International shipping FAQ

International express is billed on the greater of actual weight and volumetric (dimensional) weight. Volumetric weight formula: length × width × height (cm) ÷ 5000 (DHL/FedEx/UPS standard); dedicated lines usually divide by 6000. If a parcel is light but bulky, volumetric weight applies—measure dimensions after packing.

Surcharges are fees on top of the base freight. Common types include:• Fuel surcharge (adjusted monthly)• Remote area surcharge (delivery to remote addresses)• Oversize / overweight surcharge• Residential delivery fee• Peak season surcharge (typically October through January)• Undeliverable return handling fee

Measure the parcel’s maximum length, width, and height in cm, multiply them, and divide by 5000 to get volumetric weight in kg. Example: 50×40×30 = 60,000 cm³; 60,000÷5,000 = 12 kg. Measure after packing and filling—foam and bubble wrap add volume.

Main reasons: long-haul cross-border distance and higher fuel use; customs clearance with declaration fees and duties; the cost of maintaining multi-country last-mile networks; greater insurance and compliance risk; plus currency settlement and other extras.

Air freight usually bills in 0.5 kg (500 g) increments. The first 0.5 kg is the “first weight”; each further 0.5 kg is “additional weight.” When comparing quotes, note that first-weight and additional-weight unit rates often differ.

Common causes: ① volumetric weight exceeds actual weight, so volumetric weight is billed; ② surcharges (remote area, address correction, etc.); ③ exchange-rate movement; ④ fuel surcharge updates. Confirm all possible fees with support before ordering to avoid bill surprises.

Peak Season Surcharge usually applies from October through January. Reasons: Thanksgiving / Christmas / Black Friday volume spikes; tighter air capacity and higher space prices; higher last-mile labour costs. UPS peak surcharges can reach about 5–10 USD per piece—budget for this in advance.

Jilu Global is a freight forwarder with monthly contracts with major international carriers, so we benefit from consolidated negotiated rates—often about 20–30% of list prices on carrier sites. Our mini program and WeChat official account are officially verified. Enter the same parameters on our platform and on the carrier site to compare; order only if the price works for you.

Yes! The mini program periodically shows coupon campaigns. For regular shippers, registering as an international member unlocks further discounts.

Reference transit by channel:• DHL/FedEx/UPS international express: 3–5 business days to major cities in Europe/US; 2–4 days in Asia-Pacific• Postal parcels (EMS/ePacket): typically 7–30 days• Dedicated lines: usually 10–15 days• Ocean LCL: 25–45 daysActual transit depends on destination, clearance efficiency, and holidays—figures above are guides only.

No. Transit is the estimated time from when goods leave our warehouse until the overseas recipient signs—excluding pickup to warehouse within China.

① Log in to the carrier’s website and enter the waybill number; ② use the third-party tracker 17Track (www.17track.net), which supports 200+ carriers in one place.

Common clearance delays: incomplete documents (e.g. invoice value vs declared value mismatch); random detailed customs inspection; holiday closures. Suggestions: contact the carrier or forwarder for the specific reason; keep the commercial invoice and packing list ready; if there is no progress after 2 weeks, ask the carrier to open a formal Trace.

① Ask the recipient to check the doorstep, neighbours, security desk, corridor, and other common drop spots; ② contact the carrier for proof of delivery (signer name / photo); ③ if misdelivery is confirmed, file a formal dispute with the carrier immediately; ④ contact our support so the carrier can verify and resolve.

• DHL: 10 digits• FedEx: 12 or 15 digits• UPS: starts with 1Z, 18 characters total• EMS: starts with E + 8 digits + 2 letters + country code (e.g. EX123456789CN)• SF International: SF + 11 digitsUse 17track.net to auto-detect the carrier and track.

Clearance is the destination country’s customs process of inspecting, assessing duties, and releasing imports. Typically required:• Commercial invoice (goods description, value, shipper/consignee)• Packing List• Waybill / bill of lading• Certificate of origin (some goods)• Import licence (special goods)Personal imports are usually cleared by the express carrier; commercial imports often need a licensed customs broker.

No. Under-declaring value is a violation. Consequences can include: seizure or confiscation; fines (often several times the underpaid duty); criminal liability in serious cases; and damage to your standing with carriers. Declare truthfully and optimise tax cost legally (e.g. using destination de minimis rules where they still apply).

De minimis reference:• United States: the previous under-USD 800 duty-free treatment has been withdrawn (restrictions apply by category)• European Union: under-EUR 150 duty-free treatment ended (full taxation from 2021)• United Kingdom: duty-free under GBP 135• Australia: GST charged in full• Japan: duty-free under JPY 10,000 Policies change—check the destination’s latest rules before shipping.

Usually not for personal express. DHL, FedEx, UPS and similar provide brokerage and complete clearance, then collect duties from the recipient. Recipient cooperation may be needed to: provide ID or a tax number (e.g. EU IOSS); pay duty/VAT (collect on delivery); or, for commercial / bulk imports, appoint a local broker.

① The carrier will notify you with the reason; ② prepare supporting documents (supplemental invoice, product certificates, import licence); ③ if duties are due, pay within the deadline; ④ if you dispute the decision, you may appeal to customs; ⑤ after the storage period, goods may be destroyed or auctioned. Contact your forwarder or a local broker immediately for help.

Common reasons: declared value does not match actual value; product name/description mismatch; prohibited or restricted goods; missing required documents (licences, health certificates, etc.).

• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): the seller covers freight, duties, and clearance risk end-to-end; the recipient pays nothing extra.• DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid): the seller ships to destination; duties and clearance fees are the buyer’s responsibility.Many carriers now offer “dual clearance, duties included” to popular destinations such as the US and Japan—effectively a DDP-style service.

A one-stop service where the logistics provider handles export clearance, destination import clearance, and duty payment. Ideal for sellers who do not want to manage clearance and duties themselves. Return rates on these lanes are very low, but customs may still inspect at random—release cannot be 100% guaranteed.

Customs may inspect any parcel. Return rates on dual-clearance, duties-included lanes are very low—many customers ship branded bags, electronics, food, and more and receive them successfully. We cannot promise 100% release for any parcel; official customs policy prevails.

No international express carrier can promise zero exceptions. Most parcels clear and are signed for directly. In rare cases of customs inspection, the carrier notifies the recipient, who must submit documents, pay duties, or contact a clearance agent as required.

An HS Code (Harmonized System code) is the internationally agreed product classification used by customs to set duty rates and controls. China exporters can look up codes on the China Customs site (hscode.com.cn) or hscode.net. Declare to the most specific tariff line possible to avoid misclassification delays.

Recent points of note: ① From 2025, low-value duty relief for China-origin parcels is tightening; ② the STOP Act requires electronic customs data for UPU mail; ③ FDA has extra filing rules for food, drugs, and medical devices; ④ controlled high-tech goods may need export licences (EAR/ITAR). Follow the latest USPS and CBP notices.

Key points: ① From July 2021, all B2C sales into the EU must charge VAT (the under-EUR 22 exemption was removed); ② OSS (One-Stop Shop): register in one EU country and report VAT for all member states; ③ IOSS (Import One-Stop Shop): for goods under EUR 150, prepay VAT via IOSS to speed clearance; ④ non-compliance can delay, detain, or refuse entry. Consider a tax professional for EU VAT registration.

Examples:• India: used electronics imports are restricted; special permits may be required• Australia / New Zealand: wood packaging needs fumigation / heat treatment proof (ISPM 15)• European Union: electronics may need CE marking• United States: food and drugs need FDA documentation• Brazil: consumer imports have value limits and relatively high taxes• Some Middle East countries: alcohol and pork products prohibitedAlways check the carrier’s destination restrictions before shipping.

Carriers commonly ban:• Explosives, fireworks, munitions• Hazardous chemicals (strong acids/alkalis, organic solvents)• Cash and negotiable instruments• Narcotics and controlled drugs• Animals, plants, and related products without quarantine certificates• Dual-use controlled technology• Counterfeits and infringing goods• Lithium batteries (only under specific conditions)Confirm both the carrier’s and the destination’s prohibited lists before shipping.

Lithium batteries are dangerous goods (UN3480/3481) but may ship when conditions are met:• Standalone lithium-ion cells/batteries (capacity ≤100 Wh) may ship as cargo• Batteries in equipment must be properly packed• Air shipments must follow IATA dangerous goods packing and declaration rules• Some countries (e.g. India) impose extra lithium import limitsUse specialist DG express services and obtain the required dangerous goods documentation.

Food rules are complex:• Most countries require a commercial invoice and ingredient labelling• Live animals/plants and fresh produce are usually not allowed for personal mail• Processed foods must meet destination food-safety rules• Commercial imports often need an import permit or health certificate• US FDA may require prior FCE (food facility) registrationShip small amounts, pack well, declare accurately—and avoid high-risk categories such as meat and dairy.

International express tightly controls food. Commercial express often refuses personal food shipments (meat and fresh fruit are strictly banned). EMS is relatively more flexible for sealed tea and dried seasonings, but destination customs may still return or destroy the goods. If you must ship food, ask support first and use a dedicated food lane.

Counterfeits are strictly prohibited. Consequences include: customs seizure and destruction; fines or legal action against the shipper; high-value claims from brand owners; and account bans / loss of partnership eligibility. Jilu Global offers special-goods dual-clearance, duties-included lanes and sensitive-goods lanes—ask online support for details.

Unbranded perfume under 100 ml can ship via the Shenzhen warehouse special-goods dedicated line. Contact support to confirm if you are unsure.

Yes, via the Jiangsu warehouse hazardous chemicals channel. Tell support the exact product in advance for confirmation and compliance.

No. E-cigarettes are prohibited and not accepted on any lane.

Prohibited for Middle East destinations; allowed for most other countries. Confirm destination rules with support.

Weapon-style knives cannot be shipped—they are prohibited. Kitchen knives may be accepted; ask support which lane to use.

No. Singapore tightly controls medicine imports; a special pharmaceutical permit is required. Personal express channels cannot handle this.

Only FedEx supports PO Boxes in principle, but overseas PO Boxes often cannot be delivered normally—local carriers may change the address to a street address and add fees. Prefer a physical delivery address whenever possible.

• Sensitive goods: liquids, pastes, food, powders, medicines, medical supplies, cosmetics, electronics, batteries, magnetic items, branded goods, counterfeits, etc. Lanes are limited—usually special-goods dual-clearance air or ocean.• General goods: ordinary items with no sensitive components; available on all lanes, typically arriving in about 2–5 business days. Not sure which type you have? Ask online support!

Basics:• Outer carton of double-wall corrugated board (new cartons recommended)• Enough inner cushioning (bubble wrap, foam board)• Shipper/consignee labels on both inner and outer layers• Liquids sealed and packed separately in leak-proof bags• Fragile items marked “FRAGILE”• Lithium batteries labelled as dangerous goods Damage from inadequate packaging is usually not compensated by the carrier.

Wrap fully in bubble wrap, fill voids with foam so items cannot shift, and mark “FRAGILE” clearly on the outer carton.

Yes, if leak-proof: sealed container + leak-proof bag, with 5%–10% headspace for expansion. Some lanes refuse liquids—confirm in advance.

Typically three: ① carrier base liability (about USD 22/kg for DHL, about USD 100 per shipment for FedEx—often too low for high-value goods); ② carrier value-added insurance (usually 1–3% of declared value); ③ third-party cargo insurance (broader cover from specialist insurers). For goods over USD 200 per unit, strongly consider extra insurance.

① Inspect on delivery and note damage on the courier’s delivery receipt immediately; ② photograph outer packaging and damaged goods; ③ keep all original packaging (carriers may inspect it); ④ file a written claim within the deadline (usually within 14 days of receipt); ⑤ attach commercial invoice, photos, and a loss assessment; ⑥ if you bought extra insurance, claim with the insurer in parallel.

① Keep all shipping records (waybill, invoice, consignee details); ② file within the carrier’s claim window (often within 60 days of shipment); ③ complete the online claim form with supporting documents; ④ carriers usually respond in 7–21 business days. Note: delay compensation is limited—buy extra insurance for valuables in advance.

A dedicated line is a channel built for a specific country or region (e.g. US line, Europe line). It is usually cheaper than commercial express and faster than postal parcels—about 10–15 days—suited to price-sensitive shippers with moderate transit needs.

Yes! After you enter the China pickup address and overseas delivery address in the mini program, a domestic courier will take the order and collect—timing can be arranged with the courier. Exceptions: schools, hospitals, rural or remote towns may not get door pickup. If pickup cannot be arranged, cancel for a refund or ship the parcel yourself to our warehouse.

We work with many lanes, and warehouse/channel rules differ. If unsure, ask online support before ordering. Documents and IDs strongly preferred via the Shanghai warehouse!

In the mini program / WeChat official account, tap “International Express” → “Freight enquiry,” enter destination, estimated weight and dimensions; the system quotes and compares all lanes in one click. Tip: for larger parcels, enter actual dimensions (cm) for a more accurate volumetric quote.

Documents can go on any lane; we recommend Shanghai warehouse → FedEx IP for speed and security. Select Shanghai warehouse in the mini program and enter 0.5 kg to see all channel rates. Tips:• For SIM / bank cards, add a few sheets of paper in the envelope for thickness;• Avoid postal channels if transit reliability matters;• UPS, DHL, or small-packet options usually need a carton, which is less convenient.

Before goods leave the origin country you can request a change, usually with an amendment fee (about CNY 200–500). Once at the destination port or in clearance, changes are very hard and costly. Double-check all details before ordering.

Postcode is critical for sorting. Wrong or missing codes can delay delivery or cause misdelivery. Always enter the destination postcode accurately.

Strongly recommended. If delivery fails (unclear address, clearance help needed), the carrier can reach the recipient and avoid returns or expiry.

• Too low: may be treated as under-declaration / tax evasion—fines or detention.• Too high: may increase duties the recipient owes. Declare true purchase cost and stay compliant.

① Agree in advance who pays return freight and duties; ② returns need clearance again (like an import—duties may apply again); ③ prepaid return labels improve buyer experience; ④ overseas warehouses (e.g. Amazon FBA returns) can cut return cost; ⑤ for low-value goods, abandoning and reshipping may be cheaper than returning.

For low-value goods, abandoning (destruction) is often better—return freight is usually 2–3× outbound and not worth it. For higher value, negotiate with the recipient or find local help. Agree duty responsibility up front to avoid disputes.

Before export you can request interception and return, but return freight applies. After export, interception is extremely difficult—confirm all details before shipping.

① Visit the carrier site “Business / Open account” page; ② submit company details and estimated monthly volume; ③ provide business licence, legal-rep ID, etc.; ④ a sales rep reviews and negotiates contract rates; ⑤ sign the service agreement and activate. Higher monthly volume usually means deeper discounts. You can also use Jilu Global’s consolidated negotiated rates without opening your own account.

• DHL: 400-820-3812 / website live chat• FedEx: 400-886-1888 (Chinese)• UPS: 400-820-8388 (Chinese)• EMS: 11183Language: major carriers offer Chinese support. For destination customs, appoint a local broker to avoid misunderstandings that make problems worse.