International Shipping from the US: Complete Guide
International Shipping from the US: Complete Guide
Shipping internationally from the United States involves more steps than domestic shipping, but it is entirely manageable once you understand customs forms, duties, carrier options, and packaging requirements. Whether you are sending a gift to family overseas, fulfilling e-commerce orders to international customers, or shipping business documents abroad, this guide covers every aspect of the process with specific pricing, timelines, and country-level guidance.
Shipping rates and delivery times are estimates and may vary. Verify current rates directly with carriers.
Key Takeaways
- USPS is typically the cheapest option for international packages under 4 lbs, while FedEx and UPS offer faster and more reliable service for time-sensitive or high-value shipments.
- Every international shipment requires a customs declaration form. Getting this wrong is the most common cause of delays.
- Duties and taxes are paid by the recipient in most cases, and they can add 10-30% to the declared value of the shipment depending on the destination country.
- Certain items are prohibited or restricted by specific countries. Always check destination-specific rules before shipping.
International Carrier Comparison
| Feature | USPS | FedEx | UPS | DHL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheapest for small packages (under 4 lbs) | Yes | No | No | Sometimes |
| Fastest express service | 3-5 days (Priority Express Intl) | 1-3 days (International Priority) | 1-3 days (Worldwide Express) | 1-3 days (Express Worldwide) |
| Economy service | 7-21 days (First-Class Intl) | 5-7 days (Intl Economy) | 5-8 days (Worldwide Expedited) | 5-10 days (Express Envelope) |
| Countries served | 190+ | 220+ | 220+ | 220+ |
| Tracking quality (international) | Limited after leaving US | End-to-end | End-to-end | End-to-end |
| Customs clearance | Destination postal service handles | FedEx handles (brokerage fee may apply) | UPS handles (brokerage fee may apply) | DHL handles (brokerage fee may apply) |
| Max package weight | 70 lbs (varies by country) | 150 lbs | 150 lbs | 150 lbs |
| Included insurance | Varies by service | $100 declared value | $100 declared value | Varies |
Pricing Comparison: 3 lb Package to Select Destinations
| Destination | USPS Priority Mail Intl | USPS First-Class Intl | FedEx Intl Economy | UPS Worldwide Saver | DHL Express |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $38.00 | $20.00 | $35.00 | $38.00 | $40.00 |
| United Kingdom | $52.00 | $26.00 | $55.00 | $58.00 | $52.00 |
| Australia | $58.00 | $28.00 | $65.00 | $68.00 | $60.00 |
| Germany | $52.00 | $26.00 | $55.00 | $58.00 | $50.00 |
| Japan | $48.00 | $25.00 | $52.00 | $55.00 | $48.00 |
For small, lightweight packages, USPS First-Class Package International Service is the clear budget winner. For speed and reliability, FedEx and DHL consistently outperform USPS on international routes, particularly for deliveries to developing nations where postal infrastructure may be less reliable.
Customs Forms Explained
Every international shipment requires a customs declaration. The form you use depends on the value and type of shipment:
CN22 (Small Customs Declaration)
- Used for: USPS First-Class Package International Service and small packages with a declared value under $400
- What it includes: Brief description of contents, quantity, weight, value, and whether the item is a gift, commercial sample, or merchandise
- How to complete: Filled out electronically when you create your label online, or on a paper form at the Post Office
CN23 (Detailed Customs Declaration)
- Used for: USPS Priority Mail International, Priority Mail Express International, and any package with a declared value over $400
- What it includes: Detailed item descriptions, HS (Harmonized System) tariff codes, country of origin for each item, total value, and sender/recipient information
- How to complete: Generated automatically when creating a label through usps.com or a third-party platform
Commercial Invoice
- Used for: All FedEx, UPS, and DHL international shipments, and any commercial (non-gift) shipment regardless of carrier
- What it includes: Complete buyer and seller information, detailed item descriptions, HS codes, declared value, terms of sale (Incoterms), and country of manufacture
- Required copies: Typically three copies must be attached to the outside of the package in a clear pouch
Critical tip: Describe your items accurately and specifically. “Clothing” is too vague and may cause delays. “Women’s cotton t-shirt, 100% cotton, made in USA” is clear and will move through customs faster. Never undervalue items to reduce duties, as this is customs fraud and can result in fines, seizure of goods, or criminal charges.
HS Codes and Duties
Harmonized System (HS) codes are internationally standardized numbers that classify every type of product for customs purposes. Each code determines the duty rate (import tax) that the destination country charges.
How to Find HS Codes
- USITC HTS Search: Search at hts.usitc.gov for the official US classification database
- Carrier tools: FedEx, UPS, and DHL all offer HS code lookup tools on their websites
- Third-party tools: Platforms like Zonos and SimplyDuty provide HS code search and duty calculators
Duty Rate Examples by Destination
| Product Category | Canada Duty Rate | UK Duty Rate | Australia Duty Rate | EU Duty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clothing/Textiles | 0-18% | 6.5-12% | 5-10% | 6.5-12% |
| Electronics | 0% | 0-3.7% | 0-5% | 0-6% |
| Jewelry | 0-8.5% | 2.5-4% | 0-5% | 2.5-4% |
| Books | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Food/Supplements | 0-12.5% | 0-20% | 0-5% | 0-20% |
Most countries also add Value Added Tax (VAT) or Goods and Services Tax (GST) on top of duty charges. The UK charges 20% VAT, Australia charges 10% GST, and EU countries charge 19-27% VAT. These taxes are typically collected from the recipient at delivery.
De Minimis Thresholds
Many countries exempt low-value shipments from duty charges. Key thresholds:
| Country | De Minimis Value (Duty-Free Below This) |
|---|---|
| United States (imports) | $800 |
| Canada | CAD $20 ( |
| United Kingdom | GBP 135 (~$170 USD) — collected at point of sale for B2C |
| Australia | AUD $1,000 (~$650 USD) |
| European Union | EUR 150 (~$165 USD) — collected at point of sale for B2C |
Country-Specific Guides
Shipping to Canada
Canada is the easiest international destination from the US due to geographic proximity and the USMCA trade agreement (successor to NAFTA). Many goods qualify for duty-free treatment under USMCA if manufactured in the US, Canada, or Mexico. USPS Priority Mail International to Canada typically arrives in 6-10 business days. FedEx International Ground is available to Canada (but not other countries) and offers 5-7 day delivery at lower cost than air services. Watch for CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) brokerage fees when using FedEx or UPS, which can add $10-$25 to the recipient’s cost. USPS shipments to Canada are handled by Canada Post with no brokerage fees.
Shipping to the United Kingdom
Post-Brexit, the UK operates its own customs regime separate from the EU. All commercial shipments require an HS code and declared value. UK VAT (20%) is collected at the point of sale for goods valued under GBP 135 when shipped by businesses. USPS Priority Mail International takes 6-10 business days. FedEx and DHL typically deliver in 2-4 business days. Royal Mail handles final delivery for USPS packages.
Shipping to Australia
Australia has a relatively high de minimis threshold of AUD $1,000, making it favorable for sending lower-value items without duty. However, Australia has strict biosecurity laws. Do not ship food, plant materials, wooden items, or animal products without checking the Australian Department of Agriculture’s import rules. Delivery times from the US are typically 6-12 business days for USPS Priority Mail International and 3-5 business days for FedEx/DHL.
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Each destination country has its own prohibited items list. Common categories that cause problems:
- Food and agricultural products: Many countries restrict or prohibit meat, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and seeds
- Alcohol and tobacco: Requires special permits in most countries
- Medications and supplements: Prescription drugs are restricted in most countries; even over-the-counter supplements may be prohibited
- Lithium batteries: Restricted on air transport; some carriers will not ship them internationally at all
- Currency: Cash shipments above certain thresholds require declaration
- Weapons and replicas: Broadly prohibited internationally
- Counterfeit goods: Seized by customs worldwide
Always check the destination country’s customs website and the carrier’s prohibited items list before shipping. USPS provides country-specific restrictions in their International Mail Manual, accessible at pe.usps.com.
Insurance for International Shipments
International shipments carry higher risk of loss, damage, and theft than domestic shipments. Consider your insurance options:
| Option | Coverage | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPS included insurance | Up to $100 (Priority Mail Intl) | Included | Low-value items |
| USPS additional insurance | Up to $5,000 | $2.75 - $50+ depending on value | Medium-value items |
| FedEx/UPS declared value | Up to $50,000 | ~$3.00 per $100 of declared value | Business shipments |
| Third-party (Shipsurance, Route) | Varies (up to $10,000+) | Often 1-2% of declared value | High-value items, better claim process |
For items valued over $200, adding insurance is strongly recommended for international shipments. The claim process for international shipments is more complex and slower than domestic claims. See How to File a USPS/FedEx/UPS Claim for Lost or Damaged Packages for detailed instructions on filing claims with each carrier.
Packaging for International Shipments
International packages endure rougher handling than domestic shipments, as they pass through multiple carrier systems, customs inspections, and often spend more time in transit.
- Use a sturdy corrugated box: Single-wall corrugated is minimum; double-wall for items over 10 lbs or fragile contents
- Add 50% more cushioning than you would for a domestic shipment
- Waterproof your contents: Place items in a plastic bag inside the box in case of exposure to weather during transit or customs inspection
- Secure the customs documents: Place forms in a clear adhesive envelope on the outside of the package where they are easily accessible
- Label clearly: Include both sender and recipient phone numbers on the label, as customs may need to contact either party
For detailed packing techniques, see How to Ship Fragile Items Without Breakage.
Common International Shipping Mistakes
- Incomplete or vague customs forms: This is the number one cause of international shipping delays. Be specific with item descriptions, accurate with values, and include HS codes.
- Not informing the recipient about duties: Many recipients are surprised by duty and tax charges. Communicate expected costs upfront to avoid refused deliveries.
- Shipping prohibited items: Research destination-specific restrictions before shipping. A returned or seized package means lost product and wasted shipping costs.
- Undervaluing items on customs forms: This is illegal. Customs authorities are experienced at identifying undervalued shipments and may assess penalties.
- Using inadequate packaging: International shipments are handled more roughly and spend more time in transit. Package accordingly.
- Ignoring delivery time expectations: USPS First-Class International can take 14-21+ days to some destinations. Set realistic expectations with your recipient or customer.
Next Steps
- Determine the best carrier for your route: Use the pricing comparison above to shortlist your options for your specific destination.
- Look up HS codes: If shipping commercial goods, identify the correct HS codes before creating your label.
- Check prohibited items: Verify that everything in your package is allowed in the destination country.
- Create your customs forms: Use your carrier’s website or a platform like PirateShip to generate accurate customs documentation.
- Consider insurance: For items valued over $200, add coverage to protect against loss or damage.
- Explore related guides: See FedEx vs UPS vs USPS: Complete Comparison for Every Use Case for a domestic carrier comparison, How to Ship a Package: Step-by-Step for Beginners for shipping fundamentals, and Small Business Shipping Guide: Save Money on Every Shipment for volume discount strategies.
Shipping rates and delivery times are estimates and may vary. Verify current rates directly with carriers.