International Shipping Guide

Expanding into international markets allows brands to reach customers around the world, but shipping products across borders introduces additional requirements beyond domestic fulfillment.

International shipments must comply with customs regulations in the destination country. Customs authorities review shipment data to determine duties and taxes, confirm product classifications, and ensure goods meet import requirements. Because of this, international shipping requires accurate product information, proper documentation, and coordination between fulfillment operations, transportation providers, and customs authorities.

With the correct product data and shipping configurations in place, international orders can be processed in much the same way as domestic shipments. Shipping labels and customs documentation are generated during fulfillment, shipment data is transmitted to carriers, and goods move through international transportation networks to reach customers globally.

This guide outlines the core components of international shipping and the information required to support cross-border fulfillment.

Topics covered in this guide include:

This guide is organized into five sections that follow the typical process that brands encounter when preparing to ship internationally. Setting up international shipping with DCL will require following these steps, in this order. Use this outline as the best process to get started shipping internationally.

Part 1 – International Shipping Basics

Overview of how international shipments move through customs and the documentation required for cross-border delivery.

Part 2 – International Shipping Carriers

Outline of global carriers available to use for international shipping and how carrier solutions support cross- border delivery.

Part 3 – Product Information Required for Customs

Explanation of the product data customs authorities rely on to classify goods and determine duties and taxes.

Part 4 – Shipping to Canada and the European Union

Overview of additional requirements that may apply when shipping to these regions, including importer registrations and tax considerations.

Part 5 – Preparing to Launch International Shipping

Key steps businesses should review before beginning international fulfillment. Use this to review and gather the necessary information to start shipping.

When a shipment crosses an international border, it must be reviewed by customs authorities in the destination country before delivery.

Customs authorities evaluate several factors, including:

Most of this review occurs electronically before the shipment reaches the destination country.

The typical international shipment process looks like this:

Because customs clearance relies heavily on shipment data, accurate product information is essential for smooth international delivery.

When goods enter another country, customs authorities may apply duties and taxes based on the type of product and its declared value.

International shipments must specify who is responsible for paying these charges. Most used Incoterms at DCL are DDP and DAP incoterms for outbound shipments.

Delivered Duty Paid (DDP)

Under Delivered Duty Paid shipping terms:

This model is commonly used for ecommerce shipments because it provides the smoothest customer experience.

Delivered at Place (DAP)

Under Delivered at Place shipping terms:

While this approach may reduce upfront shipping costs, it can sometimes result in delivery delays or unexpected charges for customers.

Note: DAP was formerly named DDU.

International shipments require customs documentation that describes the goods being shipped.

Commercial Invoice

The commercial invoice is the primary document used by customs authorities. It includes:

Customs authorities rely on this document to determine duties and taxes.

Get more information on putting together your commercial invoice here.

Different carriers specialize in different types of shipments depending on factors such as destination, delivery speed, and shipment value. Understanding these carrier options helps businesses select the shipping solutions that best support reliable international delivery. Here is a list of international carriers DCL uses for cross-border shipping.

The international carrier used for a shipment at DCL may vary depending on factors such as the destination country, shipment value, delivery speed, and overall shipping volume. Some carriers specialize in express international delivery and integrated customs brokerage, while others focus on cost-efficient cross-border ecommerce shipments. Using multiple carrier solutions allows international orders to be routed through the option that best supports reliable delivery and consistent customer experience.

This section outlines the product information customs authorities require to process international shipments. Providing accurate and complete product data helps ensure shipments move smoothly through customs and reduces the likelihood of delays.

Customs authorities use this information to classify goods, determine duties and taxes, and confirm that products meet import regulations.

The Harmonized System (HS) code is an internationally recognized product classification system used by customs authorities around the world. Each product shipped internationally must be assigned an HS code that identifies the type of goods being imported.

HS codes are used by customs authorities to determine:

Using the correct HS code is important because incorrect classifications can result in shipment delays or reassessment of duties and taxes.

Country of Origin identifies where a product was manufactured or substantially transformed. Customs authorities use this information to determine applicable tariffs, trade agreements, and regulatory requirements.

Accurate country of origin information is required on customs documentation and commercial invoices.

Each product shipped internationally must include a declared value that reflects the true commercial value of the goods. Customs authorities use this value to calculate duties, taxes, and import fees.

Customs authorities require clear and accurate product descriptions that explain what the product is and how it is used.

Vague descriptions can make it difficult for customs authorities to classify goods correctly and may delay the clearance process.

Descriptions that should be avoided include:

More accurate descriptions include:

Providing specific product descriptions helps customs authorities quickly determine product classification and regulatory requirements.

Certain products may be subject to U.S. export control regulations depending on their technology or functionality. These items may require classification under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

Examples may include certain electronics, telecommunications equipment, or encryption-enabled technology products.

Some international shipments must be reported to the U.S. government through the Automated Export System (AES). This reporting requirement typically applies when:

The Canadian and the European Union (EU) markets often require importer registrations and may apply taxes or customs procedures that differ from domestic shipments.

Understanding the full scope of requirements can help ensure international shipments move smoothly through customs and reach customers without delays.

Canada is one of the most common international destinations for ecommerce shipments coming from the US. Businesses that regularly ship goods into Canada often obtain a Canadian Business Number (BN) issued by the Canada Revenue Agency.

A Business Number identifies the importing business for customs and tax purposes and allows shipments to be processed through Canadian customs systems.

Non-Resident Importer (NRI)

An NRI is not a separate registration or certificate. It is a status tied to how a company is set up with Canadian customs under its Business Number (BN), which is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency.

Canada Customs Clearance (PARS)

Canada uses a system called the Pre-Arrival Review System (PARS) for ground shipments entering the country. Under this process, shipment information must be submitted to customs before the shipment arrives at the border.

Submitting shipment data in advance allows customs to review documentation early and release the shipment upon arrival, reducing delays at the border.

Required action:
For shipments moving via LTL or truckload into Canada:

If this information is not submitted prior to arrival, the shipment may be held at the border until clearance is completed.

Canadian Import Taxes

When goods enter Canada they may be subject to federal and provincial taxes.

Common taxes include:

These taxes are calculated based on the declared value of the goods and any applicable duty rates.

Shipments entering the European Union require an EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification). This number identifies the importing business when goods are declared to customs within EU member states.

EU VAT and IOSS

For ecommerce shipments valued under 150 euros, VAT may be collected using the Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) system. IOSS allows VAT to be collected at the time of purchase and remitted electronically to EU tax authorities.

This system helps streamline customs processing and reduces the likelihood of delivery delays.

Shipments valued above 150 euros follow a different customs clearance process and may require formal customs entry.

This section outlines the key steps needed to begin international fulfillment with DCL. Confirming these elements in advance can help ensure shipments move smoothly through customs and reach customers without delays.

International shipping relies heavily on accurate product information, proper registrations, and clearly defined shipping terms.

Before shipping internationally, businesses should confirm that each product includes the information required by customs authorities.

This typically includes:-

Providing complete and accurate product information helps customs authorities classify goods and determine duties and taxes.

Some countries require businesses to obtain importer identification numbers before goods can be imported.

For example:

These identifiers allow customs authorities to associate shipments with the importing business and process duties and taxes.

Before launching international shipping, businesses should determine how duties and taxes will be handled as this directly affects your customers experience of your brand and your overall shipping cost strategy.

Many ecommerce brands choose Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) shipping so duties and taxes are paid in advance and customers receive their orders without additional charges at delivery.

Alternatively, shipments may be sent using Delivered at Place (DAP) terms, where duties and taxes are collected from the customer when the shipment arrives in their country.

International shipments require carriers that support customs clearance and cross-border transportation. Businesses should confirm the shipping services that best support their international delivery strategy.

Common international carriers include UPS, FedEx, Landmark Global, and Passport, each offering services designed for different shipment types and delivery requirements.

Once product information, importer registrations, shipping terms, and carrier services are confirmed, businesses can begin shipping orders internationally.

At that point, international shipments can be processed during the fulfillment process and routed through the appropriate carrier networks to support customs clearance and delivery.

Here are clear steps to help you submit and international order through DCL Logistics.

Taking the time to confirm these elements in advance helps ensure international shipments move efficiently through customs and reach customers reliably.