International Shipping Guide
International Shipping Guide
International shipping from the US adds three layers of complexity that domestic shipping doesn't have: customs declarations, duties and taxes, and country-specific import restrictions. Get the customs form wrong and your package sits in a foreign warehouse for weeks. Underdeclare the value and your customer gets hit with unexpected duty charges at delivery.
Here's a practical breakdown of what you need to know — from HS codes to carrier selection — to ship internationally without returns, delays, or angry customers.
Getting Started with International
Requirements:
- Customs forms (CN22, CN23, or commercial invoice)
- HS tariff codes for products
- Accurate item descriptions
- Declared values in USD
- Recipient phone number
Customs Documentation
CN22 (Small Packages):
- For packages under 2kg / 4.4 lbs
- Simple form
- Commercial or gift designation
- Basic item description
CN23 (Larger Packages):
- For packages over 2kg
- More detailed information
- Multiple items supported
- Required for Priority Mail International
Commercial Invoice:
- Required for business shipments
- Details seller and buyer
- Item descriptions with HS codes
- Used for customs clearance
HS Tariff Codes
What Are HS Codes? Harmonized System codes classify products for customs:
| Category | Code Example | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing | 6109.10 | T-shirts, cotton |
| Electronics | 8471.30 | Laptop computers |
| Jewelry | 7113.19 | Precious metal jewelry |
| Books | 4901.99 | Printed books |
Finding HS Codes:
- Search USITC database
- Use AtoShip HS code lookup
- Consult customs broker
- Check product manufacturer info
Understanding Duties and Taxes
Who Pays?
- DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid): Recipient pays
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Sender pays
Factors Affecting Duties:
- Product category
- Declared value
- Country of origin
- Destination country rules
De Minimis Thresholds:
| Country | Threshold | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USA | $800 | Very high |
| Canada | $20 CAD | Very low |
| UK | £135 | VAT applies |
| EU | €0 | All items taxed |
| Australia | $1000 AUD | Moderate |
Carrier Options
USPS International:
- First Class Int'l (< 4 lbs)
- Priority Mail Int'l (6-10 days)
- Priority Express Int'l (3-5 days)
- Global Express Guaranteed (1-3 days)
UPS International:
- Worldwide Expedited
- Worldwide Express
- Worldwide Express Plus
- Full tracking and insurance
FedEx International:
- International Economy
- International Priority
- International First
- Door-to-door service
DHL:
- Global reach
- Fast customs clearance
- Express services
- Good for remote areas
Restricted and Prohibited Items
Commonly Restricted:
- Lithium batteries (limits apply)
- Perfumes (flammable)
- Food items (varies by country)
- Medications (prescription rules)
- Electronics (certifications)
Generally Prohibited:
- Weapons and ammunition
- Drugs and narcotics
- Counterfeit goods
- Currency
- Live animals
Check Before Shipping:
- USPS Country Guides
- Carrier restrictions
- Destination customs rules
- Product-specific regulations
Packaging for International
Best Practices:
- Extra cushioning (longer transit)
- Waterproof inner bags
- Sturdy outer box
- Clear labeling
- Remove old labels/markings
Label Requirements:
- Full recipient address
- Phone number required
- "International" clearly marked
- Customs forms attached
- Return address visible
Tracking International Shipments
Tracking Quality:
| Carrier | Coverage | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| USPS Priority | Good | Daily |
| UPS/FedEx | Excellent | Real-time |
| DHL | Excellent | Real-time |
| USPS First Class | Limited | Origin/destination only |
Dealing with Customs Holds
Common Reasons:
- Incomplete documentation
- Suspicious description
- High value items
- Restricted categories
- Random inspection
Resolution Steps:
- Contact recipient
- Provide additional documentation
- Work with customs broker
- Allow processing time
International Pricing Strategy
Consider:
- Shipping costs (often 2-3x domestic)
- Customs duties (recipient burden)
- Currency conversion
- Returns complexity
- Insurance needs
Options:
- Free shipping over threshold
- Flat rate by region
- Real-time calculated rates
- DDP pricing (all-inclusive)
Best Practices
Before Shipping:
- Verify address format
- Include phone/email
- Use accurate descriptions
- Research destination rules
- Consider insurance
Documentation:
- Keep copies of all forms
- Save tracking numbers
- Document item values
- Photograph packages
Popular Destinations Tips
Canada:
- Low de minimis ($20 CAD)
- USMCA may reduce duties
- French labels for Quebec
UK:
- VAT on all items
- EORI number helpful
- Brexit changed rules
Australia:
- Strict biosecurity
- No food without permits
- Good de minimis ($1000 AUD)
EU:
- IOSS for VAT collection
- HS codes critical
- Varies by member state