Foundation · 2 min
What you need to know
How does international ecommerce shipping work?
International shipping adds cross-border carrier service, customs information and decisions about import charges. Choose supported destinations, classify products, and disclose who handles duties before accepting the order.
Which countries should my store ship to?
Start with countries where your products are permitted, your carrier covers the route, and your team can handle customs, returns, and customer support. Verify current local restrictions and landed cost for each destination before enabling it.
Why is international shipping expensive?
Longer routes, multiple handling stages, fuel or remote charges, customs processing and returns may raise cost. Use actual packed weights, destinations and carrier invoices rather than applying one global “international” rate to all orders.
What are customs duties?
Customs duties are import charges assessed under the destination’s rules for the goods. The amount depends on classification, origin, value, and local rules. A checkout estimate must be checked against the actual destination and arrangement before presenting it as final.
What is the difference between duties and taxes?
A duty is generally a charge on importing a classified good; taxes can include VAT, GST or similar destination taxes. They are different lines at import, though both may be collected. Exact liability and calculations vary by country.
Who pays import duties?
The agreed shipping terms and destination rules determine who arranges and pays import charges. State the actual arrangement clearly before checkout. A buyer should not learn at delivery that they must pay charges the checkout led them to expect were included.
What are DDP and DAP?
DDP, Delivered Duty Paid, places import clearance and associated duties on the seller under the named ICC rule. DAP, Delivered at Place, generally leaves import clearance and related charges with the buyer. Use the rule correctly with a named place and real carrier support.
Foundation · 2 min
Frequently asked questions
DDP vs DAP: what is the difference?
Under DDP, the seller takes on import clearance and duty payment; under DAP, the buyer generally handles import formalities and charges. Both involve a delivery place and other obligations. Review the full applicable rules and country requirements before promising either.
Should duties be calculated before checkout?
Show a reliable estimate or final charge before purchase when the store takes responsibility for it. If the buyer may pay on import, disclose that clearly before checkout completion. Do not show an unverified “all taxes paid” claim.