International Shipping & Duties

Purpose

This guide explains how eFulfillment Service (EFS) handles international shipments, including customs documentation, declared values, and duties. It also covers how to prepare your store and integration for successful cross-border delivery.

1. Overview of International Fulfillment

EFS ships to most countries worldwide using a range of carrier options, including USPS First Class International, USPS Priority International, FedEx International Connect Plus, FedEx International Economy, and FedEx International Priority.

You can choose from multiple service levels depending on speed, cost, and tracking requirements

All international orders require accurate customs information, which is pulled from the Fulfillment Control Panel (FCP) before shipment.

2. Customs Requirements

Every international shipment must include:

• Item Description: What the product is and what it is used for.

   

• Declared Value: Retail value for customs purposes.

   

• Country of Origin: Where the item was manufactured.

   

• HS (Harmonized System) Code: Used to classify the type of product.

   

These details are required for customs clearance. Missing or inaccurate information can cause long delays or returns.

The data syncs automatically from your Fulfillment Control Panel to the shipping software. You can edit or add missing fields within View Inventory → Edit SKU in your FCP.

3. Duties and Taxes

Duties, taxes, and import fees vary by destination country.
There are two primary types of billing for these costs:

• DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid): The buyer pays duties and taxes when the package arrives.

   

• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): The seller pays all duties and taxes upfront.

   

By default, EFS ships DDU unless otherwise arranged through a custom billing agreement.

If your store advertises “taxes included” or “no surprise fees,” ensure you discuss DDP setup with your Client Care Specialist.

4. Carrier Options

Common international carriers available through EFS include:

• USPS First-Class Package International Service

• USPS Priority Mail International

• FedEx International Economy

• FedEx International Connect Plus

Transit times vary by destination and service level.

Typical delivery windows range from 7–21 business days depending on customs clearance and carrier network performance.

5. Preparing Orders for Export

Before sending international orders:

1. Verify all SKUs have correct product descriptions and declared values.

2. Confirm recipient address includes postal code, province, and phone number.

3. Ensure no restricted or prohibited items are included in the shipment.

4. Check your integration’s country settings and enable supported destinations.

EFS cannot modify order destinations once they are imported, so address accuracy is essential.

6. Restricted or Prohibited Items

Some items cannot ship internationally due to customs restrictions or carrier rules.
Examples include:

• Aerosols or flammable liquids

   

• Perishable goods

   

• Alcohol and tobacco

   

• Lithium batteries (depending on destination)

If an order includes restricted products, it will be placed on hold, and the Customer Service team will contact you.

7. Tracking International Shipments

Tracking availability depends on the carrier and service selected:

• USPS First-Class: Limited tracking once it leaves the U.S.

   

• USPS Priority: End-to-end tracking in most countries.

   

• FedEx International: Full tracking visibility until delivery.

   

You can monitor progress directly in the FCP or by clicking the tracking number link to the carrier’s site.

Delays at customs are outside of EFS control and can take several business days.

8. Handling Customs Returns or Rejections

If customs rejects or returns a shipment:

1. The order will show as Returned to Sender once received back at EFS.

    

2. You’ll be notified by email.

    

3. You can choose to reship, dispose, or restock the returned inventory.

    

Additional shipping or duty fees may apply depending on the destination country’s and carriers policies.

9. Tips to Avoid International Delays

• Always use precise product names and descriptions.

   

• Include Harmonization Codes (HS) codes.

   

• Keep declared values realistic and consistent with your store’s listings.

   

• Confirm your carrier selection supports full tracking for the destination.

   

• Communicate clearly on your store whether duties/taxes are prepaid or due at delivery.

   

Following these practices ensures smoother customs clearance and fewer returned parcels.

10. Support and Claims

If an international order experiences excessive delay, loss, or damage:

1. Check the tracking link for carrier notes.

    

2. Wait at least 15 business days from the ship date before filing a claim.

    

3. Contact [email protected] with:

    

• Order number

   

• Tracking ID

   

• Description of the issue

   

EFS will coordinate with the carrier to investigate and provide a resolution timeline.

Next Steps

Continue to the next guide: Inventory & Warehouse

That guide covers how international shipments are processed, what documentation is required, and how customs fees and taxes are handled.