Shopify International Shipping: Complete Guide to Going Global

Why Go International?

95% of the world's consumers live outside the US. If you're only selling domestically, you're missing a massive opportunity.

The Numbers:

• Global e-commerce: $6.3 trillion (2024)
• Cross-border e-commerce growing 25% annually
• 57% of online shoppers have purchased from overseas

Step 1: Research Your Target Markets

Not all countries are equal for e-commerce. Consider:

Tier 1 Markets (Easiest to Enter):

Tier 2 Markets (Growing Fast): Start with English-speaking countries to minimize localization needs.

Step 2: Configure Shopify for International

#### Enable International Shipping Zones

Settings → Shipping and delivery

Click "Create shipping zone"

Select countries to include

Set up rates

Recommended Zone Structure:

• Zone 1: Canada & Mexico
• Zone 2: UK, Australia, New Zealand
• Zone 3: Western Europe
• Zone 4: Rest of World

#### Set Up Duties and Import Taxes

Shopify Markets handles this:

Settings → Markets

Enable market for each region

Toggle "Include duties and import taxes"

Choose who pays: Customer or You

DDP vs DDU:

• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): You pay duties, customer pays nothing extra
• DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid): Customer pays duties on delivery

Recommendation: Start with DDU, switch to DDP as you scale.

Step 3: Choose International Carriers

Best Carriers by Destination:

USPS International Options:

With Atoship Discounts:

Step 4: Handle Customs Documentation

Every international shipment needs customs forms.

Required Information:

• Item description (be specific)
• HS code (harmonized system)
• Value in USD
• Country of origin
• Quantity
• Weight

HS Code Examples: Finding HS Codes:

Use the HTS search at hts.usitc.gov

Ask your shipping software (Atoship has HS code lookup)

Consult a customs broker for complex products

Step 5: Set Competitive International Rates

Strategy Options:

Option 1: Real-Time Calculated Rates Pros: Always accurate Cons: Can cause sticker shock

Option 2: Flat Rates by Zone Example:

• Canada: $12.99
• UK/Australia: $19.99
• Europe: $24.99
• Rest of World: $34.99

Option 3: Free International Shipping Threshold "Free shipping to Canada on orders over $75" "Free worldwide shipping on orders over $150"

Step 6: Handle International Returns

International returns are expensive. Strategies:

Option 1: No Returns (Clearly Stated) For low-value items, refund without return.

Option 2: Local Return Address Use a returns service with local addresses.

Option 3: Customer Pays Return Shipping Standard for international, but state clearly.

Option 4: Partial Refund, Keep Item "We'll refund 50%, you keep the item"

Common International Shipping Mistakes

❌ Not including HS codes Result: Delays, customs holds, returns

❌ Undervaluing items on customs forms Result: Illegal, can result in seizure, penalties

❌ Ignoring de minimis values Each country has duty-free thresholds:

• US: $800
• Canada: $20 CAD
• UK: £135
• EU: €150
• Australia: $1,000 AUD

❌ Not offering tracking International customers need reassurance. Always include tracking.

International Shipping Checklist

☐ Research target markets ☐ Enable Shopify Markets ☐ Configure shipping zones ☐ Set up duties calculation ☐ Choose carriers per destination ☐ Create HS code library for products ☐ Set up customs form automation ☐ Configure international returns policy ☐ Update store policies page ☐ Test checkout from target countries

Getting Started with Atoship International

Atoship simplifies international shipping:

Auto-generated customs forms - We fill in the details

HS code database - Search and save codes

Multi-carrier comparison - USPS, DHL, UPS side by side

Duties estimation - Show customers landed cost

Discounted international rates - 15-30% off retail

Start your global expansion today. Create a free Atoship account and ship your first international order.