Shipping across borders with UPS is straightforward once you understand customs — the paperwork, the duties and taxes, and the codes that keep your package moving. Get those right and clearance is smooth; get them wrong and shipments stall. This guide covers how UPS international shipping works and the customs tips that prevent delays.
This is an independent shipping guide. Book international shipments and check requirements on ups.com — we are not affiliated with United Parcel Service.
How UPS international shipping works
You pick a Worldwide service (Express for speed, Expedited or UPS Standard to save — see our shipping options overview), complete the customs paperwork, and UPS carries the package, clears it through customs at the border, and delivers it. UPS can act as your customs broker, handling clearance on your behalf (brokerage fees may apply in some lanes).
The commercial invoice
A commercial invoice is required for virtually all cross-border shipments (documents with no commercial value are the main exception). It tells customs what’s inside, its value, and where it’s from. Using UPS Paperless Invoice transmits this electronically, which speeds up clearance and reduces lost-paperwork delays.
Duties & taxes: who pays? (DDP vs DDU)
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): you, the sender, pay the duties and taxes up front — a better experience for your customer, usually with an extra processing fee.
- DDU / DAP (Delivered Duty Unpaid): the recipient pays duties and taxes on delivery.
With a UPS payment account you can choose who pays when you create the label; paying by credit card without an account typically defaults to DDU (recipient pays). Decide this before you ship so your customer isn’t surprised by a bill.
HS (tariff) codes
Harmonized System (HS) codes are international tariff codes customs uses to identify your product and calculate duties. Providing the correct code is optional but strongly recommended — a wrong or missing code is a common cause of customs delays and even fines.
Tips to avoid customs delays
- Describe goods accurately — “men’s 100% cotton sweatshirt,” not just “clothing.”
- Complete every field — HS code, declared value, quantity and country of origin.
- Use UPS Paperless Invoice for faster electronic clearance.
- Check the destination’s rules — prohibited and restricted items vary by country.
- Declare the true value — under-declaring risks penalties and seizure.
Tracking across borders
International shipments track the same way as domestic ones — including a “clearance in progress” status while customs reviews them. Follow yours with our UPS tracking guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between DDP and DDU?
With DDP the sender pays duties and taxes up front; with DDU/DAP the recipient pays them on delivery. A UPS account lets you choose who pays.
Do I need a commercial invoice to ship internationally with UPS?
Yes, for virtually all cross-border goods (documents with no commercial value are the exception). UPS Paperless Invoice lets you submit it electronically for faster clearance.
What is an HS code?
A Harmonized System (tariff) code that customs uses to classify your product and calculate duties. A correct code helps avoid delays and fines.
How can I avoid customs delays?
Describe goods precisely, include the HS code, declared value and country of origin, use Paperless Invoice, declare the true value, and check the destination country’s prohibited-items rules.
Related: UPS Shipping Options · How to Pack for UPS · UPS Tracking.