International Shipping: The complete guide to sending a package abroad without errors

Do you need to handle an international shipping request and don’t know where to start?

Customs documentation, transport costs, import duties, HS codes, country-specific restrictions… cross-border logistics can quickly become overwhelming. However, with the right information and an experienced shipping partner, sending a package abroad becomes simple and secure.

In this comprehensive guide, discover all the key steps to ship a package internationally efficiently, avoid customs holds, and optimize your transport costs.

Why is international shipping logistics so complex?

Unlike domestic shipping, international parcel delivery involves strict regulations and crossing economic borders.

Every cross-border shipment requires careful attention to several key elements:

• Customs regulations specific to the destination country.
• Mandatory customs documentation (commercial invoices, permits, certificates).
• Variable local taxes and customs duties.
• Strict restrictions on certain types of commodities.
• Specific industrial packaging or labeling requirements.

⚠️ The risks of an inaccurate declaration: a simple data entry error or a missing document can lead to customs delays, heavy financial penalties, shipment backlogs for several days, or even the seizure and destruction of your goods.

Step 1: Check restrictions and prohibited commodities for import

Before packing your shipment, you must ensure that the product is allowed entry into the destination country. Every country has its own customs legislation.

Authorities generally impose heavy restrictions or strict prohibitions on:

• Food products (perishable or non-perishable).
• Cosmetics and personal care products.
• Pharmaceuticals and health supplements.
• Dangerous Goods (Hazmat), including lithium batteries.
• Alcohol, spirits, and tobacco products.
• Seeds, plants, and agricultural items.

Globex expert tip: Always review the prohibited or restricted commodities list of the destination country before scheduling a pickup for your shipment.

Step 2: Gather essential packaging and consignment details

To book your international parcel or freight shipment, collect these essential logistical data points beforehand:

1. Exact package dimensions

Accurately measure the length, width, and height (in centimeters or inches) of your final outer packaging.

2. Actual (physical) weight

Determine the total weight of the package (goods and packaging included, in kg) using a calibrated scale.

3. Complete contact information (Shipper and Consignee)

• Full name of the company or individual.
• Exact delivery address (street, number, building, suite).
• Exact postal/ZIP code and city.
• Valid email address.
• Mandatory local phone number: essential so that customs brokers, border agents, or the delivery driver can reach the recipient if needed.

Focus: Understanding dimensional weight calculation

In express air freight transport, carriers calculate shipping costs based on two metrics: actual weight and dimensional weight (also known as volumetric weight, reflecting the space the package occupies in the aircraft). The higher of the two values will be used as the billable weight.

• Standard Dimensional Weight Formula: (Length x Width x Height) in cm / 5000

💡 Did You Know? Dimensional weight primarily applies to lightweight but bulky packages. At Globex, our online shipping platform automatically calculates this ratio for you under the “Misc” tab.

Step 3: Complete your customs documents accurately

Commercial or Pro Forma Invoice

The commercial invoice is a mandatory legal and customs document for all international commodity shipments (excluding non-dutiable documents). It allows customs officers to identify the nature of the shipment and assess duties and taxes.

It must include:

• Complete importer (consignee) and exporter (shipper) details.
• An ultra-precise line-item description of each item.
• The exact quantity and unit value of each product.
• The currency used and the total declared value of the shipment.
• The country of origin (manufacturer location).
• The HS Code (Harmonized System Code).
• The Incoterms (terms of delivery).

To prevent customs clearance delays, avoid generic descriptions:

❌ Descriptions to avoid	✅ Optimized descriptions for customs clearance
Gift	Hardcover French cookbook
Clothing	100% cotton men’s t-shirt
Goods / Parts	Aluminium automotive replacement part

What Is an HS Code (Harmonized System)?

An HS Code (Harmonized System Code) is a standardized 6-digit international nomenclature used to systematically classify traded products worldwide.

The HS code is used by customs authorities to:

1. Apply the correct customs duties and local taxes (VAT/GST).
2. Verify eligibility under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
3. Monitor compliance with sanitary, phytosanitary, or security restrictions.

Step 4: Understand incoterms, duties, and import taxes

The assessment of customs value determines import fees. Customs authorities generally rely on the CIF value (cost, insurance, and freight) to calculate payable amounts.

When creating your waybill, you must specify who covers these costs using Incoterms.

Option 1: DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)

The shipper assumes full responsibility for all transportation costs, customs duties, and import taxes. The recipient receives their package with no additional fees at delivery. This is the highly recommended option for e-commerce to ensure an optimal customer experience.

Option 2: DAP / DDU (Delivered At Place / Delivered Duty Unpaid)

The recipient (the importer of record) must pay any customs duties and local taxes before or at the time of delivery to clear the merchandise. If the consignee refuses payment, the charges are automatically billed back to the shipper.

Step 5: Follow international packaging best practices

International freight and parcel shipping involves multiple sorting and handling stages across global hubs. Robust packaging is your best defense against damage.

• Select a brand-new corrugated cardboard box that matches the weight capacity of your products.
• Fill all empty spaces with cushioning material (bubble wrap, foam, or packing peanuts) to keep the goods completely stationary.
• Use the “H-tape” sealing method with high-strength heavy-duty packaging tape.
• Remove all old shipping labels or barcodes remaining on the box.
• Securely attach the clear pouch containing the shipping label (waybill) and customs invoices onto a flat, visible surface.

How much does it cost to ship a package internationally?

International shipping rates are dynamic rather than fixed. They are calculated based on several operational variables:

• The geographic zone or destination country.
• The ratio between actual weight and dimensional weight.
• The nature of the goods (standard vs. hazardous materials).
• The declared value for transport insurance coverage.
• The chosen transit time (express shipping vs. economy delivery).

Since every logistics project is unique, getting a rate simulation or a customized quote is essential for budgeting your shipping costs.

Why choose Globex for your international shipping?

For over 30 years, Globex has supported Canadian businesses and professionals in scaling their operations globally. We provide you with our unique expertise as a specialized freight broker and logistics provider.

• Extensive global network: shipping solutions serving more than 220 countries and territories.
• Flexible service options: direct access to the best express air, ocean, and road freight solutions.
• Integrated customs expertise: dedicated support for product classification and customs document preparation.
• Complex logistics management: proven specialization in shipping urgent documents, industrial parts, e-commerce orders, fine art, and medical samples.
• Advanced technological tools: a user-friendly online shipping platform to manage your shipments, estimate costs, and track your parcels in real time.

Need to ship a package internationally?

Streamline your supply chain and secure your customs clearance starting today. Globex specialists are here to advise you and manage your end-to-end transport workflow.

➡️ Get your custom shipping quote with Globex and start shipping with complete peace of mind!

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about international shipping

1) Is a commercial invoice required for all international packages?
Yes. A commercial invoice (or pro forma invoice) is strictly mandatory for all commodities crossing an international border. Only official documents and business correspondence are generally exempt.

2) Is an HS code mandatory for overseas shipping?
Yes. An HS code is now required by most global customs authorities (specifically within the European Union and the United States) to process electronic customs clearance for incoming parcels.

3) Can you ship packages to any country in the world?
No. In addition to product-specific regulations, certain destinations are subject to international trade embargos or strict economic sanctions that prohibit or heavily restrict the trade of goods.

4) What is the average delivery time for an international shipment?
Transit times vary depending on the chosen service level. An international express shipping service can typically deliver your packages within 1 to 3 business days to major global economic hubs, whereas an economy service or standard freight transport can take several weeks.