International shipping and customs: how to sell abroad with confidence
Selling internationally can open up new markets and smooth out seasonal sales at home. It also adds complexity: longer delivery times, customs paperwork, import duties and taxes, and different consumer rules. Getting the setup right before you start avoids parcels stuck at the border and unhappy customers facing surprise charges.
This guide covers choosing markets, customs documentation, duties and taxes, delivery options and returns. Rules change regularly, so always check current requirements with official sources or a customs adviser.
Choosing where to sell
Look at where interest already exists: analytics, enquiries and marketplace sales often show demand from particular countries. Consider shipping cost and time, language, local competition, and any product restrictions. Starting with a few markets and doing them well is usually better than opening to the whole world at once.
Customs documentation
Goods crossing a border need a customs declaration. For parcels this usually means a commercial invoice or the carrier’s electronic customs data, including:
- An accurate description of each item.
- The correct commodity code (HS code) for each product.
- Value and currency.
- Country of origin.
- Sender and recipient details, including relevant tax or EORI numbers.
Vague descriptions and incorrect codes are among the most common causes of delays. Most shipping platforms let you store this data per product so it is added automatically.
Duties and taxes
Importing countries may charge import duty and VAT or sales tax. You can ship on two main terms:
- DAP / DDU (duties unpaid): the customer pays charges on delivery. Simple for you, but surprise fees often lead to refused parcels.
- DDP (duties paid): you collect duties and taxes at checkout and pay them upfront, giving customers a smoother experience.
Some regions have specific schemes for low-value ecommerce imports, such as the EU’s Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS). Since Brexit, UK sellers shipping to the EU, and EU sellers shipping to the UK, need to account for these rules. Take professional advice on your registration obligations.
Restricted and prohibited items
Each country restricts certain goods, and carriers have their own limits on items such as batteries, liquids, aerosols and cosmetics. Check both before listing products for international sale.
Delivery options and pricing
Offer at least one tracked service for international orders. Show estimated delivery times and total cost clearly, and consider local currency pricing to improve conversion. Cross-border specialists and postal services can offer lower rates than express couriers for less urgent parcels.
International returns
Returns from abroad are expensive. Decide whether to offer free returns, a local returns address through a consolidator, or refunds without return for low-value items. State the policy clearly before purchase.
International shipping relies on good data and automation. See Shipping Software & Integrations for generating customs documents automatically, and Returns & Reverse Logistics for managing cross-border returns.
Part of: Shipping & Delivery