Customs, Duties, and Restricted Items FAQ

What's the Best Option for Countries With Strict Import Rules and Frequent Customs Delays?

Answer: The best option is a package forwarding service that knows the import rules for your country, prepares your package correctly, and helps you complete an accurate customs declaration. Good preparation lowers the risk of delays, surprise fees, or confiscated items.

Shipping to a country with strict import rules can feel like a gamble. One package arrives without a problem, while another waits days for customs clearance, even though you followed the same steps.

At Shipito, we publish a prohibited and limited items list for each country, so you can check what we can ship to you before you buy. We also prepare your packages for international shipping and help you with the customs declaration. A customs declaration is a form that describes what is inside your package and what it is worth.

Even careful preparation can't guarantee there will be no customs delays. Customs authorities can hold shipments for reasons outside our control. If that happens, Shipito can help with information about your shipment. You may still need to contact your local customs office or delivery carrier if they ask for more documents, payment, or action.

Which Services Are Best for Shipping Electronics, Laptops, and Gaming Consoles Overseas?

Answer: Choose a package forwarding service that explains your shipping options for battery-powered devices and offers package photos, extra packing, and shipping insurance. Electronics are trickier to ship than ordinary items because most of them contain lithium-ion batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries must follow air transport safety rules. Damaged, defective, or poorly packed lithium batteries can cause a fire. Depending on the product, battery type, quantity, and shipping method, extra restrictions may apply. Some carriers accept battery-powered devices but not loose batteries. Others need special packaging or documents. Your country's import rules can add more conditions.

When you ship electronics with Shipito, you can use these services:

• Package photos: We open your package and photograph the contents, so you can confirm the right item arrived and check its condition. Photos usually take up to 2 business days.
• Extra packing materials: Extra bubble wrap helps protect your device from impacts, pressure, and rough handling. It costs $2 for Premium Members and $4 for Free accounts.
• Shipping insurance: Delivery insurance covers packages lost in transit, and damage insurance covers items damaged in transit. You choose insurance when you request your mailout. It isn't available with USPS First Class International or Airmail Economy.

Check the details before you buy, and you'll know what to expect when it's time to ship your electronics overseas. See our claims and insurance FAQ for full coverage details.

How Do International Shoppers Typically Handle Customs and Duties When Using a U.S. Package Forwarding Service?

Answer: You fill out a customs declaration for each package in your Shipito account, and you pay any import duties and taxes when the package arrives in your country. Your country's customs authority decides how much you owe, not Shipito.

A customs declaration describes what is inside your package, including each item's details and declared value. Customs authorities use it to check shipments entering their country. Duties are taxes on imported goods. The amount usually depends on the item's value, product type, country of origin, and your country's import rules.

With Shipito, every package needs a customs declaration, no matter where it is going. We can't ship your package until the declaration is complete. Here's how to fill it out:

• Step 1: Log in to your Shipito account.
• Step 2: Open the "Packages in Warehouse" section.
• Step 3: Select "Provide Customs Declaration."
• Step 4: Complete the form, including whether the package contains batteries or dangerous goods.

Make sure your item descriptions and declared values are accurate and in U.S. dollars. Clear, accurate information reduces the risk of questions from customs. Marking a package as a gift does not avoid duties or taxes.

Don't have time to fill out the declaration yourself? Shipito can do it for you for an added fee, using the packing slips that retailers include with your purchases. You should still review it to make sure it matches your items.

If a single type of item in your shipment is worth more than $2,500, U.S. export rules require an EEI filing (Electronic Export Information). We recommend splitting the package to stay under $2,500. If that isn't possible, Shipito can prepare the EEI form for a $40 fee.

As the recipient, you are responsible for any import duties and taxes. You can usually pay the delivery carrier directly when your package arrives. Rules and limits vary by country and can change, so contact your local customs office to find out what you'll owe. Our customs, duties, and GST FAQ has more details.

How Do Forwarding Providers Handle Lithium Batteries and Other Restricted Items?

Answer: Package forwarding providers split items into two groups: prohibited items, which can't ship at all, and limited (restricted) items, which can ship only under certain conditions. Lithium batteries are a common limited item, and the rules depend on the battery, the carrier, and your country.

Not every product you can buy from a U.S. store can ship internationally. Sometimes a product is legal to buy in the U.S. but not legal to ship to your country. One carrier might accept a battery-powered device while another restricts it, depending on the battery specifications and transport rules.

With Shipito, prohibited items can't ship at all. Limited items may be eligible, but there may be limits on quantity, product type, packaging, or shipping method. Some limited items also need extra documents or have extra fees.

Before you buy anything, check our prohibited and limited items list for your country. Restrictions change often, so if you're unsure about a product, don't guess. Contact Shipito's support team at support@shipito.com or through live chat on weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM Pacific Time.

Are There Companies That Offer Clear Customs Documentation Help So Packages Don't Get Stuck?

Answer: Yes. Package forwarding services like Shipito help you prepare customs documents before your package ships, including filling out the customs declaration for you. Once a package is held by customs in your country, though, you need to work with the local carrier or customs office to release it.

It's frustrating when a package sits in customs longer than expected. You want to know what's wrong, what paperwork is missing, and what to do next. The right documents really matter, and it also helps to understand what a package forwarding service can and can't do.

Shipito has the tools and services to help you prepare your shipment, including filling out the customs declaration form for you. We still ask you to review it and make sure it correctly describes your items.

We can't act for you with your local customs office to release a delayed shipment. You'll need to work directly with the local carrier or customs authorities. Read the tracking information and any notices, follow the instructions, and contact the right office for help.

You're not on your own, though. Our support team can answer questions and send you copies of your order details, item descriptions, and other documents the carrier or customs office may ask for.

Are There Services That Send Proactive Alerts About Package Status, Customs Issues, or Required Actions?

Answer: Yes. Shipito sends email notifications about your package activity, and the Shipito mobile app sends push notifications, including delivery and customs updates. You can also track every shipped package from the "Sent Packages" tab in your account.

You don't want to keep wondering where your package is, especially when it's traveling across the world. To see your shipments, open the "Sent Packages" tab in your account and click the tracking number links.

All packages get a tracking number, but not every shipping method gives the same level of updates. Customs authorities also don't always share real-time updates through tracking. You can compare tracking options on our shipping methods page.

If your tracking shows a customs hold, check whether the carrier or local customs office has asked for documents, payment, or other information. You may need to contact them directly to find out what happens next.

For the smoothest experience, keep your email address up to date and turn on notifications in the Shipito mobile app. Alerts tell you about package activity without logging in every time.