What customs information do I need for an international label?

You need: type of contents (e.g. merchandise, gift, documents, sample); a short contents explanation; non-delivery option (return or abandon); at least one customs item with quantity, description, value in USD, weight, and country of origin (HS/tariff number may be required for some destinations); and the name of the person certifying the declaration.

What are common customs mistakes that delay international packages?

Common issues: total declared item weight exceeding the package weight used for postage; vague or misleading descriptions; undervaluing goods; listing only generic words like GIFT or SAMPLE without item details; and non-English item descriptions when English is needed for processing.

How do I find HS or tariff codes for customs?

Many shipments need a Harmonized System (HS) code per item. For U.S. origin classification, search the U.S. International Trade Commission Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) by product name, choose the best-matching code (often 6–10 digits), and enter it in the tariff field on the customs form.

How does Instant Shipping Labels handle international customs on a label purchase?

You enter customs details in the same flow as your package and addresses. When the destination country differs from the origin country, the form collects the declaration we pass to the carrier API so commercial invoices and customs data align with your purchased rate—reducing mismatches that cause label purchase failures or carrier rejections.

International Shipping Guide

Q: When is a shipment international?

Your shipment is international when the destination country is different from the origin (From) country. On the shipping form, check "I am shipping to a different country" to reveal the customs declaration section.

Last updated April 2026

When shipping internationally, you follow the same steps as domestic shipping—carrier, package, addresses—plus you must provide customs information. We use this to generate the required customs forms for your shipment.

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How international labels work on Instant Shipping Labels

You complete customs in the same checkout flow as your package dimensions and addresses. When the destination country is different from the ship-from country, enable international shipment on the form to open the customs declaration. The details you enter are sent to the carrier with your selected rate so commercial invoice data matches what you pay for—helping avoid “customs mismatch” errors at label purchase time.

You can still compare carrier rates before paying; international services and required fields depend on the carrier and lane. For many rows at once, use batch import or bulk paste and include accurate customs columns per shipment.

When is a shipment “international”?

Your shipment is international when the destination country is different from the origin (From) country. On the shipping form, check “I am shipping to a different country” to reveal the customs declaration section.

What customs information do I need?

Type of contents — e.g. Merchandise, Gift, Documents, Sample.
Contents explanation — A short description of what you’re sending.
Non-delivery option — What should happen if the package can’t be delivered (return to sender or abandon).
Customs items — At least one item with quantity, description, value (USD), weight, and origin country. For some destinations you may need an HS/tariff number (see How to find tariff codes below).
Signer/name — The person certifying the information.

Type of contents

Choose the category that best matches your shipment:

Merchandise — Commercial goods. A tariff/HS number is usually required; the receiver may have to pay import duties or taxes.
Gift — Non-commercial gift. Not typically subject to import taxes, but you must still declare the contents and value accurately.
Documents — Papers only (e.g. envelopes under ¼" thick for some carriers).
Sample / Returned goods — Self-explanatory. Declare clearly so customs can classify correctly.

Incorrect classification can lead to delays, extra fees, or seizure. When in doubt, use the carrier’s or destination country’s guidance.

Clearing customs — common mistakes

Avoid these to prevent delays or rejection:

Package weight vs. declared item weight — The total weight of all declared items (including packaging) must not exceed the package weight you used to buy postage. Mismatches can cause holds.
Vague or misleading descriptions — Do not describe items as something else. Declare the actual contents in clear English (e.g. “Cotton T-shirt”, “Leather shoes”).
Undervaluing or “zero value” — Declare reasonable values. Customs may reject or tax “NO COMMERCIAL VALUE” or obviously low values.
Generic labels only — Writing only “GIFT”, “PERSONAL USE”, or “SAMPLE” without naming the items is not enough. List each item type with quantity, description, value, and weight.
Non-English declarations — Use English for item names and descriptions so customs can process the shipment.

When in doubt: be specific, accurate, and consistent with the package you are actually sending.

How to find tariff (HS) codes

Many international shipments require a Harmonized System (HS) or tariff number for each item. Use these official resources:

U.S. International Trade Commission — Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) — Search by product name or code. Use the code that best matches your item (often 6–10 digits).

Steps: open the HTS site, search for your product (e.g. “cotton shirt”), browse the results, and note the code that fits. Enter it in the tariff field on our customs form. The HTS is updated periodically; check the site if you ship internationally often.

Official carrier international guides

For destination rules, prohibited items, and country-specific requirements, use the carriers’ own guides:

Tips for international shipping

Be accurate with contents and values; customs may open or inspect packages.
Total weight of all customs items must not exceed the package weight you entered.
Restrictions and prohibited items vary by country; check the destination country’s rules.
Delivery times are usually longer than domestic; express options cost more but are faster.

Back to the form

Return to the shipping form to create your label. Use the International Shipment checkbox to show the customs section when your To address is in a different country.

Need help? Contact support.