International Shipping

Shipping Internationally can present challenges. The information below is intended to offer some guidance however there is a high degree of nuance to shipping internationally and what is below does not represent a definitive guide.

Duties and Taxes(DDU vs. DDP)

Duties and taxes for international shipping are applied at the port of entry based on the commodity, value, and destination of the shipment. There is absolutely no way to predict or forecast what that will be at the time of shipment.

DDU = Duties and taxes paid by the recipient

DDU is the most common method to use when shipping internationally. While the receipt/customer will be responsible for the duties and taxes, there are things that can be done to help mitigate the amount that needs to be paid and set expectations for the recipient.

DDP = Duties and taxes paid by the shipper

DDP is a less common service to use in general. DDP is not available on many international shipping methods. Duties and taxes are accessed at the port of entry and applied to the shipper's account. It is very difficult and time-consuming for us to go through after the fact and figure out which client to back-charge duties and taxes. Between the limited options and the difficulty in charging back the fees to the correct account, we do not offer DDP as a service.

Increasing your chances of Deliverability

Ensure that all customs values and information for products are represented in ShipHero. This would include Customs Value, Customs Description, Country of Origin, and Tariff Code.
Include the recipient's phone number and email address on the order.
When shipping DDU, select a shipping method that has fewer duties and taxes applied. Duties and taxes for the recipient can be substantially lowered by having shipments travel within the postal network. This is because additional fees are accessed to 3rd party delivery services such as FedEx or UPS. Below is a very broad-stroke breakdown of the international shipping options we typically utilize.
Clearly state on the store FAQ that the recipient is responsible for duties and taxes. This is VERY common and can be found on most web stores that offer international shipping.

International Shipping Method Summary

UPS International Mail Innovations: low freight cost, low duties, and taxes but longer transit time(7-11 D). Shipments travel through the UPS network domestically, get handed off to USPS at a port of entry, and then travel through the receiving country's postal network(ie Canada Post) for final delivery.
Increasing your chances of Deliverability
- Ensure that all customs values and information for products are represented in ShipHero. This would include Customs Value, Customs Description, Country of Origin, and Tariff Code.
- Include the recipient's phone number and email address on the order.
- When shipping DDP, select a shipping method that has fewer duties and taxes applied. Duties and taxes for the recipient can be substantially lowered by having shipments travel within the postal network. This is because additional fees are accessed to 3rd party delivery services such as FedEx or UPS. Below is a very broad-stroke breakdown of the international shipping options we typically utilize.
- Clearly state on the store FAQ that the recipient is responsible for duties and taxes. This is VERY common and can be found on most web stores that offer international shipping.
International Shipping Method Summary
- UPS International Mail Innovations: low freight cost, low duties, and taxes but longer transit time(7-11 D). Shipments travel through the UPS network domestically, get handed off to USPS at a port of entry, and then travel through the receiving country's postal network(ie Canada Post) for final delivery.
- FedEx International Economy / Priority: medium-tier transit cost, high duties, and taxes. Fast delivery(2-5 D).
- USPS International First Class(<5lbs)/Priority(>5lbs): slightly higher shipping rates but low duties and taxes, medium transit time(5-7 D). Travels through the postal network to the delivery point.
medium-tier transit cost, high duties, and taxes. Fast delivery(2-5 D).

- Please note: We have had trouble at customs with UPS's standard international services.