Customs, clearance tax and duty

International sales can face may complicated issues. Below are some examples of areas to consider, but you should check with your own legal counsel to ensure there aren't additional restrictions on the shipment or sale of your product in other countries or regions.

International Delivery

Include information on delivery costs and estimated arrival times for each market. Ensure that policies on international returns and the associated costs are clearly stated. International postage costs and transit differ based on weight, size and postage method. Providing clear information about your postage options can help international buyers shop with confidence from you.

Local Laws

Understand any restrictions around import, packaging and/or any additional fees in the countries you are advertising in. For example, any consumer product sold in the UAE must be labelled in Arabic, while Korea has instituted a ban on the use of PVC shrink wrap due to environmental concerns.

Customs

All packages have to pass through customs of the country you are dispatching to. Make sure you:

• Attach relevant customs forms on the outside of your package.
• Clearly state the contents, value and purpose of your package.

Taxes and duties

Duties and taxes may be charged on certain items and vary by country. Some countries charge Value Added Tax (VAT) on top of applicable duties. Usually, buyers are responsible for knowing how much they’ll be charged in taxes and duties, and bear the additional costs. However, you can help customers by mentioning relevant cost estimates in your listings.