When you print an international shipping label through Etsy, the label you download serves as both your shipping label and customs form.
When purchasing an international label, you must:
- Enter accurate total package weights and customs descriptions for all the items in your order. Package weights can’t be fractional and should be rounded up to the nearest whole number. You can also add a tariff number.
- Provide both your full name and your shop name in your sender information. This may help avoid issues and delays at customs.
- Include the full name of the buyer in the recipient details, even if the delivery address is a registered business.
- Ensure that the declared value of the package is accurate. Have documentation such as order receipts available in case you need to verify the declared value of your shipped items.
When you create your label, we will use the information provided to pre-fill your customs form with the item description(s) weight and quantity.
Documentation requirements vary by service and destination. Be sure to confirm what is needed on the carrier's site before sending.
Customs description
If your order only has one item, we’ll automatically fill out the customs description with that item’s title as long as it is fewer than 50 characters in length. You can edit this by selecting the field under Customs Description.
If you've set a default customs description, it will appear as the default on all of your labels, regardless of item quantity. You can define up to five items that appear on your customs form. This includes the description, quantity, weight, and monetary value.
Tariff no.
Tariff numbers are required on any package entering the European Union (EU). Packages shipped without a tariff code may be delayed by customs or returned to you.
You’ll need to know how to find the right number for the different types of products you sell in your shop. You can look up tariff codes for your items using a variety of resources, including:
- United States Census Bureau
- European Taxation and Customs Union
- World Customs Organization
- US International Trade Commission
- Video education from United States Census Bureau
Read more about how to find the correct tariff number.
Codes may appear as six, eight, or ten digits. Packages being shipped into the EU require at least a six-digit code (HS6 code), but you're welcome to use more specific HS8 or HS10 codes if you prefer. HS6 codes are recognized by most countries.
Etsy Support can not assist with determining the right code for your item. If you’re having trouble finding the right tariff code for your items, please contact a tax professional for assistance with this. Learn more about tariff numbers.
Declared Value
The value of your item will be declared on your form. We’ll automatically fill this in based on the order total including any discounts. We do not include shipping or tax charges when calculating the declared value, only the items’ price and quantity.
Printing customs forms
Depending on the mail class, package type, and destination, you'll print one of two customs forms. The single page form can be attached to your package in the standard way. The multi-page form must be attached using a clear envelope.
Learn more about the forms required with your shipping carrier:
Also, you can purchase additional labels for an international order from the order’s receipt page for up to two months after the initial label purchase.
Automated Export System/Internal Transaction Number
For US sellers: When your package's value is equal to or more than $2,500.00 USD, an export license number and additional documentation may be required by the U.S. Census Bureau. This is specified on the customs form as an Automated Export System/Internal Transaction Number (AES/ITN).
For most items with a value under $2,500.00 USD, and for most destination countries, an AES/ITN is not required and an AES Exemption applies. The AES Exemption number will be automatically printed on the customs forms for any postage purchased through Etsy where the value is under $2,500.00 USD.
For packages valued at or over $2,500.00 USD, the AES/ITN/Exemption number will be left blank on any postage purchased through Etsy. In this case, it will be up to you to supply a valid AES/ITN for your package.