Customs & DDP Shipping

How OrbisCommerce handles customs clearance and Delivered Duty Paid shipments.

What is DDP?

Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) means all import duties, taxes, and customs fees are paid before the package reaches your buyer. There are no surprise charges at the door — the total cost is settled at checkout.

This is the preferred shipping mode for most e-commerce sellers, as it significantly reduces failed deliveries and buyer disputes.

How DDP works on OrbisCommerce

  1. When creating a label, select DDP as the shipping term
  2. OrbisCommerce calculates the estimated duty and tax based on the HS code and declared value
  3. The duty amount is added to your label cost and charged to your account
  4. The carrier delivers the package duty-paid — your buyer receives it without paying anything extra

HS codes

Every international shipment requires an HS (Harmonized System) code — a 6–10 digit number that classifies your product for customs purposes.

You can look up HS codes at:

Enter the HS code in the Customs Information section when creating a label. OrbisCommerce saves HS codes per SKU so you don't have to re-enter them.

EU €3 customs fee (effective July 1, 2026)

Under EU Regulation 2026/382, a flat €3 fee per HS code / country-of-origin combination applies to B2C shipments valued under €150 destined for EU countries.

  • The fee is calculated at label creation and charged to your account
  • Marketplace IOSS numbers (Etsy, Amazon) are accepted and validated automatically
  • Shipments without a valid IOSS number or declarant will be returned to sender

Common customs mistakes

  • Undervaluing shipments — always declare the actual transaction value. Undervaluation can result in shipment holds and fines.
  • Missing HS code — required on all international labels. Shipments without one will be held at customs.
  • Incorrect country of origin — must match the actual manufacturing country, not the seller's location.

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