What to check before you ship a package to another country.

Describe the contents specifically

Customs officers read your description to decide what's in the box. "Gift" or "merchandise" tells them nothing and can get a package held. Write what the item is and what it's made of, such as "cotton t-shirt" rather than "clothing".

Declare the real value

Declare what the goods are worth, which is usually the price your customer paid. If you undervalue a shipment to lower duties, you break customs rules, and customs can hold, return or seize the package.

Add a tariff code where you can

Customs authorities classify goods with Harmonized System (HS) codes. Many carriers ask for one on international shipments, and an accurate code helps customs process your package. For exports from the US, you can look up your product in the US Census Bureau's Schedule B search.

State where the goods were made

The country of origin affects duties, and whether the item can enter the destination at all. Use the country where the product was made. The country you ship from may be different.

Check restrictions at both ends

• +Destination countries ban or restrict some items. Check before you start selling into a new country.
• +US export controls and sanctions restrict some goods, destinations and recipients.
• +Carriers restrict some items under their own rules.

You can't use Anillion labels for hazardous materials or dangerous goods, on domestic or international shipments.

Tell your customer about duties and taxes

The destination country may charge duties, taxes or customs fees when the package arrives. Decide who pays them, and tell your customer before they buy. A customer who gets an unexpected bill at the door may refuse the package.