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International Shipping

Customs, duties, documentation, and the real total cost of shipping a package across a border — explained without the jargon.

Why it matters

International shipping costs are notoriously hard to predict because postage is only part of the bill. Duties, taxes, brokerage fees, and documentation requirements vary by country and product category, and getting them wrong causes delays, returns, or unhappy customers footing an unexpected bill.

Featured Guide
Pillar Guide

International Shipping Costs Explained: Duties, Customs, and Fees

A plain breakdown of every cost that can appear on an international shipment, and who pays it.

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Supporting Articles

Incoterms Explained for Small Sellers

What DDP and DDU actually mean for who pays what, and when.

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Avoiding Customs Delays

The documentation mistakes that hold packages at the border longest.

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De Minimis Thresholds by Country

The value below which a shipment typically avoids duties — and why it varies.

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Related FAQs

Do I have to pay customs on every international order?

Not always — many countries have a de minimis threshold below which low-value shipments are duty-free, but it varies by country and is subject to change.

Who pays customs duties, me or the buyer?

It depends on the Incoterms you ship under. DDP means you (the seller) prepay; DDU/DAP means the buyer pays on delivery.

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Related Glossary Terms

Incoterms · De Minimis · Manifest

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