If you’re running a Shopify store that sells to customers in the U.S. or you are a merchant in the U.S. that ships internationally, understanding customs compliance is more important than ever. Because this is what keeps your shipments moving smoothly across borders and helps you avoid delays, fines, or unexpected costs.
In 2025, customs rules are becoming more detailed, and carriers are enforcing them more strictly. That means every Shopify merchant needs to make sure their product information, values, and documents are accurate before shipping internationally.
Good customs compliance doesn’t just help you stay on the right side of the law; it builds trust with your customers. When orders arrive on time and without extra fees, it creates a better shopping experience and a stronger reputation for your brand. In This Guide, you’ll learn everything you need to ensure smooth cross-border shipping for your Shopify store, from understanding U.S. customs regulations and required documentation to classifying products, managing duties and taxes, and avoiding the most common compliance mistakes.
In This Article
- Understanding U.S. Customs Regulations
- Required Documentation for U.S. Customs
- Product Classification & HS Codes
- FDA-Regulated Products & Import Basics
- Duties, Taxes, and Fees
- Common Shipping Carrier Considerations
- Common Errors & How to Avoid Them
- Conclusion
- FAQ’s
Understanding U.S. Customs Regulations
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the agency that checks every product entering or leaving the country. Their job is to make sure shipments follow U.S. trade laws, safety rules, and import or export regulations. For Shopify sellers, this means your international orders need to be described correctly and include all the right paperwork before they can pass through customs, so it is important to make sure the customs clearance is done correctly without any mistakes.
Shopify sellers often run into customs issues because of simple mistakes. These can include:
- Listing products with vague or inaccurate descriptions.
- Using the wrong HS (Harmonized System) code.
- Entering a lower item value to reduce taxes can lead to penalties.
- Forgetting to include a commercial invoice or other required documents.
By paying attention to these details, you’ll make it much easier for your shipments to move smoothly through customs and reach your customers on time.
- CPB also has a list of publications that provide detailed customs compliance guidelines for various goods. You can check these out to ensure your business meets all regulatory requirements. Take a look at the Informed Compliance Publications section.
Required Documentation for U.S. Customs
When shipping orders internationally, getting the paperwork right is one of the most important parts of customs compliance. Missing or incomplete documents can delay your shipment or even cause it to be held by customs. Here are the key documents every Shopify seller should know about:
- Commercial Invoice: This is the main document customs officials use to identify what you’re shipping. Think of it as a detailed receipt that helps customs verify the contents and value of your shipment.
- Packing List: The packing list shows what’s physically inside each box or package. It includes details like item weights, dimensions, and how the goods are packed.
- Certificates and Special Documents: Some products require additional documentation depending on what you’re shipping and where it’s going. For example:
- Certificates of Origin prove where your goods were made.
- FDA Registration Certificates are needed for items like food, cosmetics, or medical devices.
- Other certificates or permits may be required for items that are regulated or restricted.
Here is a Complete list of Essential Shipping Documents for International Shipments.
Printing Documents on Shopify
- This entire process, from generating commercial invoices and packing lists to attaching certificates and permits for regulated items, can be efficiently automated using the PH Multi-Carrier Shipping Label app for Shopify. The app simplifies international shipping by automatically generating and attaching the required customs paperwork to each shipment.
Product Classification & HS Codes
When shipping internationally, every product needs to be properly classified for customs. That’s where Harmonized System (HS) codes come in. These standardized codes are used worldwide to identify products and determine the duties or taxes that apply.
- How HS Codes Affect Customs Duties:
HS codes tell customs exactly what your product is and where it’s from. Duties, tariffs, and trade restrictions are calculated based on these codes. - How to Find the Right HS Codes:
You can look up HS codes through the U.S. International Trade Commission, online tariff tools, or even your shipping carrier. Make sure the code accurately reflects your product’s category, material, and intended use. - Why Accuracy Matters: Using the wrong HS code can cause problems like:
- Customs holding or inspecting your shipment.
- Extra duties, fees, or fines.
- Repeated mistakes that could affect your ability to ship internationally.
Getting your HS codes right from the start saves time, avoids extra costs, and keeps your Shopify orders moving smoothly across borders. HS codes for some of the major exports can be found here.
Adding HS codes to Shopify orders
The PH Multi-Carrier Shipping Label app for Shopify helps add your product’s HS codes to customs forms and shipping labels. It helps ensure accurate classification and compliance, reducing errors, delays, and extra duties during international shipping.
FDA-Regulated Products & Import Basics
FDA-regulated products are items that fall under the oversight of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration due to safety, labeling, or health concerns, so all these products entering the U.S. must be declared to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). FDA-regulated products like food, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, tobacco, animal feed, and radiation-emitting electronics are reviewed to ensure they meet U.S. standards.
Key points for Shopify sellers:
- FDA Review: Imported products must be safe, properly labeled, and compliant. Adulterated, misbranded, or restricted items can be refused entry.
- Entry Types: Products entered as commercial shipments (for sale) or personal shipments (for personal use).
- Holding & Admissibility: Shipments may be held until FDA approves them; refused products must be destroyed or exported within 90 days.
- Legal Authority: FDA’s oversight comes from sections 536 and 801 of the FD&C Act, allowing refusal of non-compliant products.
- Automation Tip: The PH Multi-Carrier Shipping Label app can simplify compliance by generating invoices, packing lists, and attaching required certificates automatically, ensuring smooth
Duties, Taxes, and Fees
When selling internationally, it’s important to understand how duties, taxes, and fees work. These are costs assessed by customs authorities on imported goods, and they vary depending on the product type, value, and country of destination.
- Understanding Import Duties and Taxes:
Import duties are taxes charged on goods entering a country. In addition to duties, some shipments may also incur value-added tax (VAT) or other local taxes. The rates depend on the product’s HS code, origin, and the country’s trade regulations. - How Shopify Calculates Duties:
Shopify can automatically calculate duties and taxes for international orders if you have a compatible shipping setup. The platform uses the product value, shipping destination, and HS codes to estimate what the customer may owe, giving them a clearer picture of the total cost. - Displaying Duties and Taxes at Checkout:
You can show duties and taxes upfront during checkout to avoid confusion or delays. This transparency improves the shopping experience and reduces the risk of rejected shipments at customs. - Shopify has options to add tax to the product price before shipping, which helps in this cause. All you need to do to enable this is head to settings>taxes and duties and turn on include sales tax in product price.
Common Shipping Carrier Considerations
Each shipping carrier, whether it’s UPS, FedEx, USPS, DHL, or another provider, has its own customs requirements that sellers need to follow, with the basic requirements pretty similar.
- Carrier Customs Requirements:
Every carrier requires certain information, like product details, values, and HS codes on your customs forms. Some, such as UPS and FedEx, also need additional electronic data to be submitted before the shipment is even picked up. Taking a few minutes to check your carrier’s latest customs policies can save you a lot of time later on. - Labeling, Documentation, and Packaging:
Make sure your shipping labels, invoices, and other customs documents match the details in your Shopify order. Packaging should also meet carrier guidelines; for example, hazardous or fragile items may need specific markings or materials. - Automating Customs Documentation:
To make things easier, you can use apps like the PH Multi-Carrier Shipping Label app. This helps generate customs forms, attach the correct product data, and submit everything electronically to your carrier.
Common Errors & How to Avoid Them
Even experienced Shopify sellers can run into customs issues, and most of the time, it comes down to small, avoidable mistakes. Knowing what to look out for can save you a lot of time, money, and frustration.
- Mislabeling Products or Using Incorrect HS Codes:
One of the most common problems is listing products incorrectly or using the wrong HS codes. If the product description doesn’t clearly match what’s in the box, customs may hold or reject the shipment. Double-check that your HS codes and descriptions are accurate and consistent across your invoices, labels, and product listings. - Missing Documentation:
Customs paperwork can be tedious, but missing even one document can delay your shipment. Always make sure your commercial invoice, packing list, and any special certificates (like FDA or origin certificates) are included and filled out completely.
Taking the time to verify your shipping details and documentation before you send a package can help your orders move smoothly through customs and reach your customers without unnecessary delays.
Conclusion
Staying compliant with U.S. customs regulations is one of the most important parts of running an international Shopify store. Getting your documentation right, using the correct HS codes, and understanding duties and taxes can make the difference between a smooth delivery and a shipment stuck at customs.
As regulations continue to evolve in 2025, it’s worth staying updated on any new trade policies or customs changes that could affect your products. Taking a proactive approach now will save you headaches later and help your business run more efficiently.
If you want to make the process easier, consider using tools and apps like the PH MultiCarrier and Shipping Label, which automate customs documentation and ensure accuracy when shipping abroad. With the right setup, you can confidently expand your Shopify store to new markets while staying fully compliant.
FAQ’s
- What does U.S. Customs check for when processing international shipments?
U.S. Customs reviews shipments to verify declared values, product descriptions, and HS codes. They also check for restricted or prohibited items, proper documentation (like commercial invoices and certificates), accurate country of origin details, and compliance with import regulations. Their goal is to ensure that correct duties and taxes are applied and that all imports meet U.S. trade and safety laws.
- What are the three pillars of customs compliance?
The three pillars of customs compliance are accurate documentation, proper classification, and correct valuation. These ensure your shipment details match customs requirements, your products are correctly identified with the right HS codes, and the declared value reflects the true transaction.
- What needs to be declared to U.S. Customs when entering the United States?
When entering the U.S., you must declare any items that fall under the following categories:
- Food and Agriculture: Fruits, vegetables, meat, plants, seeds, and other agricultural products.
- Alcohol: Spirits, wine, beer, and other alcoholic beverages.
- Tobacco: Cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products.
- Currency: Amounts over $10,000 in cash or monetary instruments.
