How to Ship Internationally from the US
Shipping a package across US borders introduces a layer of complexity that domestic shipping doesn't have: customs forms, import duties, prohibited item lists, and wildly different delivery timelines depending on the destination country. Get it right and your package lands in Berlin in five days. Get it wrong and it sits in a customs facility for six weeks before being returned.
This guide walks through everything you need to know — choosing the right carrier, filling out customs forms correctly, understanding duties and taxes, and avoiding the most common mistakes that cause international packages to be delayed or rejected.
Choosing the Right Carrier for International Shipping
Four carriers dominate US international shipping: USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL. Each has strengths depending on package size, destination, speed, and budget.
USPS First Class Package International is the cheapest option for small, light packages (under 4 lbs) going to most countries — often $15–$35. USPS Priority Mail International adds speed and $200 of included insurance. UPS and FedEx are faster and more trackable for heavier shipments, but significantly more expensive. DHL Express is the gold standard for speed and reliability in Europe and Asia, often beating UPS and FedEx on delivery time to less common destinations.
- USPS First Class Package International: best for packages under 4 lbs, lowest cost, limited tracking
- USPS Priority Mail International: 6–10 days, $200 insurance included, full tracking
- USPS Priority Mail Express International: 3–5 days, $200 insurance, fastest USPS option
- UPS Worldwide Expedited / Express: 2–5 days, excellent tracking, higher cost
- FedEx International Economy / Priority: 2–5 days, strong business tools
- DHL Express Worldwide: often 1–4 days, best for remote destinations, premium price
Customs Forms: What You Need to Fill Out
Every international package requires a customs declaration — a form that tells the destination country what's inside, its value, and whether it's a gift or merchandise. For USPS, this is the CN22 (for packages under $400) or CN23 (for packages over $400 or with multiple items). UPS, FedEx, and DHL handle customs documentation electronically when you create the label.
The most important fields: accurate item description (not just 'gift' or 'clothing' — be specific: '100% cotton women's t-shirt'), declared value in USD (use actual retail or replacement value, not a low-balled number — misdeclaring value is customs fraud), country of origin, and HS (Harmonized System) tariff code if you're shipping commercial goods.
⚠️ Never mark a commercial shipment as a 'gift' to avoid customs duties. This is customs fraud and can result in package seizure, fines, and being flagged for future shipments. Declare the actual value and let the recipient handle any import taxes.
Duties, Taxes, and Who Pays Them
Import duties and taxes are charged by the destination country, not the US. Whether the recipient pays them on delivery or you pay upfront depends on the shipping terms you choose. DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) means the recipient pays any duties when the package arrives — common for small ecommerce sellers. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means you collect the duties upfront and pay them on the recipient's behalf — better customer experience but requires more setup.
Most countries have a de minimis threshold — a value below which no import duties are charged. The EU's threshold is €150, Canada's is CAD $20, Australia's is AUD $1,000, and the UK's is £135. Packages under these thresholds typically clear customs faster and without additional fees.
- EU: €150 de minimis, VAT applies to all imports
- Canada: CAD $20 de minimis (very low — most packages incur duties)
- UK: £135 de minimis for customs duty; VAT always applies
- Australia: AUD $1,000 de minimis — most small packages enter duty-free
- Japan: ¥10,000 de minimis (~$65 USD)
- Mexico: $50 USD de minimis for air, $117 for other modes
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Every country maintains a list of items it prohibits or restricts. Some are universal (drugs, weapons, counterfeit goods). Others are country-specific — Brazil restricts used electronics, Australia heavily restricts biosecurity items, Saudi Arabia prohibits alcohol and pork products. Before you ship, check the USPS Country Conditions page or the destination country's customs authority website.
Lithium batteries are one of the most commonly mishandled categories. USPS prohibits sending lithium batteries by air to most international destinations (Priority Mail International ships by air). If your product contains a lithium battery, you may need to ship surface (slower but compliant) or use a carrier with the right dangerous goods certification.
ℹ️ USPS publishes country-by-country prohibited and restricted items at pe.usps.com/text/Imm/immc1_010.htm. UPS and FedEx also maintain searchable databases. Always check before shipping to a new country.
Packaging for International Shipments
International packages travel longer and through more handling points than domestic packages. Use double-wall corrugated boxes for anything fragile. Seal all seams with pressure-sensitive tape, not standard packing tape. Include a second address label inside the box — if the outer label is damaged in transit, customs inspectors can find the destination from inside.
Print your customs form and attach it to the outside of the package in a clear poly envelope marked 'Documents Enclosed.' For USPS shipments, the customs form is typically integrated into the shipping label — don't attach a separate paper form unless explicitly required.