How do I estimate "Customs and Duties" when shipping international orders?

We help customers expand globally and fulfill international orders.

Customs officials use a shipment's declared value (the value the shipper declares on the goods being shipped), along with the description of the goods, to determine duties and taxes. It is important to ensure that the declared value claimed is accurate. Inaccurate declared value is one of the most prevalent reasons for duty and tax disputes. A shipment's declared value represents the selling price or fair market value of the contents of the shipment, even if not sold.

It is important to consider the effects of duties, taxes, port handling fees and other customs charges when determining your shipment's total shipping charges. Depending on the content of your shipment and the destination country, customs charges will affect the price the recipient is willing to pay for your product. Being able to calculate and communicate the "landed" cost up-front can often save both you and the recipient valuable time and money.

Almost all shipments crossing international borders are subject to the assessment of duties and taxes imposed by the importing country's government.

A shipment's duty and tax amount may be based on:

• Product value
• Trade agreements
• Country of manufacture
• Use of the product
• The product's Harmonized System (HS) code

 We may require the following for international shipments.

• Customs Description
• Product Value
• Country of Manufacture or Origin
• Harmonized (HS) Code

Your customers have to pay the customs duties and taxes requested by customs. If your customers deny paying the customs duties and taxes the shipment may be delayed/canceled. Please note that we cannot help with customs clearance related to USPS shipments

Helpful links:

Export.gov

HS Code, Duties and Taxes video

Duties and Taxes Video

Harmonized Tariff Schedule

Harmonized System Codes (HS).