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Handling Customs, Duties & International Orders
3 min read
- What Happens When an Order Goes International?
- What Are Customs Duties & Import Taxes?
- Who Pays Customs Duties & Taxes?
- How This Works With Dispatched by Kingston Express
- Seller Responsibilities for Dispatchment International Orders
- Seller-Managed International Shipping (Higher Responsibility)
- Common Reasons International Orders Get Delayed
- Restricted & Prohibited Items (Important)
- How Returns Work for International Orders
- How to Set Customer Expectations (Best Practice)
- Common Seller Mistakes to Avoid
- When to Contact Support
- Final Tip
(Shipping & Delivery for Sellers)
International orders involve more than just shipping — they must pass through customs clearance, which includes duties, taxes, and inspections.
Understanding how this works helps sellers avoid delays, rejected shipments, and unhappy customers.
This guide explains:
- How customs works
- Who pays duties and taxes
- How international orders are handled with Dispatched by Kingston Express
- What sellers must do to stay compliant
What Happens When an Order Goes International? #



When an order ships internationally:
- The package leaves the origin country
- It enters the destination country’s customs system
- Customs reviews:
- Product type
- Declared value
- Documentation
- Duties and taxes are assessed
- Package is released for final delivery
📦 Customs is mandatory for all international shipments.
What Are Customs Duties & Import Taxes? #


- Customs duties are fees charged by a country on imported goods
- Import taxes (such as VAT or sales tax) may also apply
These charges depend on:
- Destination country
- Product category
- Declared value
📌 Each country sets its own rules.
Who Pays Customs Duties & Taxes? #
In Most Cases: #
- 💰 The customer pays duties and import taxes
- Charges are collected by customs or the courier
📌 Sellers should never promise “no customs fees” unless explicitly stated.
How This Works With Dispatched by Kingston Express #


When an order is Dispatched by Kingston Express:
- Kingston Express manages:
- International shipping flow
- Courier coordination
- Required shipping documentation
- Customs processing follows destination regulations
- Duties and taxes are handled according to policy
🌍 Sellers do NOT deal directly with customs authorities.
Seller Responsibilities for Dispatchment International Orders #
Sellers must:
✔ Provide accurate product descriptions
✔ Use correct product categories
✔ Ensure truthful pricing and value
✔ Avoid restricted or prohibited items
📦 Accuracy prevents customs delays.
Seller-Managed International Shipping (Higher Responsibility) #


If you ship internationally yourself:
- You are responsible for:
- Export declarations
- Accurate invoices
- Courier coordination
- Handling customs delays or rejections
⚠️ Mistakes can result in returned or seized shipments.
Common Reasons International Orders Get Delayed #


❌ Incorrect product description
❌ Under-declared or over-declared value
❌ Restricted items
❌ Missing documentation
❌ Random customs inspection
📌 Customs delays are outside seller or platform control.
Restricted & Prohibited Items (Important) #
Some items may:
- Be restricted
- Require permits
- Be completely prohibited
Examples may include:
- Liquids
- Batteries
- Supplements
- Branded goods without authorization
⚠️ Always check eligibility before enabling international shipping.
How Returns Work for International Orders #
- Dispatchment orders:
Returns follow Kingston Express international return processes - Seller-managed orders:
Seller must coordinate international returns
📦 International returns are slower and more expensive.
How to Set Customer Expectations (Best Practice) #


Sellers should:
✔ Mention that customs fees may apply
✔ Avoid guaranteeing delivery times
✔ Be clear that delays may occur
🛒 Transparency prevents disputes.
Common Seller Mistakes to Avoid #
❌ Misdeclaring product value
❌ Shipping restricted items
❌ Promising no customs fees
❌ Ignoring international shipping rules
⚠️ These mistakes often lead to failed deliveries.
When to Contact Support #
Contact **Kingston Express Support if:
- You’re unsure if a product can ship internationally
- An international order is stuck in customs unusually long
- You need clarification on dispatchment handling
📧 Always include order ID and destination country.
Final Tip #
Customs is a government process, not a delivery failure.
Sellers who stay accurate, transparent, and compliant succeed with international sales — especially when using Dispatched by Kingston Express 🌍📦🚚

