What Customs Forms Do I Need to Fill Out?

Actually, we'll help you complete the required forms as you go. Our web shipping tool will automatically generate customs forms for you to help you glide through the shipping process. Create a Shipment Want to know more about which forms are required? We took the time to break each of them down so you know the sole purpose behind each one and why you will or won't need it. Learn More

Understanding Customs

Q: What Is Customs?

Customs is a term commonly used in international shipping pointing to the duties, fees or taxes charged on items being shipped from one country to another. Costs can vary depending on the items and countries being shipping from and into. Each country has its own customs rules and guidelines, but no matter where you're shipping, our online tools will accurately let you know what to expect.

Q: Who Pays Customs Duties, Fees or Taxes?

Either the seller or the buyer of a shipment must pay customs duties, fees or taxes. Generally, the party responsible for payment is prearranged in the shipper and receiver's terms of sale. (Check your terms of sale to learn whether you're responsible.) Terms will typically require the buyer to pay. This is called Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU). If a shipment is DDU, the buyer pays any applicable customs duties, fees or taxes when the shipment arrives at the border - before the shipment can be delivered. However, if the shipment is designated Delivery Duty Paid (DDP), the seller pays. Typically, merchants will ship DDP and pass the cost along to the consumer up front. Depending on the quantity or value of what you're shipping, and where the shipment is going, there may be no costs at all. Use our landed costs estimator to calculate what your expected costs are likely to be.

We’re one of the world’s largest customs brokers. Let’s simplify the customs process so you can see fewer customs delays and hit more deadlines.

Customs Basics FAQ

What is Customs?

Customs clearance is a term commonly used in international shipping and refers to the process of entering and clearing goods through customs according to regulatory requirements. This includes the payment of duties, fees or taxes levied on the goods. Costs can vary depending on the items and countries being shipping from and into. Every country has its own requirements, but no matter where you're shipping, our online shipping tools can help you anticipate what costs to expect.

Who Pays Customs Duties, Fees or Taxes?

When your goods arrive at the border, the applicable customs duties, fees or taxes will be assessed and must be paid before they can be delivered. Based upon the quantity or value of what you are shipping, and where you are shipping to, there may be no costs at all. Our landed costs estimator can help you figure out what your costs are likely to be, or what quantities of goods may allow you to minimize your customs burden.

The responsibility for payment of customs clearance costs is frequently prearranged as part of the sender's and receiver's terms of sale. When shipping online with UPS, you will find numerous options to suit your specific arrangements. As one of the world's largest customs brokers, we can help expedite the payment of applicable customs clearance fees.

What Customs Forms Do I Need to Fill In?

Pro Tip

Inaccurate descriptions of the goods being shipped may result in customs delays or unexpected charges. Make sure that your description is thorough and accurate – and use the correct harmonised tariff codes.

Find Your Harmonised Tariff Code

Tips to Clear Customs Quicker

Provide accurate information

Understand customs valuation

Understand strategic goods

Clear Customs Digitally – No Paper Required

Sign up for UPS Paperless Invoice for free in three easy steps.

Log in below.
Select View Account Details in the Actions menu.
Click on the Paperless Invoicing option and select Enrol My Account.

Log in to Enable

Don’t have a shipping account? Sign up for one, or add an existing account to your profile.