For Brian Dunagan, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at GlobalPost, the shift isn’t really about policy. It’s about trust. At the Manifest supply chain conference this year, Dunagan sat down with the Outside the Box with Asendia USA podcast to unpack what 2025 taught the industry—and what the winners in 2026 will do differently.

His argument was simple: international shipping isn’t a logistics problem anymore. It’s a product design problem.

The real issue isn’t duties—it’s surprises

Tariffs have existed for as long as global trade has. What changed in 2025 was their visibility. Consumers began receiving unexpected invoices after their packages arrived, and the friction moved from the back end to the customer’s living room. The emotional response was swift.

“About 48% of consumers abandon the cart when they don’t feel like the price is transparent.”
—Amanda Meadows, Director of Partnerships, Asendia USA

Cart abandonment at that scale reframes the problem. Customers aren’t walking away because shipping costs too much. They’re walking away because they don’t know what shipping will cost. A duty paid at checkout feels like part of the deal. A duty charged at the door feels like a mistake—and unpredictability erodes trust faster than any price point ever could.

Customer experience now starts at the label

There’s a common assumption that customer experience lives at checkout, or maybe at the doorstep. Dunagan disagreed. For international orders, he argued, the most consequential customer moment happens earlier—at label creation.

This is where compliance rules, duties and taxes, and delivery expectations collide. Errors or ambiguity at this step don’t just cause operational delays. They create broken promises. A shipment mislabeled or a duty miscalculated becomes a customer service ticket, a negative review, or a lost lifetime customer.

The implication: shipping teams are designing the customer experience whether they realize it or not. Every decision about carriers, duty handling, and documentation shapes what arrives—and how the recipient feels when it does.

Absorb complexity for the customer, don’t pass it along

Modern international shipping can be extraordinarily complex. Customs documentation, country-specific regulations, duty calculations, and tax thresholds vary by destination and shift constantly. The question isn’t whether complexity exists. The question is who bears it.

GlobalPost’s approach is to take it on. Through Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) options and the newly launched GlobalPost Plus – Duties & Taxes Included, where duties and taxes are calculated and shown at label creation—not billed after the fact. Streamlined customs forms–no more printing paperwork.Compliance decisions happen upstream, inside a team built for them. With coverage across 25+countries and parcel protection up to $200, the infrastructure is there; the real unlock is the experience it enables.

“If you don’t have the right shipping process as part of that, you’re going to have customers not purchase it.”
—Brian Dunagan, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships, GlobalPost

That’s the throughline Dunagan returned to: a strong product, a clean UX, and a frictionless checkout will still lose customers if shipping introduces surprise. Shipping has to be factored into product design, not bolted on at the end.

What 2026 will reward

The brands that scale internationally in 2026 won’t necessarily be the fastest or the cheapest. They’ll be the clearest. Predictability will beat optimization. Transparency will beat speed. And intentional design will beat patchwork workarounds.

That’s true for merchants of every size. A small shop selling to 10 countries needs the same clarity at the label as an enterprise brand shipping to 100. The merchants still treating international as an experiment—piecing together carriers and hoping for the best—will find the friction catching up to them.

“How do we demystify international, make it easy for people?”
—Brian Dunagan, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships, GlobalPost

That question drives GlobalPost’s product roadmap. It’s also the question every brand selling cross-border should be asking itself.

A better mental model for international shipping

The biggest reframe from Dunagan’s conversation is also the simplest. International shipping isn’t an operational line item. It’s part of the product experience. Every surprise it creates is a surprise the brand created. Every moment of clarity it delivers is a moment the brand earned.

Complexity isn’t going away. The winning brands in 2026 will be the ones who absorb it on behalf of their customers—and make the global feel as simple as the local.

Stop losing carts to surprise fees. Learn how GlobalPost Plus – Duties & Taxes Included shows duties and taxes at label creation on ShipStation and ShipStation API—so your customers never get a bill at the door.

The post International Shipping Changed, Expectations Didn’t appeared first on GlobalPost.

When was the last time a customer touched your brand? Really touched it—held it, opened it, felt it? The answer, for most ecommerce businesses, is the delivery. Just the delivery.

And yet most retail operations still treat delivery like a back-office function—something to hand off, minimize, and hope for the best. At The Delivery Conference 2026, a room full of retail and logistics leaders made a compelling case that this mindset is quietly killing retention. The international ecommerce delivery experience, they argued, isn’t a cost center. It’s the point.

This article shares insights from expert-backed sessions on ecommerce delivery, AI, sustainability, logistics, and more at The Delivery Conference 2026. Watch all of the event sessions on-demand.

The leaky bucket problem

Chris Forbes, co-founder of Cheeky Panda, put it plainly in the Delivery That Delivers session.

“You’ve really got to focus on not having a leaky bucket,” Forbes said. “If you’re working really hard to get your customers, you’ve got to have retention—and retention is about delivery and customer experience.”

That metaphor is worth sitting with. Retailers collectively spend enormous sums on acquisition: paid social, SEO, influencer partnerships, promotions. But every poor delivery experience—a late package, a silent carrier, a frustrating return—punches a hole in the bottom of the bucket. You pour more in; it keeps leaking out.

Kristian Tottmar, strategic network lead at H&M, made a similar point about organizational design. Delivery doesn’t fail because of bad carriers. It fails because it gets siloed.

“Deliver fulfillment—it is not only a logistic question,” Totmer said. “It needs to be anchored, strongly, to your brand and company strategy.”

What he’s describing is a company-wide posture shift. Not a logistics upgrade. Not a carrier swap. A fundamental change in how delivery gets treated inside the org—who owns it, who it reports to, what it’s measured against.

It’s not about speed. It’s about trust.

Here’s the finding that surprised people in the room most: customers don’t actually need their packages faster. They need to believe the package is going to show up.

Krieger was direct about it. 

“People are really all about trust and certainty,” he said. “They don’t necessarily mind if things aren’t as optimal as they could be—as long as they trust what you’re telling them is actually going to happen and that the path is still acceptable.”

Alan Mullen, senior customer service manager at Superdry, had the living proof. During the Smart Costing session, he described a peak period when thousands of Superdry orders were stuck at customs. His team braced for an inbox crisis. What they found instead: when customers were proactively updated with clear timelines, the flood of support contacts didn’t come. Customers who knew what was happening didn’t need to ask.

“Customers don’t expect things to be perfect, but they expect you to update them when things go wrong.” – Alan Mullen, Superdry (Smart Costing)

Jade Roberts, general manager of customer experience at Monica Vinader, had taken this principle further than almost anyone else on the stage. During the Make Delivery Your Advantage session, she described a system her team built: whenever a parcel was predicted to arrive late, an email went out before the customer had any idea there was a problem. The delivery charge was automatically refunded. The estimated arrival was updated. A personal concierge from customer care was assigned to see the order through.

“What we’re telling you at that point is your parcel’s going to be late,” Roberts said. “But we’re doing everything we can to make sure you don’t have to contact us.”

The result was higher NPS scores across every carrier they initially tested it with. Some customers wrote back to say thank you—for a delivery that was running behind.

That’s the counterintuitive heart of this: a late delivery, handled well, can strengthen the customer relationship more than a delivery that arrived on time and was never acknowledged. The post-purchase window isn’t dead space. It’s an opportunity.

The operational case: Getting out of your own way

There’s a reason retailers who understand all of this still struggle to execute it consistently. The operational overhead is real.

DDP service offerings built for the way you actually ship. GlobalPost’s DDP options—Go, Plus, and Plus – Duties & Taxes Included—give you control over how landed costs are handled before they arrive on the doorstep. Instead of leaving customers to face unexpected fees at delivery, you can price duties and taxes at checkout and ship with confidence that what your customer paid is what they owe. That kind of transparency doesn’t just protect the customer experience—it removes a whole category of post-delivery friction from your support queue.

Hassle-free international shipping, from label to doorstep. Customs documentation is one of the quieter drains on fulfillment time—not dramatic enough to escalate, persistent enough to compound. GlobalPost reduces that burden by helping customers complete customs details accurately, without requiring your team to start from scratch on every cross-border shipment. Add address verification and concierge support into the mix, and what used to be a source of “where’s my order?” tickets becomes a more predictable, lower-touch process.

The goal of all of it is the same: more bandwidth for the work that actually requires a human. That’s what makes the strategic international ecommerce delivery experience possible in the first place—getting the operational layer out of the way.

What comes next

Mullen offered a parting thought during Smart Costing that was hard to shake.

“Within the next couple of years, people are going to have their own bots,” he said. “We’re gonna have bots talking to our own AI—and the customer world is going to change as well.”

He’s describing a near future in which the international ecommerce delivery experience is negotiated between systems—where a customer’s AI agent checks your shipping options, reviews your return policy, compares them to a competitor’s, and makes a recommendation before the customer has typed a single thing. The brands positioned to win in that environment are the ones who have already built delivery into their strategy, not as a cost to be managed but as a differentiator to be designed.

The merchants at TDC 2026 aren’t waiting. The leaky bucket is real, the evidence is overwhelming, and the tools to fix it exist. The question is just whether you’re going to treat your next shipment like a transaction—or like a relationship.

How do you know if you’re getting it right?

A quick gut check. You’re in good shape if…

Delivery is a company-wide conversation. Your ops, marketing, and customer experience teams are aligned on what a good delivery experience looks like—and what it costs when it goes wrong.

You’re using DDP to take the surprise out of international orders. When duties and taxes are calculated and communicated upfront, your customers aren’t hit with unexpected fees at the door—and your team isn’t fielding the fallout.

You’re proactive, not reactive. When something goes wrong, your customer knows before they have to ask. You’re not waiting for the “where’s my order?” email.

Your post-purchase window feels like your brand. The tracking page, the notification emails, the returns flow—they look and feel like you, not a carrier.

Your team isn’t doing things a system could do. Carrier service decisions, customs documentation, label details—if these are still manual, that’s time and money that could go elsewhere.

You’re measuring what matters. You’re not just tracking on-time delivery rate. You’re looking at NPS, repeat purchase rate, and post-delivery contact volume—the signals that tell you how the relationship is holding up.

If most of those are yes, you’re ahead of the curve. If a few gave you pause, that’s where the opportunity is.

Every shipment is a chance to build the relationship. GlobalPost gives you the tools to make it count. Talk to our team to get started.

The post Delivery as a Competitive Advantage (Not a Cost Center) appeared first on GlobalPost.

With so many different fees and rules, international shipping can often feel like being lost in a maze–but it doesn’t have to. In this blog, we’ll break down:

• The differences between de minimis thresholds, tariffs, and duties
• How they affect your bottom line
• Practical ways to stay compliant and reduce customer churn

What Exactly are Tariffs?

Simply put: Tariffs are fees governments place on imported goods. They’re different from duties, which are fixed and based on product value. Tariffs can shift quickly based on trade policy and economic strategy.

Why they matter? Tariffs can directly raise costs, and if you don’t factor them in, your profit margins and customer experience suffer.

What does De Minimis mean?

The term “de minimis” refers to a threshold value for imported goods below which duties and tariffs are waived. This means that if your shipment’s value falls under the de minimis threshold, your customer won’t have to pay these additional costs. This can be a significant advantage for sellers shipping small, low-value items, from small to medium-sized businesses selling t-shirts, to large businesses. 

“De minimis” is the term for a value limit on imported goods—if your shipment falls below that amount, duties and tariffs don’t apply. That means your customer won’t have to pay extra fees. It can be a big plus for anyone shipping lower-cost items, whether you’re a small t-shirt brand or a bigger company moving lots of products.

Global Differences: Navigating Varying De Minimis Thresholds

Keep in mind that de minimis thresholds aren’t the same everywhere—they can vary a lot depending on the country. Some countries have a pretty high threshold, but in some places it’s much lower, or there might not be one at all. That’s why it’s super important to do your homework and check the rules for each country you’re shipping to.

Duties vs. Taxes: Understanding the Distinction

People often use “duties” and “taxes” like they mean the same thing, but they’re actually different:

• Duties are fees applied for imported goods, usually based on what the item is and how much it’s worth.
• Taxes, like Value Added Tax (VAT) or Goods and Services Tax (GST), are broader—they apply to both imported and domestically made items.

Both duties and tariffs fall under what’s called indirect taxes.

Knowing the difference helps you stay on top of your costs and explain things clearly to your customers.

Calculate Costs with Our Duty and Tax Calculator

To simplify the process of estimating these costs for you and your customers, we highly recommend using our Duty and Tax Calculator. This tool can help you quickly determine the potential duties and taxes associated with your shipments, allowing you to provide accurate pricing on your products, with no sneaky fees. All you need to know is the correct HS code for each item you’re shipping. To make international shipping easier, we also offer a free HS code lookup tool!

How This Affects Your Bottom Line

Tariffs, duties, and de minimis thresholds can have a real impact on your shipping costs. If you don’t factor them in, your customers might get stuck with surprise charges, and that can lead to returned packages, unhappy buyers, and lost sales. To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re calculating all the potential costs upfront and keeping your customers in the loop.

Tips for Staying Compliant

Want to avoid delays and headaches at customs? Here are some simple steps that can help:

• Use the right product codes: Make sure your items are properly classified using the correct HS (Harmonized System) codes.
  
• Get your paperwork right: Always include accurate and complete customs documents—things like commercial invoices and packing slips.
  
• Stay in the know: Customs rules and tariffs can change, so check in regularly with the latest updates for the countries you ship to.
  
• Team up with pros: A solid shipping partner who knows international logistics can save you a lot of trouble.

No Surprises for Your Customers with GlobalPost Plus

Nobody likes surprise fees—especially your customers. One of the biggest reasons packages get returned or reviews go south is unexpected duties or taxes on delivery. That’s where GlobalPost Plus comes in.

With GlobalPost Plus, all duties and taxes are paid upfront (it’s called Delivered Duty Paid or DDP), so your customers won’t owe a thing when their package arrives. It’s a smoother, more transparent experience—and it makes a big difference in customer satisfaction and loyalty.

By understanding how tariffs, duties, and de minimis thresholds work—and using tools like our Duty and Tax Calculator and HS Classification Tool—you can take the guesswork out of cross-border shipping and grow your business with confidence.

The post What to Know About Tariffs, Duties & De Minimis  appeared first on GlobalPost.

GlobalPost Services That Ship to Canada

GlobalPost offers a range of services and features that make shipping to Canadian customers simpler. Regardless of what you and your customers need, GlobalPost delivers to your customers in the way you both need. 

GlobalPost Economy International

GlobalPost Economy International is an affordable option for sending small parcels (up to 4.4 lbs) internationally that is similar to USPS First Class Mail International®. Typically, it takes 10–14 days to reach the end consumer with the buyer paying for the duties and taxes upon arrival (Delivered Duties Unpaid – DDU). If you’re shipping to Canada, you should expect it to be on the lower end of this range, especially if you’re delivering to a major metro area. Additionally, you can ship to many more countries than just Canada with this service. Currently, over 220+ countries are supported. GlobalPost Economy International offers tracking into the destination country, or “Door-to-Country.” 

GlobalPost Standard International

GlobalPost Standard provides support to the same destinations as GlobalPost Economy International. However, it has more robust tracking than GlobalPost Economy thanks to “Door-to-Door” tracking. This means a package can be tracked all the way to final delivery. You can also ship much larger items since Standard supports sending parcels weighing as much as 70 lbs. Additionally, you get free coverage for any parcels valued up to $100 and packages arrive in around 6–10 days. There are other differences and similarities between these two services, including that they are both DDU services. Beyond these two services, there are other ways you can make shipping to Canada even simpler for yourself and your customers. 

GlobalPost Plus

Canada is among the US’s biggest trade partners. As such, you have a lot of streamlined options to deliver there. For instance, you can use GlobalPost Plus. GlobalPost Plus is a shipping service for parcels shipped to the UK, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands. Unlike GlobalPost Standard or Economy, this is a Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) service (we’ll get into that more in a minute). GlobalPost Plus provides other advantages, too, including a 5–8 delivery time and door-to-door tracking!

GlobalPost Service Comparison

Canada Delivery Duty Paid

To help reduce surprises for you and your customers, you can utilize Canada Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) to prepay all duties and taxes on USPS shipments to Canada. The rate charged depends on the service used. To use Canada DDP, parcels may not exceed 4 lbs. There are a few other restrictions to be aware of, too. Regardless, this provides a streamlined way to make shipping to Canada simple and affordable, and surprise-free. Whether you absorb these fees or add them to shipping charges, you can provide Canadian shoppers with a stress-free, convenient delivery experience. 

DDU vs. DDP

To clarify shipping options for your Canadian customers, you might encounter the terms Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) and Delivered Duty Paid (DDP). With DDU, your customers (or buyers) are responsible for paying any applicable duties, taxes, and fees upon arrival of their package, which can lead to unexpected costs and potential returns. In contrast, Delivered Duty Paid (DDP), like our GlobalPost Plus service, allows you (the shipper) to prepay these charges. This provides a transparent and surprise-free experience for your buyers, potentially increasing customer satisfaction and streamlining the delivery process.

How to Start Saving on Shipments to Canada

GlobalPost is available through many popular shipping platforms. This is the best way to ship with GlobalPost. You can find out how to create a GlobalPost label with your preferred shipping software, or find a new one. We’re on a range of shipping platforms, including ShipStation, Shippo, ShippingEasy, Stamps.com, Easyship, and many more! Open your business up to a new world of customers and savings! 

The post Shipping to Canada with GlobalPost appeared first on GlobalPost.

What Is a Tax ID, and Why Is It Important?

A tax ID, issued by a country’s tax authority, serves as a unique identifier for businesses or individuals. Many countries require these numbers for international shipping to enforce customs regulations, streamline taxation, and verify legal compliance. Having the correct tax ID on file helps expedite customs processing and reduces the risk of shipment delays that could impact customer relationships.

Why Accurate Tax ID Information Matters

• Prevents delays and extra costs: Incorrect or missing tax IDs can cause serious delays, unexpected fees, or even return-to-sender situations. Customs authorities rely on tax IDs to verify shipment details, and discrepancies can lead to added costs.
• Reduces the risk of fines and holds: Some regions enforce strict penalties for missing or incorrect tax IDs. Shipping goods without the required Economic Operations Registration and Identification (EORI) or Value Added Tax (VAT) ID, for example, could result in a compliance hold, which halts the package and may incur fines.
• Improves customer satisfaction: When deliveries arrive on time without surprises, customers are more likely to view your business positively and return for future purchases.
• Supports legal compliance and customer trust: Tax ID requirements are often legally mandated, and adhering to these rules protects your business from legal risks while building customer trust.

Country-Specific Tax ID Requirements

Tax ID rules vary by country, and staying informed on these requirements is crucial for smooth shipping. Here’s a quick overview of major regions and their specific needs:

United Kingdom: Post-Brexit, the United Kingdom requires an EORI number for businesses importing goods. Additionally, a VAT ID is often necessary for business shipments, especially for sellers in or outside the UK dealing with commercial goods. For shipments from the UK to Northern Ireland a UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS) is required.

Mexico: Here’s what you need to know:

• Tariff Increases and Import Restrictions (Effective Dec. 20, 2024):
  • Tariffs on finished textiles increased to 35% (from 20-25%) and textile inputs to 15% (from 10%).
  • Temporary imports of certain textiles under the IMMEX Program (e.g., clothing, and blankets) are now prohibited.
  • Impacts cross-border e-commerce strategies (e.g., using Section 321 or avoiding U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods).
• Tax ID Requirement (Effective Jan. 1, 2025):
  • Commercial shipments entering Mexico must include a Recipient Tax ID (or personal ID if no Tax ID exists).
  • Exemption for Postal Shipments: USPS confirmed postal shipments are excluded, pending formal communication from SEPOMex/UPU.
  • Temporary Exemption: A 6-month grace period is available, but shippers must submit a written request to qualify.

Brazil: Brazil requires a Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas (CPF) for individual shipments or a Cadastro Nacional da Pessoa Jurídica (CNPJ) for business shipments. It’s important to note that these numbers are associated with the recipient and are essential for processing imports through Brazilian customs.

United States: Generally, tax IDs aren’t mandatory for importing goods into the U.S. unless required by the shipper or recipient. However, providing an Employer Identification Number (EIN) can help facilitate customs.

European Union: Here’s what you need to know:

• EORI Number
  • Required for most EU countries, primarily B2B shipments.
• Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS)
  • Simplifies VAT payments for goods under €150.
  • Covers VAT for all 27 EU countries.
  • Removes the need for separate VAT numbers.
• Country-Specific VAT IDs
  • VAT numbers for individual EU countries.
  • For local business within an EU country.
  • For VAT compliance when IOSS doesn’t apply.

Canada: Canada often mandates a Business Number (BN) for commercial shipments, enabling efficient customs and tax management by Canadian authorities.

Asia-Pacific (e.g., China, Japan): Countries in this region may require specific tax or VAT IDs for goods entering the country. These requirements can vary based on product type and shipment purpose.

Germany: Germany mandates an EORI number for businesses importing goods from outside the EU. Additionally, a VAT ID may be required for certain imports, particularly those intended for resale or commercial purposes.

Saudi Arabia: Shipments to Saudi Arabia typically require a VAT ID number for businesses, as well as a personal ID number for individual shipments. Compliance with these IDs is crucial due to the country’s strict import regulations.

Each country’s approach reflects its unique trade policies, so working with a reliable shipping partner can be invaluable for navigating these varying requirements.

Staying Updated on Tax ID Requirements

As international tax laws change frequently, it’s essential to keep up with the latest requirements. Here are a few strategies:

• Choose a Shipping Platform with Regulatory Expertise: Platforms like GlobalPost offer up-to-date guidance on tax ID requirements across different countries, simplifying the management of international shipments.
• Stay Informed on Policy Changes: Following global trade updates and using resources such as GlobalPost can help you stay on top of shifting tax policies that may impact your business.

Final Thoughts

Meeting tax ID requirements isn’t just about filling in another form—it’s about ensuring compliance, enabling efficient trade, and delivering a smooth customer experience. By focusing on these details, you set your ecommerce brand up for global success and customer loyalty.

The post Understanding Tax ID Requirements for Cross-Border Shipping appeared first on GlobalPost.

What is an undervalued good in international shipping?

Before we examine what you can do to avoid undervaluing a good, you need to know what this term means. 

An undervalued good is any item declared on customs documents at a value lower than its actual price. This means key information used to determine the market value of the shipment is inaccurate. Valuing an item correctly is key to following customs regulations. It also helps you avoid complications during the clearance process, and ensures you pay any necessary tariffs before your shipment arrives at its destination. 

What happens if I undervalue my items?

When you under-declare the value of your items, or categorise them incorrectly with Harmonized Shipping (HS) codes, you risk legal penalties, including fines, and even the potential seizure of your shipments. Repeat failure to value items correctly could also create bad relationships with customs officials, potentially leading to package delays in the future. 

How do I value my items correctly to comply with international shipping laws?

There are several things to keep in mind before you ship a package internationally in order to comply with international shipping laws and avoid hold-ups at customs. Across the board, you must make sure all documentation, reporting, and relevant information is accurate and clear. 

Please consider the accuracy and clarity of the following items:

• Package Value Reporting: Declare the true market value of items, including the product price (at the time of sale), shipping, and insurance
• Customs Documentation: Quantity, product description, selling channel URL, tax ID’s
• Recipient Information: Full name, company name if applicable, address, valid phone number

When assessing accurate package value reporting, you must make sure that the product price, shipping, and insurance information matches the actual transaction value on all documents. 

It is also important to make sure your item is classified correctly. To ensure proper classification and make sure you’re paying the appropriate tariffs, always use the correct HS codes. These are used to bypass language barriers and streamline international shipping. Merchants can use GlobalPost’s free HS Code Lookup Tool to ensure precise classification.

Real-life example

You offer a $30 monthly subscription box with skincare products. One month, the box includes a $15 moisturizer and a $10 cleanser, totaling $25 in product value.

What to do: The product value should reflect the paid subscription value of $30, as that’s the value amount the customer paid for the box, even if the actual enclosed item value is $25.

Contact our support team 

At GlobalPost, we appreciate your attention to this matter and your cooperation in ensuring future shipments include accurate and complete customs declaration details.

If you have any questions or require further clarification regarding shipment compliance, please do not hesitate to contact our GlobalPost Support Team at info@goglobalpost.com or (888) 899-1255.

The post How to Determine the Value of Goods for Streamlined International Shipping appeared first on GlobalPost.

1. Complete Accurate and Detailed Documentation

Accurate and detailed documentation is crucial for smooth customs clearance. Ensure that your customs declaration is meticulously completed and includes a clear description of the goods (Ex: “Men’s Cotton T-Shirt” instead of “Shirt”), their value, and quantity. Don’t forget to include your selling channel URL and any required tax IDs to assist with identification and compliance. Any errors or omissions can lead to delays, fines, or other complications. Additionally, provide the recipient’s full name, the company name when applicable, and a valid phone number. This information will also come in handy when your parcel is out for delivery–incorrect or incomplete data can lead to non-delivery, disposal, or returns.

2. Properly Classify Your Goods

Correctly classifying goods using Harmonized System (HS) codes is essential for smooth customs clearance. HS codes determine the duties and taxes applied to shipments. Inaccurate classification can lead to delays, fines, or even seizure of goods. Merchants should use available resources such as GlobalPost’s free HS Code Lookup Tool to ensure precise classification. Accurate classification not only expedites customs processing but also helps in maintaining compliance with international trade regulations.

3. Understand and Comply with Destination Country Regulations

Understanding and complying with the specific regulations of the destination country is crucial for successful customs clearance. Each country has unique requirements regarding prohibited items and restricted goods. Ensuring compliance with these rules minimizes the risk of shipments being delayed or rejected at customs, thereby facilitating a smoother shipping process and enhancing overall efficiency. Check out our FAQs  for more information on prohibited and restricted items, or contact us if you have questions about a specific destination country.

4. Consider Prepaying Duties and Taxes

Prepaying duties and taxes can expedite customs clearance and enhance customer satisfaction. By calculating and settling these fees in advance, merchants can avoid unexpected costs and delays at customs. This proactive approach not only speeds up delivery times but also provides a transparent and hassle-free experience for customers, fostering trust and loyalty. GlobalPost makes it easy to pay taxes and duties on your international parcels. GlobalPost Plus is a Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) service that lets you ship parcels up to 66 lb to the world’s largest markets, including Canada, Mexico, Australia, Germany, France and the U.K. We also offer GlobalPost Go, a flat-rate shipping service for parcels up to 2 lb going to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong that’s inclusive of all taxes and duties. You can also use our free Duties & Taxes Calculator to estimate import duties and taxes for hundreds of countries worldwide.

5. Provide Accurate Valuations

Providing accurate valuations of shipped goods is crucial for customs clearance. The declared value on the commercial invoice must reflect the true market value of the items. Inaccurate valuations can lead to delays, fines, or additional scrutiny from customs authorities. Merchants should ensure all valuations are precise and well-documented to facilitate smooth processing. Accurate valuations help in avoiding complications and ensure a more efficient and transparent customs clearance process.

Experience True Hassle-Free International Shipping With GlobalPost

GlobalPost is the carrier of choice for growing businesses, designed from the ground up to make international shipping easy. Our hassle-free solutions help you reach new customers in new places. We handle the complexities so you can focus on what matters most: getting more products to more customers. From tariff codes to duties and taxes, we make global shipping as easy as local. Get in touch with our team to learn how we can help you with your international shipping needs.

Other Resources

Are you using ShipStation, Stamps.com, or ShippingEasy to create a GlobalPost label? Check out these Help Center articles for tips on how to encourage a smooth customs clearance.

• Ship Internationally on ShipStation
• Ship Internationally on Stamps.com
• Ship Internationally on ShippingEasy

The post 5 Shipping Tips For Streamlined Customs Clearance appeared first on GlobalPost.

Introducing Enhanced Tracking Features

We understand the importance of seamless tracking for you and your valued customers. That’s why we are thrilled to unveil the latest enhancements to our tracking page, designed to elevate your tracking experience.

1. Final-Mile Carrier Name and Tracking Number:

Now at your fingertips! Access crucial information effortlessly, as we introduce the inclusion of final-mile carrier names and tracking numbers.

2. Highlighted Major Tracking Events:

Stay informed with a glance! We’ve implemented a feature that highlights major tracking events, ensuring you can easily follow your shipment’s progress throughout its journey.

3. Streamlined Interface for Easy Tracking:

We understand the challenge of deciphering complex tracking events. Our revamped tracking page now offers a more user-friendly interface, providing enhanced visibility. This means your customers receive updates with utmost ease.

We believe these upgrades will not only simplify your tracking process but also empower you to keep your customers in the loop effectively. 

Untrackable vs trackable services 

Let’s discuss the differences between untrackable and trackable services before going into GlobalPost services. Untrackable services don’t have a tracking number and include things like postcards and letters. Additionally, if you lose the tracking number for a service, you won’t be able to track a shipment. 

On the other hand, trackable services come with a tracking number. For example, GlobalPost International Economy comes with free door-to-country tracking. Other services like GlobalPost International Standard and GlobalPost Plus each include door-to-door tracking. 

GlobalPost International Economy tracking

GlobalPost International Economy can be used for packages up to 4.4 pounds, and the transit time is 10-14 days. GlobalPost International Economy also includes door-to-country tracking, so you can track your package until it leaves US customs. The last update listed will be when your package is leaving the country. 

GlobalPost International Standard tracking 

GlobalPost International Standard packages can weigh up to 70 pounds, and the transit time is 8-12 days. GlobalPost International Standard also includes door-to-door tracking, so you can track your package as it moves in transit. This tracking method will show when your package arrives at its destination. 

GlobalPost Plus tracking

GlobalPost Plus is a Delivered Duty Paid service where the sender pays the taxes and duties instead of the person receiving the package. GlobalPost Plus allows you to send packages weighing up to 66 pounds to Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Mexico, New Zealand, and the U.K. The transit time is 4-8 days, depending on the destination, and door-to-door tracking is available.

Shipping software tracking 

GlobalPost partners with shipping platforms like ShipStation, so you can use our services in your current shipping process. ShipStation customers can view past order information including tracking numbers on the Shipments grid for convenience. This way, your business can track GlobalPost orders on the same page as orders to keep your workflow organized.

Tracking a shipment with GlobalPost

Merchants can track up to 35 shipments at a time. All you’ll need to do is to separate each shipment’s tracking number with a space. For help tracking shipments or any other questions, please reach out to our support team at (888) 899‑1255 through our contact form. Our team is available Monday-Friday from 6am-6pm PT. GlobalPost is here to offer support to your business however we can.

Knowing how to track GlobalPost shipments is essential. Customers will appreciate it when you’re able to answer questions about tracking shipments. We find the best route for your shipment throughout transit and use over 250 parameters for real-time tracking. This keeps shipping with GlobalPost affordable and modernized. International shipping shouldn’t be a barrier for your business. Let GlobalPost help you ship across the world. 

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Why should your business ship to Mexico?

The benefits of adding Mexico to your list of international shipping destinations are undeniable. Mexico is responsible for 28% of Latin America’s ecommerce revenue, contributing $38 million USD, and by 2025, Mexico is projected to have almost 78 billion online shoppers. Your business wants to be included in these numbers. And, with the US having exported over $324 billion worth of goods to Mexico in 2022, it’s more than possible to start shipping your products there. 

Streamlining customs forms 

Customs forms are one of the most important pieces of the international shipping puzzle, and it’s crucial to fill them out correctly; it streamlines the customs process, ensuring a better experience for your business and your customers. Before expanding your international offerings, check for international shipping restrictions and guidelines, as they can vary by country. The following products can’t be shipped to Mexico: 

• Alcohol 
• Weapons 
• Tobacco 
• Seeds 
• Plants 
• Precious metals
• Furs
• eCigarettes

Once you’ve confirmed your products can be shipped to destinations like Mexico, it’s time to start selling and filling out customs forms for your orders. 

HS codes and item descriptions 

Currently, only shipments traveling through or to the EU require HS codes, but it’s better to include HS codes whenever possible. As a reminder, HS codes are universally recognized numerical codes used to represent products being shipped. The good news is that as long as the information is correct on your customs forms, GlobalPost will add the correct HS code for you. If you would rather look up HS codes yourself, you can utilize our Free HS Tariff Lookup tool for up to five free daily lookups. 

Also, keep your item descriptions as accurate as possible and avoid vague wording. For example, instead of “clothes” or “shirt,” specify the style, color, and other identifying characteristics. Accurate item descriptions not only make for a more efficient customs process, but it helps GlobalPost apply the correct HS code to your shipment. 

Duties and taxes 

Determining how duties and taxes will be paid is essential. Duties and taxes are calculated based on factors like a shipment’s destination, the product you’re shipping, and the cost of the products being shipped. These fees can either be paid by the shipper or by the customer/recipient.

When shipping to Mexico, you’ll need to understand de minimus value, or the minimum threshold for taxing imported goods. If the items in your shipment are valued at over $117 USD, they will have taxes and duties applied. If the items in your shipment are valued from $40-$117, they will have taxes applied. 

Delivered Duty Paid, or DDP, is when the duties and taxes are paid by the shipper and don’t have to be paid by the customer on delivery. Delivered Duty Unpaid, or DDU, is when duties and taxes are paid by the customer when their package arrives. GlobalPost Plus includes DDP when shipping to Mexico, so you can streamline the customs process and pay the taxes and duties for customers. 

We recommend communicating how the duties and taxes will be paid to customers in advance to avoid returned packages and customer dissatisfaction. Additionally, confirm your customs information reflects who will be paying the duties and taxes to prevent any hold-ups. If you aren’t sure how to calculate the taxes and duties for your shipment, use our Duties and Taxes Calculator to estimate the cost. 

Available GlobalPost services 

GlobalPost Standard International, GlobalPost Economy International, and GlobalPost Plus can all be used when shipping to Mexico. GlobalPost Economy International shipments include door-to-country tracking and can be used for shipments weighing up to 4.4 pounds. GlobalPost Standard International and GlobalPost Plus each include door-to-door tracking and can be used for shipments up to 70 pounds and 66 pounds, respectively. More information on these services can be found in the table below. 

How GlobalPost supports shipping to Mexico 

As a business owner, we understand that you need to focus your time and energy on your business. GlobalPost provides support to all users via phone and email, so think of us as your private authority on international business. In addition to customer support, we offer up to $100 of free parcel coverage on GlobalPost Standard International shipments, plus the cost of shipping and up to $200 of free parcel coverage on GlobalPost Plus.

You can also purchase supplemental insurance, as long as the insurance cost isn’t more than the total worth of the items in your package. All insurance claims are filed through GlobalPost, so you don’t have to reach out to other providers. 

International shipping shouldn’t limit your business’s growth. GlobalPost wants to see your business successfully grow into the international marketplaces by providing you with support resources and eliminating the need for printed customs forms. Let GlobalPost help you ship around the globe!

Click here to download your copy of our “How to Ship to Mexico” guide and learn how to get started. 

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How GlobalPost supports international shippers 

International shipping doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. We understand that the focus should remain on your business, and with the help of GlobalPost, it can. If you can’t make it to the post office, GlobalPost shipments are eligible for USPS pick-up, as long as one of the other packages you would like picked up is using their Priority Mail^® service. 

Claims for lost and/or damaged packages are also filed through GlobalPost directly instead of a third party. This saves you time mailing claims documents or discussing your claim with multiple providers. If you have any questions regarding your claims or international shipping in general, our support team is available to help via phone at (888) 899‑1255, Monday- Friday from 6am – 6pm PT, and via contact form.

GlobalPost services 

GlobalPost offers merchants several different options, so you can select which service works best for your business needs. These services include GlobalPost Economy International, GlobalPost Standard International, and GlobalPost Plus. We’ve created a table highlighting all of our services below. 

Canada DDP 

GlobalPost merchants are able to prepay the taxes and duties for their customers with the help of Canada Delivery Duty Paid or DDP. Canada DDP can be used for First-Class Mail International^®, Priority Mail International^®, and Priority Mail Express International^® shipments, and the flat rate fee will vary depending on the service. The fee for First-Class Mail International^® packages is $7.95, while the fee for Priority Mail International^® and Priority Mail Express International^® is $9.95. 

One important thing to note is that shipments can’t weigh over four pounds, so weigh packages multiple times to confirm the accurate weight is entered. If packages weigh more than four pounds, it can lead to costly adjustments and/or returned packages. For more information on using Canada DDP with GlobalPost, visit our website. 

The benefits of shipping software 

Choosing a shipping software can be time-consuming. However, shipping software can help streamline your shipping process. GlobalPost currently partners with over 200 different shipping applications like ShippingEasy, ShipStation, and Stamps.com. These applications contain features like order dashboards, carrier integration, and rate comparison tools to centralize your shipping process and avoid clicking between multiple tabs. 

ShipStation

ShipStation is a shipping platform that strives to help businesses of all sizes ship their products. They keep merchants in mind and designed their platform to make shipping efficient and affordable. Whether you ship domestically or internationally, ShipStation wants to help your business succeed. Integrate your marketplace or store of choice in a matter of clicks, and start shipping. 

Shipping software basics 

Most platforms like ShipStation are made to grow with your business while helping you save time and money. As we mentioned earlier, a shipping software enables you to integrate stores and marketplaces to decrease the likelihood of missed orders. Many shipping softwares also provide customers with pre-negotiated and discounted shipping rates, so you can enjoy affordable carrier options. Most of these platforms include rate calculators, so you can compare rates in real-time to find the best option for your business. 

A shipping software like ShipStation also includes features to help with international shipping. International shipments require information like VAT and IOSS numbers on customs forms to identify how duties and taxes will be calculated and/or paid. With shipping softwares, these numbers can be saved and later selected from a drop-down menu or another selection tool. This way, you don’t have to manually enter VAT and IOSS information for each international order and save time on shipping. 

GlobalPost is working to modernize and simplify international shipping for growing businesses. Your international shipping workflow should be as easy and efficient as your domestic shipping workflow, and that’s why we offer our support throughout the entire process. We even partner with the likes of ShipStation, so you can take your international shipping to the next level. Enjoy hassle-free international shipping today with GlobalPost.

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