Cross-border (International) shipmentsUpdated 16 days ago
Orders shipped outside the U.S. pass through customs in the destination country before final delivery. Here's how the process works and what to know about duties and taxes.
How the process works
- The mail carrier hands off the package to the destination country's customs authority for inspection.
- The package is inspected. Inspection times vary depending on the volume of packages being processed.
- Package contents are verified, and anything that is not prohibited for delivery and not subject to duties and taxes is released for delivery.
- If the package is held for duties and taxes owed, the recipient must pay the fees to have the package released from customs. Duties and taxes are the responsibility of the package recipient.
- Refusal to pay duties and taxes will result in the package being returned to the shipper. Unpaid duties and taxes are deducted from the recipient's refund along with the postage cost.
- After clearing customs, the package is handed off to the mail carrier to complete delivery.
- The mail carrier will vary depending on the shipping service selected.
- Fully trackable services will usually reflect customs clearance.
FAQs
What are duties and taxes?
Import taxes assessed by the destination country based on the package contents. Refer to your country's import policy to determine if your order is liable for duties and/or taxes.
Will I be charged duties and taxes?
Duty and tax estimates are displayed during checkout. Some mail carriers like FedEx allow duties and taxes to be prepaid as part of the postage cost. Refer to your country's import policy to determine if your order is liable for duties and/or taxes.
Can the customs clearance process be expedited?
No. Once the package is in the possession of the destination country's customs authority, neither the shipper nor the mail carrier can intervene.
How will I know when my package has cleared customs?
Fully trackable shipping services usually reflect customs clearance.