International shipping from the US means choosing a carrier service that serves the destination, completing a customs declaration with a specific description and value for every item, and deciding who pays import duties and taxes. USPS and UPS between them reach almost every country: USPS Priority Mail International delivers in about 6 to 10 business days, while UPS Worldwide Express services deliver in 1 to 3 business days to most major markets.
This hub covers how the main services compare, what drives the price, how customs paperwork and HS codes work, and who pays duties. It links to ParcelPath’s guides for every region and many individual countries. Through ParcelPath you can buy USPS and UPS international labels at up to 89% off USPS and up to 85% off UPS, with no subscription, per-label fee or minimum volume.
Which carriers and services handle international shipping from the US?
USPS is usually the lower-cost choice for light parcels and personal shipments, while UPS is faster and gives fuller door-to-door tracking and customs brokerage, which suits business shipments and heavier boxes. Each USPS country listing in the International Mail Manual sets its own weight limit, so a service can accept up to 70 pounds to one country and much less to another.
| Service | Expected delivery | Weight limit | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPS First-Class Package International Service | Varies by destination | 4 lb | Light, low-value items |
| USPS Priority Mail International | 6 to 10 business days | Up to 70 lb, depending on country; Flat Rate Boxes 20 lb | Gifts and most personal parcels |
| USPS Priority Mail Express International | 3 to 5 business days to many major markets | Up to 70 lb, depending on country | Urgent documents and small parcels |
| UPS Worldwide Express Plus / Express / Saver | 1 to 3 business days to most major markets | 150 lb per package | Time-sensitive and business shipments |
| UPS Worldwide Expedited | 2 to 5 business days | 150 lb per package | Heavier parcels that still need door-to-door tracking |
| UPS Standard | Day-definite ground service | 150 lb per package | Canada and Mexico |
Priority Mail International and Priority Mail Express International include coverage of up to $200 for merchandise, and you can buy more up to $5,000 where the destination allows it. First-Class Package International Service has no insurance. Our guides to USPS international services and transit times and UPS international services go deeper on each carrier.
ParcelPath issues USPS and UPS labels only. FedEx and DHL Express also ship internationally if you book with them directly.
What affects the cost of international shipping?
Five factors set the price of an international label: the package’s actual weight, its size (large, light boxes are billed by dimensional weight), the destination country, the speed of the service, and any carrier surcharges such as fuel. Import duties and taxes come on top and are charged by the destination country, not the carrier.
Because those factors interact, the only reliable way to price a parcel is to quote it. Compare live USPS and UPS international rates in the ParcelPath rate calculator, and see the shipping calculator guide for how carriers price weight, zones and dimensions. Keeping boxes small and light usually saves more than switching carriers.
What customs paperwork does an international package need?
Nearly every package leaving the US needs a customs declaration. The only USPS exception is First-Class Mail International letters and large envelopes under 15.994 ounces that contain only documents or correspondence. When you buy a label online, the customs form is created with the label and sent electronically.
USPS requires a detailed description of each item that says what it is, what it’s made of and what it’s for. General terms such as “gift,” “tools” or “merchandise” aren’t accepted, and packages with inadequate descriptions may be rejected, returned or destroyed by the destination’s customs. Each item also needs its own value and the package its total weight. The USPS customs form guidance lists the requirements.
For commercial shipments, USPS has required a six-digit Harmonized System (HS) code for each item since September 1, 2025, in line with Universal Postal Union rules. UPS shipments of goods need a commercial invoice with the same detail. Under-declaring value to reduce duty is one of the most common causes of a customs hold, not a way to avoid one.
Who pays duties and taxes on international shipments?
By default, the recipient pays import duties, taxes and any brokerage charges when the package arrives, an arrangement usually called Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) or Delivered at Place (DAP). With Delivered Duty Paid (DDP), the sender prepays them so the recipient owes nothing at the door. Our DDP shipping guide explains when prepaying duties makes sense.
Each country sets a de minimis value below which imports enter free of duty, tax or both, and the thresholds differ widely. Some are changing: USPS notes that, starting July 1, 2026, merchandise packages to the European Union valued up to €150 may face new import duties and requirements. Each destination guide below lists the current threshold for that country where it’s published.
Where can you ship internationally? Browse by destination
ParcelPath’s international shipping destinations index groups every country guide by continent. Each guide covers which USPS and UPS services run the lane, transit times, weight limits, customs thresholds and prohibited items. USPS suspends service to some countries from time to time, so check the USPS International Service Alerts page before you ship to a less common destination.
North America
Canada and Mexico are the shortest international lanes from the US, and UPS Standard offers a ground option to both. Low-value shipments often clear quickly, but a complete customs declaration is still required, and Mexico’s customs is strict about commercial paperwork.
- Shipping to North America: carriers, rates and customs
- Shipping to Canada from the USA
- Shipping to Mexico from the USA
- Shipping to the USA: state-by-state rates and delivery guide
Europe
Europe is one of the most reliable lanes from the US. EU countries charge import VAT on most parcels, and the July 2026 change to low-value imports makes an accurate value and description even more important. The UK, Switzerland and Norway have their own rules outside the EU.
- Shipping to Europe: UK, EU, Switzerland and Norway
Asia
Asia includes some of the fastest and slowest lanes from the US. Hubs such as Hong Kong and Singapore clear quickly, while each country sets its own de minimis value and restricted-goods list. Electronics, cosmetics and supplements often need extra documentation.
- Shipping to Asia: Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia
Oceania
Australia and New Zealand enforce strict biosecurity rules on top of customs. Food, plant material, wood and other organic items can be inspected, treated or destroyed at the border, so declare everything and avoid straw or untreated wood as packing.
- Shipping to Oceania: Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific
South America
South America rewards careful paperwork. Brazil requires the recipient’s tax ID (the CPF for individuals), and several countries apply high import taxes, so allow longer transit and tell recipients what they may owe.
- Shipping to South America: Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Colombia
Africa
Gateway cities such as Johannesburg, Lagos and Nairobi clear relatively quickly, but addresses outside major cities can add days for final delivery. Many countries require import permits for commercial goods, so confirm requirements with the recipient first.
- Shipping to Africa: South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt and Kenya
Caribbean
The Caribbean is a busy lane for family and gift shipments, but island customs rules vary and many destinations charge duty plus VAT on most imports. Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands are US territories, so USPS treats mail to them as domestic.
- Shipping to the Caribbean: Bahamas, Jamaica, Dominican Republic and more
Middle East
Gulf hubs have strong air links and fast clearance, but prohibited-item lists are strict, and many shipments need a recipient ID number. Service to parts of the region can be suspended at short notice, so check current USPS alerts before you ship.
- Shipping to the Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel and more
How do you prepare a package for international shipping?
- Check the destination. Confirm the service is available, the weight limit and the prohibited items in the destination’s guide or the USPS country listing.
- Pack for a longer trip. International parcels are handled more often, so use a sturdy new box and pad items on every side.
- Write a complete address. Use the destination’s address format, the postal code and the recipient’s phone number, which many carriers need for customs and delivery.
- Describe and value every item. Give a specific description, quantity, value and country of origin, plus an HS code for commercial goods.
- Agree who pays duties. Tell the recipient whether they will owe duties and taxes on delivery.
- Buy a tracked label. Compare services, then print the label and customs form together, or use USPS Label Broker or UPS Mobile Barcode if you don’t have a printer.
For broader comparisons of carriers and service levels beyond international lanes, see our roundup of shipping services and solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to ship internationally from the US?
For packages under 4 pounds, USPS First-Class Package International Service is usually the cheapest international shipping option, though it has no insurance. For heavier parcels, USPS Priority Mail International is typically the lowest-cost tracked service, and its Flat Rate Boxes carry up to 20 pounds. UPS can be competitive for heavy or urgent business shipments.
How long does international shipping take from the USA?
International shipping from the USA takes 1 to 3 business days with UPS Worldwide Express services to most major markets, 2 to 5 with UPS Worldwide Expedited, about 3 to 5 with USPS Priority Mail Express International and 6 to 10 with Priority Mail International. Customs holds and remote addresses can add several days.
What information does a customs form need?
A customs form needs a specific description of each item, the quantity, the value of each item, the total weight and full sender and recipient details without abbreviations. Commercial items also need a six-digit HS code, which USPS has required since September 1, 2025. Vague descriptions like “gift” can get a package returned or destroyed.
Does ParcelPath ship internationally?
Yes. ParcelPath sells USPS and UPS international labels, including Priority Mail International, Priority Mail Express International and UPS Worldwide services, at up to 89% off USPS and up to 85% off UPS. It’s free to use, with no subscription or per-label fee. Its labels are USPS and UPS only.
Sources
- USPS: International Mail and Shipping Services
- USPS: Customs Forms
- USPS International Mail Manual: Country listings
- USPS International Service Alerts
- UPS: International Shipping Services
Explore our International Shipping guides:
