International Shipping

Overview

International shipping requires more than just choosing a carrier — you need to handle customs declarations, duties and taxes (showing customers the landed cost at checkout prevents nasty surprises), HS code classification for each product, and screening for items that are prohibited in certain countries. Getting this wrong leads to packages stuck in customs, unexpected bills delivered to customers, and damaged brand reputation.

This skill walks through setting up international shipping on each major platform, including the right apps for duties/taxes and customs form generation.

When to Use This Skill

• When expanding from domestic to international shipping and need to handle customs declarations
• When offering Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) so customers see the full landed cost at checkout
• When building a product catalog that needs HS codes for accurate tariff classification
• When screening orders for restricted items before processing international shipments
• When integrating with a customs broker or carrier (EasyPost, Shippo, Easyship, Flexport)

Core Instructions

Step 1: Determine your platform and choose the right international shipping tools