Ship Internationally International shipments typically undergo more handling than domestic packages. Take care to properly pack items to protect them during the shipping process. If your item arrives broken due to poor packaging, your carrier may not pay an insurance claim.

Global Shipping Services

Evaluate the shipping carriers servicing your area. Some offer pickup from your location. A reputable carrier can help educate you on procedures and documentation required for your shipments.

For a fee, the carrier may even take responsibility for clearing customs for your shipment and arrange customs clearance before you ship. For example, UPS®, UPS Worldwide Express^SM, UPS Worldwide Plus^SM, and UPS Worldwide Expedited^SM shipments automatically include routine customs clearance.

For more information on your options, reference eBay's global trading tools or visit: USPS® Global Shipping .. DHL International Shipping .. FedEx® International Shipping .. UPS® International Shipping

Calculating Shipping Costs

Packaging Tips*

	Send your item in a sturdy box.
	Use strong packing tape to securely close the package.
	Pack your item in cushioning such as bubble wrap and packing peanuts. When using peanuts, use more than you think you need; they will settle during shipping.
	Attach correct labeling.
	Enclose documentation of the value of an item, such as an invoice stating the closing price of your listing, which customs officials can reference if your package is opened. Letters and documents do not typically require an invoice.

Shipping costs are typically higher for international destinations than for domestic locations and can vary greatly depending on what, where, and how you ship. Costs are based on a combination of the following:

• Weight and dimensions of the package
• Method of shipment (Ground, Next Day Air, etc.)
• Location you're shipping from
• Destination

When passing shipping costs on to your buyers, review the Shipping Internationally information to make sure you comply with eBay's policies. If you are listing on eBay.com, you can use the eBay Shipping Calculator to accurately estimate shipping costs. Generally, buyers pay additional costs that may apply, such as duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees.

For example, international rates may or may not include pickup and door-to-door delivery with customs clearance. Your package will arrive at your buyer's door, but she may need to pay extra international fees. An "extended area surcharge" may apply to your buyers, depending on their international locations.

Shipping Insurance

eBay recommends you offer shipping insurance on items to cover loss or damage that may occur in transit. Many carriers automatically provide some form of coverage (reference your carrier's policies), but you may want to purchase additional insurance, especially for high-value items.

You can either include insurance charges in your total shipping costs or give buyers the option to purchase shipping insurance separately.

Customs Forms and Other Documents

All shipments must clear customs, a government agency responsible for regulating shipments entering a country or region. You may accrue additional costs if items are returned because they don't clear customs. To help customs officials understand the contents, value, and purpose of your shipment, you must attach customs forms to the outside of your package so that they can be examined easily.

When declaring the value of an item on a customs form, list the closing price of your item. Do not include shipping and handling costs, the price you originally paid for an item, or what you believe it is worth. If you do, buyers may overpay the duties and taxes. For items other than letters and documents, also include a printout of the closing of the listing in your package. It can be used as a record of how much the buyer paid if customs officials inspect the package.

As a general rule, you should not declare your package's contents as a "gift." It is against the law to misrepresent an item in order to avoid customs fees.

You can get information on key customs forms at USPS.com. Visit the World Customs Organization Web site for more information about particular customs regulations around the world.

Determining Duties and Taxes

Duties and taxes may be charged on certain items and vary by country. Here are some general guidelines for items sold on eBay.com:

• Items less than $200 USD. Buyers should not have trouble importing these items. Many of the items in this price range that are prohibited from import, such as tobacco and firearms, are already banned on eBay.
• Items more than $200 USD. Buyers importing higher-dollar-value items for personal use may have to pay a duty or tax, even if the item is used. The amount of the duty, if any, depends on the type of item and its value. Some items can be imported without paying any duty at all.
• Items for commercial use. eBay members importing goods for a commercial purpose may have to deal with possible quotas, duties, and paperwork. Commercial goods (goods intended for resale) may have special entry requirements.

Export Development Agencies

If you plan to do substantial business with customers in other countries or deal in high-value or highly regulated items, do careful research and hire an expert, if necessary, to make sure all transactions comply with all applicable laws. eBay encourages you to reach out to your local export development agency and check with your carrier for any special rules that may govern your shipment of goods, including rules, regulations, duties, and taxes for countries whose borders your shipments may cross.

For example, the U.S. government has a number of resources to promote international trade and help businesses of all sizes familiarize themselves with export regulations, including:

International Trade Administration .. Trade Information Center .. Small Business Administration - Office of International Trade

The information in this document is provided as general information and is not comprehensive regarding all aspects of cross-border trade. It may not be applicable or accurate for shipments processed with certain carriers or for goods shipped across certain international borders.

Congratulations! You Are Ready to Sell to the World

Welcome to eBay's Global Marketplace. Now you are ready to explore the world of selling opportunities on eBay!

At eBay, we strive to meet your international trading needs and rely on input from the Community to help us improve. As you get more familiar with selling on eBay, please tell us about your experiences with international trade and share your tips and problems by emailing us at goglobal@ebay.com

Additional Information

Once your volume of international sales starts to increase, additional services and resources can help with logistics and defray some of the costs of shipping abroad.

• Payment processors facilitate the payment process by offering currency exchange services and may also offer consignment services. Providers in this category offer international money orders and broker a transaction until each party has received their respective goods or fees.
• Customs brokers provide help shepherding items through customs or provide logistics and consulting services. They tend to be more expensive and are typically used by high-volume shippers.
• eBay Resources:
• International Selling Help on eBay
• Community Boards
• International Chat Board
• Third-Party Software and Services Solutions