For online sellers, it is crucial to ensure your product can be lawfully delivered to your customer’s destination, and that you comply with all laws and regulations of that location. Recipients of an international shipment may be subject to pay fees and taxes that often are unknown before the package is received. A customs clearance fee is not always completely clear, so it’s crucial the recipient is aware of this and factors it into the total cost of the product.
eBay offers sellers to join its Global Shipping program. Through this program, sellers send their items to eBay domestic shipping center, and eBay handles and manages the rest of the international shipping process. eBay also sends your customer tracking information so they can know when to expect the product’s arrival. To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:
- Your product must be physically located in the United States
- Your product must not be ineligible, illegal, hazardous, subject to export restrictions, prohibited by eBay
In certain countries, sellers are required to provide a form of identification numbers such as a CPF or tax ID. Countries with this requirement include Brazil, Chile, China, Ecuador, India, Israel, Peru, Qatar, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, and Turkey.
Keep in mind that some documentation may be required and included in the customs clearance cost, such as:
- Import/Export documentation
- A purchase order from the buyer
- Sales invoice
- Packing list
- Shipping bill
- Bill of lading or airway bill
- Certificate of origin and any other specific
- Any other documentation required by financial institutions or LC terms or as per importing country regulations