Creating an International Shipping Label

International shipping won’t leave you scrambling to find your passport but does require a little understanding of the documentation needed. Fortunately, creating an international shipping label with Stamps.com only takes a few clicks, and this page can help with the rest.

What is considered international shipping?

International shipping consists of shipping to any destination outside of the US. However, some US territories like Puerto Rico and military addresses will require customs forms when shipping orders to these destinations.

How to create an international shipping label

Once you decide to offer international shipping, it’s time to start creating international labels. The good news is that Stamps.com allows you to create international shipping labels in a matter of clicks. We’ve included an overview below on how to create an international shipping label with Stamps.com, and you can visit our Learning Center for step-by-step instructions.

Head to the Mail tab on your dashboard. From here, you’ll choose which paper to print on, weigh your items, and select your carrier service you’ll use. Only available services to your destination country will be visible.

Open a new form in the Customs section by clicking Edit Form. Choose a category for your shipment, then click the Add Item button. Enter a description, quantity, value, and weight for your first item. Repeat this process for each item in your shipment. Lastly, update your ship date if the label you’re creating will be for a future shipment.

*For a full list of the required customs forms and guidelines per mail class, visit USPS Customs Forms Requirements. Additionally, Some countries require additional requirements for inbound shipments. For more information about shipping to the UK, EU, and Mexico, visit our Learning Center.

When printing your first international shipping label, we recommend choosing the Print Sample option to ensure your label is formatted correctly. After confirming your label format is correct, click Print Postage. If your label didn’t print correctly, Stamps.com merchants can reprint labels without an additional charge. However, labels can only be reprinted once.

Congrats! You’re ready to send your order or orders to their new destination.

Affordable international shipping with Stamps.com

Enjoy up to 89% off USPS international shipping and up to 82% off UPS international services through Stamps.com.

Contact Stamps.com support

Need help with your international shipping? Stamps.com support is available Monday – Friday from 6am to 6pm Pacific Time via phone at 888-434-0055 or email*. Our Learning Center is also available 24/7 and is full of articles to assist you with any questions you may have outside of support hours.

*Note: Please allow a response time of 1-2 business days.

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How to fill out an international shipping label

International shipping includes more documentation than domestic shipping. With the addition of customs forms comes the addition of information like HS codes and VAT and IOSS numbers. This information may seem complicated on the surface, but customs forms aren’t as challenging as they seem.

Customs forms

Customs forms provide customs offices with detailed information about the contents of a package. These forms are either physically attached to a shipment or electronically submitted to the proper offices.

Customs forms also include HS codes, VAT and IOSS numbers, and other information, so your shipment moves through customs with accuracy and efficiency.

*For a full list of the required customs forms and guidelines per mail class, visit USPS Customs Forms Requirements. Additionally, Some countries require additional requirements for inbound shipments. For more information about shipping to the UK, EU, and Mexico, visit our Learning Center.

HS codes

Harmonized Style tariff codes (HS codes) are numerical codes used to classify products as they move through customs. HS codes are universal, meaning they bypass language barriers. While HS codes aren’t required for all international shipments, all shipments going to or through the EU or the UK do require HS codes, so it’s best practice to include them whenever possible.

Each set of numbers within the HS code is used to represent a different characteristic of your product. For example, if you’re shipping coffee, your HS code might be

090111

The numbers would represent:

09

The chapter, or first two digits, is used to identify your product’s category

01

The heading, or second two digits, is used to define your product’s attributes

11

The subheading, or last two digits, combines the chapter and heading of your product

VAT and IOSS

VAT, or Value Added Tax, is an extra tax added to products being shipped. VAT is calculated based on the cost of a product and the product’s production cost, with the exception of any parts that have been previously taxed.

IOSS, or Import One-Stop-Shop, is a business-specific number assigned by your store or marketplace of choice. IOSS numbers allow your business to pay duties and taxes at the time of shipping and can be used on packages worth up to €150 or around $164.65.*

*Note: This conversion rate was pulled on August 2, 2023 and is subject to change.

Learn more about international shipping in our How to Ship International Packages blog.

GlobalPost

With a network of global postal and commercial carriers, GlobalPost offers efficient features not found with traditional providers. GlobalPost is available as a carrier on over 220 shipping applications, so it’s integrated into your current shipping process with ease. Additionally, GlobalPost doesn’t require printed customs forms and will generate HS codes for you based on the information provided. More information about available GlobalPost services can be found below.

	GlobalPost International Economy	GlobalPost International Standard	GlobalPost Plus
Weight Limit Per Package	4.4 lbs.	Up to 70 lbs.	66 lbs.
Package Types	Flats up to 16 oz., Packages up to 4.4 lbs.	Packages up to 70 lbs.	Packages up to 66 lbs.
Transit	10-14 days	8-12 days	Varies by country
Tracking	Door-to-country	Door-to-door	Door-to-door
Max Values of Goods	$400	Varies by country	Varies by country
Free Coverage	Not included	Up to $100 in loss or damages, plus shipping cost	Up to $200 against loss or damage, plus shipping costs
Duties & Taxes	Paid by buyer	Paid by buyer	Paid by shipper

FAQs about international shipping

The tracking available for international shipments can vary by carrier and/or service. Some services offer door-to-door tracking while others offer door-to-country tracking.

Door-to-door tracking means packages can be fully tracked to their destination whereas door-to-country tracking means that tracking information will only be available until your package reaches customs.

Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) and Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) refer to whether or not the taxes and duties for an international shipment have been paid prior to its delivery. DDP means that taxes have been paid by the shipper at the time of shipping, and DDU means the recipient will need to pay these fees when their package arrives.

International carrier restrictions can be found on their respective websites. For more information regarding these guidelines, we recommend contacting your carrier directly.

The customs forms required for most international shipments will either be electronically submitted to the appropriate customs offices or will need to be physically attached, usually in a plastic pouch. This will vary depending on the selected service and/or carrier.

Start shipping internationally with a free 30-day trial to Stamps.com today!