International shipping doesn’t have to be complex. We’re here to help! Read about the key topics that are essential to know before you start shipping worldwide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do your research! Some products that are shipped may not be allowed in certain countries. USPS offers a great resource that lists restricted items by country.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is the shipper’s responsibility to be transparent with your customers that customs, duties and taxes<\/a> may apply to international shipments. Tax laws vary between countries and shipments crossing international borders are subject to these laws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When shipping from one country to another, the customs department enforces their guidelines and it’s important that they are followed. Customs clearance can take time as packages are reviewed for eligibility in addition to any applicable duties or taxes. You may want to reference this list of international duty limits<\/a> before you ship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the type of postage used duties can be paid in advance if a valid customs tax reference number is provided otherwise the buyer is resonsible for paying any duties and taxes. These charges vary and are often based on the price and type of item, package weight, dimensions, origin country and destination country. Adding a HS code<\/a> is a good way to ensure that the item is classified correctly with the customs office processing the shipment. Learn more about what customs information<\/a> you need to ship with Chit Chats. <\/p>\n\n\n\n International shipping involves multiple carriers along the shipment’s journey. The last-mile delivery is usually handled by the destination country’s local postal authority. Not all international services provide full tracking with delivery confirmation. It helps to research the international service you choose to ship with so that you can prepare your customers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We recommend protecting your shipments with insurance especially when shipping internationally as there\u2019s a greater risk of products being damaged or lost. By providing insurance, you can minimize concerns from international buyers and also gain peace of mind. Chit Chats Insurance<\/a> is a low-cost option that can be easily added to your shipments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Estimated delivery times can be longer when shipping internationally especially due to customs clearance. Unexpected delays due to customs can happen especially if the shipment description is vague. It is imperative to provide specific and detailed shipment descriptions and while HS codes are not mandatory for all international shipments it can help minimize delays. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most carriers do not offer guaranteed delivery times so be transparent with your customers and provide a range rather than a specific date. In certain countries an international order may not be delivered directly to the customer\u2019s address and packages are instead sent to a local customs office or postal location for pick up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Be sure to verify addresses with your customers as international addresses do have specific formats. USPS provides a great resource for international address requirements<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Shipping a product internationally might require different packaging as the product will be in transit for longer. This is especially important if the product is fragile or of high value. Ensuring products arrive undamaged by choosing suitable packaging will lessen customer service queries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By opening up your marketplace you can start expanding your business today. Find more international shipping tips in our previous blog post.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n No hidden monthly fees. Unbeatable prices. More than 20 million packages delivered. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
2. Duties and taxes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
3. Multiple carriers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4. Insurance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5. Delivery times<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
6. Packaging<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Start saving with Chit Chats today!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n