Follow these guidelines to ensure your parcel arrives safely, clears customs smoothly, and reaches the recipient without delays.
Before you ship
International shipping involves customs, carrier rules, and destination-country regulations. A little preparation goes a long way — here's what you need to know.
Use a sturdy corrugated cardboard box. Wrap fragile items individually with bubble wrap or foam. Fill empty space with packing peanuts or paper to prevent movement. Seal all seams with pressure-sensitive tape at least 2 inches wide.
Print or write the recipient's full name, street address, city, postal code, and country in large, legible letters. Include a return address on the outside. Place a duplicate address card inside the parcel in case the outer label is damaged.
Every item must be declared on the customs form with an accurate description and realistic market value. Undervaluing or mislabeling items is illegal and can result in seizure, fines, or criminal charges. If in doubt, declare conservatively and honestly.
Most destination countries charge import duties on parcels exceeding a threshold (commonly $100–$200 USD). The recipient is responsible for paying these fees. Declaring a realistic value protects you and the recipient — and is required by law.
Some items are prohibited or restricted by law, carrier policy, or destination-country regulations. Always verify before shipping — sending prohibited items can cause your parcel to be seized without compensation.
Air freight is faster (1–5 weeks) but more expensive per pound. Sea freight is more economical for heavy or bulky shipments but takes 7–13 weeks. For urgent or high-value items, air is recommended. For large moves or bulk goods, sea is the better choice.
Double-box fragile or valuable items — the inner box provides cushioning, the outer box takes the handling abuse.
Remove or cover any old shipping labels on reused boxes to avoid mis-routing.
Take photos of the packed contents before sealing — invaluable for insurance claims.
Avoid shipping perishables unless you are certain of transit times and destination regulations.
Keep your tracking number safe and share it with the recipient so they can monitor delivery.
Use the recipient's local-language address format when shipping to non-Latin-script countries.
Start your shipment now — we'll guide you every step of the way.