International Shipping FAQ (2024)

When printing U.S. Postal Service® international shipping labels on eBay, here are a few answers to commonly asked questions.

Multiple copies of a form printed, but I do not see a postage paid shipping label like I normally see with PayPal label printing. Where is my postage label?Why do the custom forms that print from PayPal look different than the smaller green customs forms I have been previously using?How should I attach shipping label and custom forms to the package? Why are there multiple copies?Can I use my own adhesive label holder for the international labels? Can I tape the international labels to the package instead?Can I drop my Express Mail International®item or other international packages in a collection box?Can the shipping cost be hidden on international labels?I need more information on postage, shipping and customs forms on eBay/PayPal. Where can I find it?International Shipping FAQ (1)International Shipping FAQ (2)Multiple copies of a form printed, but I do not see a postage paid shipping label like I normally see with PayPal label printing. Where is my postage label?

If you inspect the first label that printed, it contains both your postage paid shipping label and customs form all in one. In the upper right corner is the postage area showing your paid postage amount. This first form with postage included should be the top form on the package and show through the clear envelope. It is titled "Customers Declaration" in the lower right corner of the form.

International Shipping FAQ (3)International Shipping FAQ (4)International Shipping FAQ (5)Why do the custom forms that print from PayPal look different than the smaller green customs forms I have been previously using?

The 2976 version of the online shipping label is larger than the smaller green customs forms to allow for postage, mailing information and customs information on one copy.

International Shipping FAQ (6)International Shipping FAQ (7)International Shipping FAQ (8)How should I attach shipping label and custom forms to the package? Why are there multiple copies?

Each of the different U.S. Postal Service® international services print different forms and have multiple copies. In all cases however, you should keep the copy labeled "Senders Copy" on the lower right of the form. The remaining forms should be placed in the clear plastic adhesive backed pouch, PS Form 2976-E.

Express Mail International®

If using Carrier Pickup, place four copies of the shipping labels in the PS Form 2976-E envelope, and retain the sender's copy.
Place copies 1-4 in PS Form 2976-E (adhesive envelope), retain copy 5, Senders Copy. If you choose to purchase special services at the post office, place all five copies of the shipping labels in PS Form 2976-E. The post office sales and service associate will complete the rest of the label, retain a copy, and give you the sender's copy.

Priority Mail International®

Place two copies of the shipping labels in PS Form 2976-E, and retain the sender's copy.
Place Customs Declaration and post office copy in PS Form 2976-E (adhesive envelope), retain the sender's copy.
International Shipping FAQ (9)International Shipping FAQ (10)International Shipping FAQ (11)Can I use my own adhesive label holder for the international labels? Can I tape the international labels to the package instead?

You may not tape the international labels and/or customs forms to your package. They must be placed in a clear adhesive pouch/envelope to allow easy inspection by various carriers and customs officials.

It is required that you use a U.S. Postal Service supplied envelope for PS Form 2976-E, which can be obtained at your local post office or online for free.

International Shipping FAQ (12)International Shipping FAQ (13)International Shipping FAQ (14)Can I drop my Express Mail International® item or other international packages in a collection box?

International items may not be placed in a U.S. Postal Service collection box. You must hand them to a U.S. Postal Service employee in a post office or to your carrier at the time of mail delivery, or schedule a carrier pickup online at www.usps.com/pickup.

International Shipping FAQ (15)International Shipping FAQ (16)International Shipping FAQ (17)Can the shipping cost be hidden on international labels?

No, this option is not available. The shipping cost must be displayed on international shipping labels, because it is required by customs. Items that do not display the shipping cost may be returned by customs.

International Shipping FAQ (18)International Shipping FAQ (19)International Shipping FAQ (20)I need more information on postage, shipping and customs forms on eBay/PayPal. Where can I find it?

To obtain more detailed information and help please visit the PayPal shipping help section here.

For more general information on buying and selling internationally on eBay, visit the Global Trade resource center.


International Shipping FAQ (2024)

FAQs

How does shipping internationally work? ›

The complex world of international shipping can be broken down into seven general steps, encompassing documentation, communications, transport, and goods handling. To get a product from a business to the consignee, the product must complete export and import haulage, warehousing, customs clearance, and freight.

What is international shipping policy? ›

The recipient of an international shipment may be subject to import taxes, customs duties and fees, which are imposed once a shipment reaches the recipient's country. Additional charges for customs clearance must be fulfilled by the recipient.

What are the steps of international shipping? ›

The seven steps of international shipping: Export Haulage, Origin Handling, Export Customs Clearance, Ocean Freight, Import Customs Clearance, Destination Handling and Import Haulage. If in doubt, look to the contract between the shipper and consignee.

What paperwork is needed for international shipments? ›

Here's a list of the main documents that those shipping internationally will need:
  • Commercial Invoice. ...
  • Bill of Lading. ...
  • Air Waybill. ...
  • Certificate of Origin. ...
  • Export and Import Licenses. ...
  • Export Packing List. ...
  • Insurance Certificate.
Aug 3, 2023

Who pays for international shipping? ›

Either the shipper or the receiver will be responsible for payment of duties, taxes and fees. In rare instances, these may be charged to a third party. When the shipper pays duties, fees or taxes, it is called Delivery Duty Paid (DDP).

What is the cheapest way to ship internationally? ›

Flat Export is the cheapest way to mail a package internationally for most destinations. UPS®, DHL, and USPS, plus other major couriers all offer international shipping. With Easyship you can save up to 91% off discounted shipping rates on 250+ couriers, including international shipping.

What is the most popular international shipping method? ›

DHL, FedEx, DB Schenker, and UPS are some of the most popular shipping services when sending items overseas.

What are the options for international shipping? ›

  • Global Express Guaranteed. 1–3 Business Days. ...
  • Priority Mail Express International. 3–5 Business Days. ...
  • Priority Mail International. 6–10 Business Days. ...
  • First-Class Mail International. Affordable International Mailing.

How long does international shipping take? ›

How Long Does International Shipping Take? Depending on the size of your package or freight and the shipping mode, international shipments can take anywhere from two days to four weeks. The fundamental tradeoff when shipping freight is time versus money.

Do I need an invoice for international shipping? ›

When you ship products internationally you need to adhere to very specific documentation. One of the most common and most important documents you'll need for every shipment is a commercial invoice.

What are the three 3 main documents required for import customs clearance? ›

Basic Import Documents To Clear Customs
  • Commercial Invoice. This document is used for foreign trade. ...
  • Packing List. Provided by the shipper or freight forwarder, the packing list may be used by customs to check the cargo. ...
  • Bill of Lading (BOL) ...
  • Arrival Notice.

How many labels are needed for international shipping? ›

All you ll need to do is create a shipping label for the envelope you re shipping them in. If you're shipping one package, you ll need three copies of a commercial invoice as well as a UPS shipping label. If you're shipping multiple packages to the same recipient, each package will need a shipping label.

How much does it cost to ship internationally? ›

What are USPS International Shipping Rates?
ServiceSpeedCost
Priority Mail International®6-10 business daysFrom $30.35
First-Class Mail International®Varies by destinationFrom $15.75
First-Class Package International Service®Varies by destinationFrom $3.00
Airmail M-Bags®Varies by destinationFrom $55.00
2 more rows
Sep 12, 2023

How does international shipping work with USPS? ›

The U.S. Postal Service® (USPS) handles package delivery up to customs at the destination country, at which point, the host postal service of the destination country handles package delivery to the recipient. FedEx and UPS Rates include 20% volume discount off Standard List Rates.

Is shipping internationally hard? ›

While shipping a product, care package, or perishable item overseas might seem daunting, the process is much like shipping a package domestically. There are notable differences in the amount of paperwork fulfillment and delivery options, but the overall shipping process remains similar.

How long does it take for international shipping? ›

How Long Does International Shipping Take? Depending on the size of your package or freight and the shipping mode, international shipments can take anywhere from two days to four weeks. The fundamental tradeoff when shipping freight is time versus money.

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