8 min article

International shipping for sellers

Selling internationally is a great way to grow your business, and it's easy to get started. Simply add international shipping and your listings will become available to millions of eBay buyers worldwide.

Tip
Before making your items available internationally, read our International trading policy.

How to add international shipping to listings

Before adding international shipping to your listings, consider using eBay International Shipping. To add international shipping to your listing, select the countries you're open to shipping to and enter your international shipping service and costs. Here's how:

The quick listing tool
  1. On the create a listing page, scroll down to the How you'll ship it section.
  2. Choose either Select shipping for me or Select shipping myself.
  3. Select Create your own international shipping option.
  4. In the Shipping option dropdown, you have two options:
    • Charge actual cost: Shipping costs are automatically calculated based on the buyer's ZIP code and the dimensions and weight of the package.
    • Charge a flat cost: All buyers will be charged the same amount for shipping, regardless of their location. Enter the charge beside the Cost field.
  5. Choose the countries you'll ship to from Destination, and select your preferred carrier from Service.
 
  1. Go to the Shipping section.
  2. Select the three dot menu beside Shipping policy.
  3. Choose Edit policy or Create new policy
  4. Under International shipping, choose your own international shipping services. 
    • You'll have to choose either Flat (same cost to all buyers) or Calculated (Cost varies by location)
    • Then choose Ship to locations, Services, Cost (Flat shipping only), Combined shipping discounts (optional) and Handling cost (Calculated shipping only) 
  5. If you want to exclude international buyers in certain locations from purchasing your item, select Create exclusion list.
  6. Select Save and close.
 

For more control over setting shipping costs by region, you can use shipping rate tables.

When you offer international shipping, we may ask you to sign an International Selling Agreement. This is an acknowledgment that your items are subject to the policies of other eBay sites that they appear on, including the eBay Money Back Guarantee - opens in new window or tab.

Tip
Before we can process payouts for your international sales, you may need to provide additional verification information for the sites you're listed on. You should also comply with eBay listings policy for each location

Customs

Customs is a government agency responsible for regulating shipments entering a country. All shipments being sent to and from a country must clear customs first.

Your carrier will provide the applicable forms you'll need to fill out for international shipments, before you pay for and print a shipping label on eBay.

If you choose to send your item with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), there are two forms that may apply:

  • Green Tag 2976
  • White Form 2976-A

Below is a description of when each of these forms is applicable:

Service

Shipping Method

Green Tag 2976

White Form 2976-A

Letter Post (small mail)

Ground & Airmail

Less than $400 value

Value is $400 or more White form inside package and top part of green sticker outside

Parcel Select

Ground & Airmail

N/A

All packages

Global Priority Mail

Airmail

Non-dutiable items (little or no value)

Dutiable items

You can find these forms online as well as other relevant customs information on the US Postal Service website - opens in new window or tab.

Filling in a customs form

On the form, you'll need to enter:

  • Your name and address
  • The recipient's name and address
  • The package's contents, value, and weight

You’ll also need to add other information such as the Exemption and Exclusion Legend, or a Proof of Filing Citation that is required by the U.S. Census Bureau.

You may need to file an export license for items that sold for more than $2,500.

When completing the customs form, please use the following guidelines:

  • Contents: Enter a detailed description of each item - for example: "men's cotton shirts." General descriptions such as "samples, food products" are not permitted
  • License number: If your item is accompanied by a license or certificate, enter the license number
  • Certificate number: If your item is accompanied by a license or certificate, enter the certificate number
  • Invoice number: If your item is accompanied by a license or certificate, enter the invoice number
  • Item value: Enter the value of each item and total in U.S. dollars
  • Item weight: Enter the net weight of each item in pounds and ounces. Enter the total weight of the package in pounds and ounces, including packaging, which corresponds to the weight used to calculate the postage
  • Country of manufacture/origin: State the country where the goods originated—that is, where the items were produced/manufactured or assembled. Senders of commercial items are advised to supply this information because it will assist customs in processing the items
  • EEL/PFC: Enter an Exemption and Exclusion Legend or Proof of Filing Citation
  • HS Tariff Number: If known, enter the 6-digit HS (Harmonized System) Tariff Number. This number must be based on the Harmonized Commodity description and coding system developed by the World Customs Organization - opens in new window or tab

Tip
You need to enclose an invoice for all commercial items.

Using the Customs Declaration Envelope

The Customs Declaration Envelope (Customs Envelope 2976-E) is an adhesive-backed plastic envelope that's used to hold shipping labels and customs forms. These envelopes can be picked up from your local Post Office or ordered online at the USPS web site - opens in new window or tab.

Specifying the Automated Export System/Internal Transaction Number (AES/ITN)

On the customs form you'll need to specify an Automated Export System/Internal Transaction Number (AES/ITN). An ITN is required for any international shipment that contains an item valued over $2,500 and/or requires an export license unless exemptions - opens in new window or tab apply.

Example:

  • AES X20120502123456
  • AESDOWN 123456778 02/25/2012

To get an ITN, go to the AESDirect website - opens in new window or tab.

For most shipments, you'll be able to use one of the following Exemption and Exclusion Legends - opens in new window or tab:

  • If you're shipping to Canada, enter "NOEEI 30.36"
  • If the value of your shipment is less than $2,500, enter "NOEEI 30.37(a)"
  • If the item you're shipping is a gift or humanitarian donation, enter "NOEEI 30.37(h)"

Filing export licenses

If you're shipping an item valued at more than $2,500 or an item requiring an export license, you need to file electronically with the U.S. Census Bureau and get a Proof of Filing Citation (PFC). To file electronically, go to the U.S. Census Bureau Automated Export System (AES) - opens in new window or tab. You'll also find additional information there on:

  • Items that may require an export license
  • Requirements for and restrictions on shipping to certain countries
 

Who pays for customs?

Generally, buyers pay any additional costs associated with international purchases, such as duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees. To avoid any misunderstandings with your buyers, state this clearly on your listings.

Here's an example:

"International buyers – please note: Import duties, taxes, and charges aren't included in the item price or postage cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.

"Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be, prior to bidding or buying."

Also note:

  • It's illegal to falsify customs declarations or mark an item as a "gift" in order to avoid customs fees. If a buyer asks you to commit customs fraud, report it to us - opens in new window or tab
  • To follow US export regulations and prevent your package from being held for inspection, you must complete customs forms and possibly file an export license for items that sold for more than $2,500
  • Customs regulations vary by country and not all carriers ship to all locations
 

eBay is partnering with third-party carriers to provide affordable international shipping services for items that fit certain eligibility criteria. Buyers with a shipping address in Mexico can select international shipping with Estafeta - opens in new window or tab, and buyers with a shipping address in China can select HDB International Shipping Services - opens in new window or tab when purchasing eligible items.

When creating your listing, add international shipping by selecting the countries you're open to shipping to, and an international shipping service.

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