How to Ship Internationally on Etsy

Etsy is one of the most popular online shopping platforms, especially for handmade and vintage products. If you want to buy or sell handmade bags, artwork, or craft supplies, then Etsy is your go-to space. As a seller, Etsy's international shipping might look a little intimidating. Not to worry - this article will show you how selling internationally on Etsy can be a breeze.

In 2024, Etsy reported an annual net income of $303 million, with sellers in 234 countries, most US-based. With such a vast international audience, why limit yourself (and your sales) by only shipping domestically? You need all the correct information - and perhaps a bit of guidance - to find your way.

Getting Started with International Shipping

Getting started with international shipping on Etsy can seem daunting, but with the right knowledge, it can be a straightforward process. To begin, you’ll need to set up your shop to accommodate international shipping. This includes specifying the countries you ship to, setting shipping rates, and understanding the customs and duties associated with international shipping.

First, navigate to your Etsy shop’s settings and click on “Shipping.” From there, you can add the countries you’re willing to ship to and set your shipping rates accordingly. You can also use Etsy’s calculated shipping rates, which can help simplify the process.

Next, familiarize yourself with the customs and duties associated with international shipping. This includes understanding the Harmonized System (HS) codes, which are used to classify products for customs purposes. You’ll also need to provide accurate product descriptions and weights to ensure smooth customs clearance.

Finally, consider investing in shipping insurance to protect yourself and your customers from potential losses or damages during transit. Shipsurance Parcel Insurance Services is a popular option among Etsy sellers, offering coverage up to $5,000.

How Does Etsy Calculate International Shipping Costs?

Etsy offers calculated rates for specific areas. If you are a seller in the US shipping internationally on Etsy, you might be lucky enough to have this option.

To add a listing, simply enter your location and zip code. For shipping, you’ll also need to select the countries to which you will be shipping to get the calculated Etsy international shipping prices.

There is another cost that needs to be considered, though. The shipping transaction fee was introduced on Etsy in July 2018, causing headaches for retailers. Similar to the 5% transaction fee previously charged on the item price, the shipping transaction fee is also 5% of the shipping cost.

Don’t forget to ensure you have clear shipping policies internationally on Etsy. Different regions have varying customs and taxes that must be paid, depending on the product being shipped. In European countries, shipments are subject to VAT, which the buyer typically pays. 

Discuss this with your buyer beforehand (or make it clear in your store). The buyer needs to understand that their government imposes VAT and that they will need to pay it to receive their products.

You should also share all the product measurement information with your buyer. This includes size and weight. That’s because these measurements have a direct impact on shipping costs and fees. The buyer will have more confidence in you if you are honest and upfront. And that will make for a more effortless transaction.

In addition, communicate with your customer if you have any doubts. Discuss with them any issues with their address or if you’re unsure about a specific policy in their country. 

If you understand and follow these Etsy international shipping tips, then there’s no reason that your deliveries won’t be made smoothly.

How Do I Set Up International Shipping on Etsy?

Most Etsy buyers only see items that can be shipped to their country. To ensure that your items appear in Etsy’s search results, don’t forget to mention the countries you ship to when entering listings. Offering international shipping can enhance sales and customer reach by accessing a global market and catering to diverse consumer preferences.

As mentioned previously, if you’re a seller from the US or Canada, you can use calculated Etsy international shipping prices. But, if you’re a seller who has to enter the shipping prices, then follow these steps to set international shipping prices:

To enter shipping prices for existing listings:

1. Open “Shop Manager” and go to “Listings.” Now, select the thumbnail of the listing you want to work on and select “Edit” from the menu.
2. In the “Shipping Area,” use the dropdown menu for the “Shipping Origin” option to select product’s originating country.
3. Next, click “Add Location” and select the countries you want to “Ship To.” Enter the shipping cost for each destination under “Shipping Cost.”
4. You can select the option of “European Union” or “non-European Union” for a European destination. This is useful in cases where the set cost for the region is higher than the cost you enter for that destination. Whatever cost you enter will override the one that is preset for that region.
5. You can use the option of “Everywhere Else” to enter shipping costs for destinations you don’t want to set cost for. All countries not individually set up with a cost will automatically be assigned this cost.

Setting up customized shipping profiles to manage different shipping methods effectively, such as USPS Priority Mail Express International and USPS First Class International Package Service, is crucial for offering suitable shipping rates and complying with regional regulations.

While it's great to have a direct setup on Etsy, you can also outsource the effort to Easyship and set your business up to handle international orders. 

The Easyship-Etsy integration enables businesses on the platform to sync their Etsy orders and ship with just a few clicks, managing everything from a single platform. You can automatically calculate import tax and duties and generate the correct shipping documentation to get things going from the get go!

Navigating Customs and Duties

Navigating customs and duties can be a complex aspect of international shipping, but understanding the basics can help you avoid potential issues. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

• Harmonized System (HS) codes: These codes are used to classify products for customs purposes. Make sure to use the correct HS code for your products to avoid delays or issues during customs clearance.
• Customs forms: When shipping internationally, you’ll need to complete customs forms, which include information about the products being shipped, their value, and the recipient’s address.
• Duties and taxes: As the seller, you’re responsible for paying duties and taxes on the products you ship. However, you can pass these costs on to the buyer by including them in the shipping cost.
• Restricted items: Some items, such as certain types of jewelry or textiles, may be restricted or prohibited in certain countries. Make sure to research any restrictions before shipping internationally.

To make navigating customs and duties easier, consider using a shipping carrier that offers customs clearance services, such as USPS or FedEx. These carriers can help facilitate the customs process and ensure that your packages are cleared quickly and efficiently.

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How Do Etsy Listing Translations Work?

Translating your listings into specific languages for an international audience can be very helpful. Buyers will see listings according to the language preferences that they set. Etsy automatically translates listings according to the user’s preferences or the country from which they view the website.

Etsy handles translations in two ways - automatic and manual. If you select the automatic translation option, your listings will appear in the searches of visitors who use other languages. But, if you have disabled this option, your listings will only be available in the languages you provide a manual translation. To select or disable automatic translations:

• Go to “Shop Manager,” select “Settings,” and then “Options.”
• You’ll find the automatic listing translation option here, and you can enable or disable it and then save your changes.

The manual translation was recently added to Etsy. If you can write in other languages (or have this done for you), then manual translations will ensure that your listings are optimized for search engines. To activate manual translations, you need to do the following:

• Go to “Shop Manager,” then select “Settings” and “Languages and Translations.”
• Choose “Manage Languages” and add the language you want to use.
• Now go to "Shop Manager" again and select the listing you want to translate under “Listings.”
• In the “Listings” section, go down to the “Translations” tab. There, you’ll find the designated language fields for title and description of the listing and tags in the selected language.
• Use your shop page to translate the shop title, shop announcements, message to buyers, and other shop sections, including your about page and policy page.

Choosing an International Shipping Carrier

Choosing the right international shipping carrier can be a crucial decision for Etsy sellers. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a carrier:

• Shipping rates: Compare the shipping rates of different carriers to find the best option for your business. Consider factors such as package weight, dimensions, and destination.
• Delivery times: Consider the delivery times offered by each carrier, as well as any guarantees or promises they make about delivery times.
• Tracking and insurance: Look for carriers that offer tracking and insurance options to protect your packages during transit.
• Customer service: Consider the level of customer service offered by each carrier, including their responsiveness to issues and concerns.

Some popular international shipping carriers for Etsy sellers include USPS, FedEx, and UPS. Each of these carriers offers a range of services and options, including calculated shipping rates, customs clearance, and tracking and insurance.

Printing Your Shipping Labels on Etsy

Printing an international shipping label on Etsy serves as both your shipping label and customs form.

Before purchasing an international label from the right shipping company:

• Package Details: Provide accurate total weights (rounded up) and customs descriptions for each item. Include a tariff number if applicable.
• Sender & Recipient: Use your full name and shop name for sender details, and include the buyer’s full name as the recipient—even for business addresses.
• Declared Value: Declare the item value based on the order total (excluding shipping and tax) and keep receipts for verification.

Etsy pre-fills your customs form with the provided information, but check your carrier’s site for any additional documentation requirements.

Additional Details:

• Customs Description: For single-item orders with a title under 50 characters, Etsy auto-fills the description (editable if needed). Default descriptions can be set for up to five items.
• Tariff Numbers: Required for shipments to the EU. Look up the correct code using trusted resources (Etsy Support cannot assist).
• AES/ITN for US Sellers: Packages valued at $2,500+ USD require a valid AES/ITN; lower-value packages receive an AES exemption automatically.

Enable Order Tracking on Etsy Shipments

Buyers are notified their items are on the way based on the ship date you set when completing an order. Ensuring accurate ship dates and providing tracking information is crucial for customer satisfaction, as it reflects professionalism and a commitment to meeting customer needs.

Adding Tracking:

• Etsy Shipping Labels: – Tracking is automatically included when you purchase a label on Etsy.
• Without Etsy Labels: – Add tracking manually after completing the order.

For US sellers, including valid tracking, is required to complete an order, helps maintain Star Seller status, and qualifies orders for Etsy Purchase Protection.

On Etsy.com:

1. Go to Shop Manager > Orders & Shipping and find your open orders.
2. Select an order, click the Complete order icon, and set a ship date (up to two days ahead, based on Eastern Time).
3. Optionally, add a personalized note for the buyer.
4. If using an Etsy shipping label, select the carrier and add tracking info.
5. Preview the shipping notification, then complete the order.

Important to Remember

If you need to edit your tracking, you can do so within three days after completing an order. After three days, contact the buyer via Etsy Messages and update your records.

To add tracking later:
Go to Shop Manager > Orders & Shipping > Completed, select the order, and click Add a package to update tracking info and ship date.

Providing Excellent Customer Service

Providing excellent customer service is crucial for building a successful Etsy business, especially when shipping internationally. Here are some tips for providing excellent customer service:

• Respond promptly to customer inquiries: Respond quickly to customer inquiries and concerns, even if it’s just to acknowledge their message and let them know you’re working on a solution.
• Be transparent about shipping times and costs: Make sure to clearly communicate shipping times and costs to your customers, including any potential delays or issues.
• Offer tracking and insurance options: Consider offering tracking and insurance options to protect your packages during transit and provide customers with peace of mind.
• Be proactive about resolving issues: If an issue arises during shipping, be proactive about resolving it and communicating with the customer.

By providing excellent customer service, you can build trust with your customers and establish a positive reputation for your Etsy business. This can help drive sales and growth, even in a competitive global market.

Return and Refund on Etsy

Below is an overview of Etsy’s guidelines regarding return policies and refunds. These points are designed to help you understand your responsibilities and ensure clear communication with your buyers:

It is important to note that Individual shop policies may vary, and sellers outside the EU must set a return policy when creating or editing a listing for a physical item—even if it states that returns or exchanges aren’t accepted.

Return Agreements:

• You must fulfill that agreement if you agree to a return with a buyer via Etsy Messages or the case system. This could include issuing refunds or providing proof of shipping for a replacement item.
• For any transaction issues, contacting the buyer directly through Etsy Messages is best. Buyers should also reach out if they experience any problems.

Issuing Refunds

1. Open Shop Manager on Etsy.com and navigate to Orders & Shipping.
2. Click the three-dot icon next to the order you wish to refund, then select Refund.
3. Choose a reason for the refund and add an optional message to the buyer.
4. For a full refund, select the “Issue a full refund” option; for a partial refund, enter the specific refund amount next to the item.
5. Click Review refund, then Submit to complete the process.

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Etsy International Shipping: Take Your Store Global!

Etsy is a very popular platform for selling handmade goods. Although you can sell to some 83 countries around the world, international shipping can get a little tricky on Etsy. But, it can be easy if you know what you’re doing. You just need to understand how Etsy handles and calculates shipping rates, what transaction fees are involved, and how to handle paperwork and taxes. If you can answer all these questions, you won’t have any problem with Etsy international shipping.

Easyship is the perfect partner for shipping internationally on Etsy. We provide more than 550+ courier solutions ideally for sellers in the US, HongKong, Singapore, and Australia. You can integrate Etsy with Easyship to get easy shipping options. You can also schedule pick ups directly from your dashboard, or sync your orders and automatically generate shipping labels and paperwork for Etsy international shipping. You can also use our “Get a Quote” feature to help your customers understand their shipping charges. So don’t waste any more time - join Easyship and start expanding your business globally. Sign up today for a free account.

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FAQs about Etsy International Shipping

1. Is shipping internationally hard on Etsy?
Not really—Etsy’s built-in shipping profiles, discounted Global Postal Shipping labels, and auto-filled customs forms mean you mostly just pick a service, print the label, and drop the package off.

2. Does Etsy take care of international shipping?
Etsy supplies the tools (labels, tracking, customs paperwork), but the seller still packs the order and hands it to the carrier; Etsy itself doesn’t move the parcel.

3. Is Etsy international shipping easy?
Yes—if your parcel is under 4 lb you can enable a worldwide shipping profile and buy an all-in-one label in seconds; the only extra step is declaring the contents and value accurately.

4. How long does Etsy take to ship internationally?
It depends on the service chosen and the destination: economy options usually arrive in 7-21 business days, while express services reach most countries in about 3-5 days, plus any seller processing time and possible customs delays. 

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