.
I have heard things about x-rays that worry me. What can you tell me about x-raying of film?
Any x-raying of your film during the shipping process will not affect your film. X-ray issues caused during shipping are unheard of, and this ties in with our experience in receiving film from all over the world. We never see x-ray damage caused during shipping, and we have never known any other lab around the world to see x-ray damage from shipping either. Also remember – much of the film you shoot has already travelled from overseas in order to get to you! Lastly, please do not confuse x-raying of mail/parcels with the x-raying of luggage that travels in the hold of an airplane: the x-rays for domestic hold luggage are vastly stronger and WILL affect your film, so always carry film (unexposed and exposed) with you in your carry-on bags.
How can I learn more about the DHL service?
The DHL shipping service option is made available for the convenience of our customers through DHL Express and is not directly affiliated with Canadian Film Lab. The information we provide about this service is intended as a guide, based on information provided by DHL to us. For more information about DHL Express including their shipping terms & conditions please visit their website http://international.dhl.ca/en.html
