How To Ship Internationally

Our online shipping tool will guide you through each step of the international shipping process. We’ve outlined the main steps to help ensure you’re prepared and informed.

• Every country has different shipping regulations. Look up country-specific shipping restrictions and service options.

• There are also rules for special-care or prohibited items. If you are shipping a large parcel, please be aware of size and weight restrictions.

• You’ll need several specific details about your shipment to avoid delays. These include:

  • The item’s harmonized tariff (HTS) code
  • The country where the item was made or assembled, and what materials it is made of
  • The value of the shipment

• You will need to enter both shipper and recipient information, keeping in mind some countries use unique formats for addresses or postal codes. Get address tips here.
• It is important that the contact information you provide is complete because (based upon the Incoterms you select) either you or the recipient will be contacted in the event that additional fees are due or the package is held in customs.

• You will be asked whether you’re using your own packaging materials or UPS packaging. Get packaging tips here.
• You will need to provide your package dimensions and weight. It is critical to provide accurate size and/or weight details to avoid delays or extra fees. Learn how to measure your package.
• Choose the international shipping service that’s best for your timeline and budget.
• Schedule a UPS pickup or drop off your package at a UPS location at your convenience.

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• Before your international shipment can be delivered, it will need to clear customs. You’ll need to complete a commercial invoice and any other required customs forms. We will guide you through all customs form requirements in our shipping tool.

• For customs clearance, it is critical that you provide full and specific information. You’ll need to provide details such as:

  • A clear item description with details such as materials used (Instead of “shirt” or “gift,” write “cotton T-shirt” or “ceramic mug”)
  • The purpose of your shipment (i.e. a gift, items you sold, documents of no value, etc.)
  • The item’s harmonized tariff (HTS) code. An incorrect code can lead to customs delays or even fines.
  • The country where the item was made or assembled
  • How the item is packed
  • The value of the shipment. Please provide both the quantity and value of the items in the package. This helps calculate the applicable duties, taxes and fees.

• If you have a UPS account, we can transmit your customs forms digitally (to enable Paperless^® Invoice, go to your account options screen to begin enrollment). If you don’t have an account, open one here or you’ll need to print out three copies of the commercial invoice and include it with your package.

• You’ll be able to review all the shipment details one final time before paying and printing your shipping label.
• Attach your shipping label to your package (along with your customs forms and 3 copies of your commercial invoice, if you aren’t transmitting them digitally).
• If you don’t have a label printer, swing by your nearest The UPS Store location and they can print it for you.

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Need Additional Resources for International Shipping?

Explore more customs compliance and delivery guides to help you ship globally with confidence.