Shipping WooCommerce products to the U.S. is more complex in 2025 due to changes in de minimis exemptions, tariffs, and stricter CBP requirements. Missing or incomplete documentation can cause delays, extra fees, or shipment refusal, affecting both your business and customers.
This guide covers key U.S. customs compliance for WooCommerce merchants, including FDA-regulated products, metals like steel and aluminum, and documentation for food, cosmetics, and medical devices. Following these best practices ensures smoother shipments and faster clearance.
On This Page:
- Why WooCommerce Shipments Are Held by U.S. Customs
- FDA-Regulated Shipments for WooCommerce Stores
- How to Ship U.S.-Bound Products in WooCommerce
- WooCommerce Best Practices for U.S. Customs Compliance
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Why WooCommerce Shipments Are Held by U.S. Customs?
Shipping products from a WooCommerce store to the United States has become more complex in 2025. Many shipments are delayed, held, or even refused entry because of incomplete or inaccurate documentation. Understanding the common reasons for holds can help WooCommerce merchants streamline their shipping process and avoid costly delays.
1. Missing Commercial Invoice
- Every U.S.-bound shipment must include a commercial invoice submitted electronically to customs or a licensed broker.
- This document provides CBP with essential details about the shipment, including item descriptions, value, and origin.
- Without a proper commercial invoice, shipments are almost always held.
2. Invalid or Incomplete Product Descriptions
- CBP requires precise and clear descriptions for every item in a shipment. Generic terms such as “gift” or “miscellaneous” are not acceptable.
- Incomplete or inaccurate descriptions can result in customs holds or misclassification of items.
- Merchants should ensure WooCommerce product pages and commercial invoices contain detailed, accurate descriptions that match the physical contents of the package.
3. Incomplete Commercial Invoice Details
Beyond item descriptions, a commercial invoice must include:
- Country of origin for each item
- Country of manufacture (mandatory for certain goods like cosmetics)
- 10-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the U.S. (HTSUS) code
- Quantity and value of items
- Importer Tax ID (EIN or SSN) for formal entry shipments
Failing to include any of these details can trigger shipment holds, fines, or delays.
4. Missing Shipper or Receiver Contact Information
- CBP requires both the shipper’s and recipient’s contact details, including email addresses and phone numbers, to facilitate communication.
- While some shipping systems may mark these fields as optional, providing this information reduces the risk of delays and ensures customs can resolve any issues quickly.
5. Unpaid Duties and Taxes
- If the applicable import duties and taxes are unpaid, CBP may hold the shipment until fees are settled.
- Merchants should calculate and collect import fees before shipping, and recipients should be informed about potential charges.
6. Restricted or Prohibited Items
- Certain categories of products, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and perishable goods, require additional documentation to comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations.
- Incomplete or missing documentation for these regulated items can result in secondary inspections, penalties, or even shipment refusal.
FDA-Regulated Shipments for WooCommerce Stores
For WooCommerce merchants, shipping FDA-regulated products to the U.S. requires careful attention to documentation and compliance. The FDA oversees items such as food, cosmetics, and medical devices, and shipments missing accurate paperwork may face delays, secondary inspections, or refusal of entry.
Special Requirements for Metals: Steel, Aluminum, and Copper
Products containing metals or their derivatives must meet Section 232 requirements:
- Steel: Include country of melt and pour, content value, and weight.
- Aluminum: Include the country of recent casting, the largest and second-largest smelters, the content value, and the weight.
- Copper: Include content value and weight.
Even packaging that contains these metals is subject to compliance checks.
Requirements for Food Shipments
For human and animal food, ensure:
- All items are labeled in English.
- The invoices list complete descriptions, country of manufacture, value, and manufacturer details.
- Prior Notice is filed, and the PN number is included with the shipment (attached or entered in invoice fields).
Requirements for Cosmetic Shipments
For cosmetics:
- Product labeling must be in English.
- Invoices must include detailed product descriptions, country of manufacture, value, and Product Identification Number.
- Manufacturer details are required, and branded products shipped by third parties need an authorization letter.
Requirements for Medical Device Shipments
For medical devices:
- Labeling must be in English.
- Include the manufacturer and exporter’s FDA registration numbers.
- Provide product listing, PMN (510k) number if applicable, FDA product code, and intended use.
- Special certifications, such as Impact Resistance for sunglasses, are required when applicable.
By keeping all documentation accurate and following these guidelines, your WooCommerce shipments can glide through U.S. customs without a hitch.
How to Ship U.S.-Bound Products in WooCommerce
Shipping WooCommerce products to the U.S. can be simplified using dedicated shipping plugins that handle carrier selection, real-time rates, customs compliance, and documentation. PluginHive offers a suite of solutions to make this process seamless for merchants.
Merchant Shipping with UPS and FedEx
Offering shipping to the U.S. via UPS is simple and efficient with the WooCommerce UPS Shipping Plugin with Print Label.
With the plugin, merchants can:
- Add important details such as HS codes, country of origin, and other required shipment information in the product settings.
- Select preferred UPS services in the plugin settings to display at the cart and checkout pages.
- Fetch real-time shipping rates at checkout via API, including duties, taxes, and U.S. customs fees.
- Generate shipping labels and commercial invoices directly from the plugin, which are mandatory for customs clearance.
The plugin also supports ETD, EDI, and EEI documents for formal entry, ensuring smooth compliance with U.S. import regulations.
Beginning 28 September 2025, the UPS® Digital Access Program (DAP) will implement Surge and Demand Fees on certain export shipments from the U.S. and select regions, including Asia-Pacific, Europe (excluding DE and UK), Canada, and Latin America. Merchants should ensure their shipping systems or plugins are updated to reflect these changes to maintain accurate rate calculations.
Similarly, the WooCommerce FedEx Shipping Plugin with Print Label allows accurate duty calculation and ensures all U.S. customs documentation requirements are met.
Merchant Shipping with Other International Carriers
For merchants using other carriers like DHL, TNT, or USPS, the WooCommerce Shipping Services plugin provides real-time shipping rates at checkout, reliable tracking, and support for customs documentation for U.S.-bound shipments.
Check out this quick video tutorial on how to configure the WooCommerce Shipping Services plugin for your WooCommerce store: Watch the step-by-step guide here.
WooCommerce Best Practices for U.S. Customs Compliance
Shipping to the U.S. in 2025 requires careful attention to avoid delays, holds, or penalties. WooCommerce merchants can follow these best practices to streamline shipments:
- Use Shipping Plugins for Automation: Plugins like UPS Shipping Plugin, FedEx Shipping Plugin, or WooCommerce Shipping Services plugin let you generate customs forms automatically to ensure documentation compliance.
- Validate Product Details: Ensure WooCommerce product pages and invoices have clear, precise descriptions, and accurate HS codes or tariff classifications.
- Update Contact Information: Include complete shipper and recipient details, such as email addresses and phone numbers, to facilitate customs communication.
- Monitor Tariffs and Regulatory Changes: Stay informed about de minimis thresholds, Section 232 requirements for metals, and FDA regulations for food, cosmetics, and medical devices.
- Track Shipments Actively: Use tracking tools to monitor U.S.-bound shipments and respond promptly to any CBP or carrier notifications to prevent delays.
By implementing these steps, WooCommerce merchants can reduce customs delays and ensure compliance with U.S. regulations.
Conclusion
Shipping WooCommerce products to the U.S. now requires careful attention to documentation and compliance with customs regulations. By staying organized and proactive, WooCommerce merchants can reduce delays, avoid penalties, and ensure smoother, faster delivery for their U.S.-bound shipments.
For setup or advanced configuration help, contact PluginHive Support.
FAQs
- Can U.S. tariffs and import changes impact WooCommerce stores?
With frequent trade updates, U.S. tariff changes can influence your overall shipping costs. Stay informed about new import rules with the detailed guide on WooCommerce U.S. tariff and import changes.
- Do all WooCommerce products require a commercial invoice for U.S. shipments?
Yes. Every shipment to the U.S. must include a commercial invoice with accurate item descriptions, value, and country of origin to avoid holds or delays.
- Is Prior Notice required for all food shipments?
Yes. Both human and animal food require an FDA Prior Notice before reaching U.S. borders. Including the PNSI number in your shipment reduces the risk of delays.
- Which plugin supports multiple international carrier rates?
For merchants shipping to multiple countries, including the US, the WooCommerce Multi-Carrier Shipping Plugin integrates with major couriers like DHL, UPS, FedEx, and USPS, helping you compare rates and manage all shipments from one dashboard.
