Canadians shipping packages through UPS or Mail Boxes Etc. outlets will need to provide government-issued photo identification, as part of the company's new security measures.

United Parcel Service, which also owns Mail Boxes Etc., is stepping up security by demanding government issued photo identification from people shipping packages at its retail outlets. (Seth Perlman/Associated Press)

The move comes in the wake of October's interception of two parcel bombs shipped from Yemen to the United States. Both were successfully intercepted, but the U.S. government maintains the packages posed a credible security threat.

United Parcel Service, which is the world's largest package delivery company, said it is stepping up security at the start of the busy Christmas season.

"Since retail centres experience a significant increase in business from occasional shippers during the busy holidays, this enhancement adds a prudent step in our multi-layered approach to security," said Pat Stanghieri, vice-president of marketing at UPS Canada.

Valid forms of identification in Canada include a passport, permanent resident card, certificate of Canadian citizenship, Canadian military identification, Indian status photo identification, or a current driver's licence.

UPS is heightening security at all of its outlets worldwide, which includes 220 countries. Qualifying documentation may vary by country and international retail locations.

"The safety and security of our customers, business partners, and employees is our highest priority and UPS will continue to implement additional security precautions as necessary," Stanghieri said.