When shipping internationally, there are two ways to handle customs duties and import taxes:
Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU): Customs duties and import taxes aren't included in the cost of your shipping label. Instead, your recipient is responsible for paying these charges before receiving their package.
Delivery Duty Paid (DDP): Customs duties and import taxes are paid upfront when purchasing your shipping label, so your recipient won't have to pay those customs charges upon delivery.
Pirate Ship offers DDU labels and lets you prepay customs duties and taxes with DDP for eligible international shipments 🌍
We're gradually rolling out support for Product Identifier Numbers in Pirate Ship, so this option may not be available on your account just yet.
If you see the option to add Product Identifiers when purchasing a label, you're all set. If you don't see it, reach out to our Support Crew, and we'll help you get access!
Why would I choose a DDU label for international shipping?
Since DDU labels don't include prepaid customs duties and import taxes, they cost less upfront than DDP labels. This means you can purchase your shipping label without paying those additional charges yourself.
However, your recipient may need to pay customs duties, import taxes, and other applicable fees before receiving their package.
Pro Pirate Tip: Want to cover these charges for your recipient instead? Learn how to prepay customs duties and taxes when purchasing an eligible international shipping label!
Recipients are responsible for paying customs fees with DDU labels
With DDU labels, the shipper doesn't prepay customs duties or import taxes. Instead, the recipient is responsible for paying any applicable charges.
Recipients typically pay these fees to their country's customs department or through the carrier handling delivery before their package can be released.
If the recipient doesn't pay the required charges, their package may be delayed, refused, or returned to the sender. If the package is returned to you, you may also be responsible for return shipping costs.
Some international UPS services include brokerage fees in their cost, but these are not customs duties
When shipping internationally with UPS, your recipients may be subject to brokerage fees. UPS charges these fees for international shipments because they act as the customs broker for the importer.
All international UPS services are subject to brokerage fees. However, the more premium/expedited international UPS services such as UPS Worldwide Express include Entry Preparation fees in their cost.
Brokerage fees are NOT custom duties 🙈 While some premium UPS services include brokerage fees in their cost, they are still DDU labels, and your overseas recipients will still need to pay customs duties and import taxes.
Can I prepay customs duties and taxes instead?
Yes! Pirate Ship lets you prepay customs duties and taxes for eligible international shipments with UPS and Simple Export Rate.
When prepayment is available, you can select Pay upfront with this label when purchasing your label.
For more information about supported services, costs, and how prepayment works, check out Why prepay customs duties and taxes?.