Resources
Tariff resource hub
Guides, checklists and reference material for shipping across borders. Start with the basics, work through the documents, then use the rate card and quote tool to price your shipment.
Guides
Start here
Tariffs and cross-border shipping
Duties, taxes, de minimis, HS codes and rules of origin explained in plain language.
How to ship internationally
A step-by-step walkthrough of documents, restricted items and avoiding customs holds.
Zones, rates and fees
Our public rate card by zone and speed, with every surcharge listed.
Checklist
Before every international booking
- Product is permitted in the destination country and any licence is in hand
- Precise description, HS code, country of origin and value for each item
- Commercial invoice complete, with email and phone for sender and recipient
- Duties and taxes: DDP or DDU chosen and, for DDU, the recipient informed
- Packaging suitable for the mode, wood pallets ISPM 15 stamped
- Insurance considered for anything of value
Landed cost, simply
Landed cost is what the goods actually cost the buyer at their door:
Product price + shipping + insurance + duty + taxes + brokerage and handling fees.
Quote it to customers upfront and choose DDP so there are no surprises on delivery. Ask us for a landed-cost estimate on any quote.
Glossary
Terms you will meet
Bill of lading (B/L) and air waybill (AWB)
The transport contract and receipt for freight. The B/L is used for ocean and road; the AWB for air. Both show shipper, consignee, cargo details and the terms of carriage.
Brokerage
The service of preparing and filing the customs entry on behalf of the importer, normally charged as a fee per entry plus any disbursements.
DDP and DDU (DAP)
Incoterms that decide who pays import duties and taxes. DDP: the seller pays everything to the door. DDU/DAP: the seller delivers, the buyer clears customs and pays duties.
De minimis
A value threshold under which shipments enter with no duty and simplified paperwork. Varies by country and can be withdrawn.
Dimensional (volumetric) weight
A weight calculated from the parcel’s volume. Carriers charge the greater of actual and dimensional weight. For parcels we use length x width x height in inches divided by 139.
HS code (Harmonized System)
The international product classification used by customs to set duty rates. Six digits are global; countries add more for national tariff lines.
Importer of record
The party legally responsible for the import declaration, duties and compliance.
Incoterms
Standard trade terms published by the International Chamber of Commerce that define who arranges and pays for each stage of transport, insurance and customs.
ISPM 15
The international standard for treating wood packaging (pallets, crates) to prevent pests. Treated wood carries a stamp; untreated wood can be refused at the border.
Proof of delivery (POD)
The record that a shipment was delivered, including time, location and the signature or name of the person who received it.
Need a hand with a tricky shipment?
Our team helps with classification, documents and landed-cost estimates every day.