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What is international shipping? How to ship globally from India
A simple guide to international shipping charges, process, and logistics partners for cross-border shipping from India. Also learn about global shipping with Amazon.
June 30, 2026 | 19 min read
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International shipping, also referred to as cross-border shipping, plays a direct role in how businesses manage their global orders and international customer delivery. For Indian businesses engaged in cross-border e-commerce, international shipping involves managing export documentation, customs duties, varying regulations across destination countries, and shipping costs.
Learning how to ship internationally from India helps you expand your customer base and fulfill shipping requirements as per global trade regulations. This guide explains how to handle the international shipping process from India step by step to keep deliveries on time without any challenges.
Learning how to ship internationally from India helps you expand your customer base and fulfill shipping requirements as per global trade regulations. This guide explains how to handle the international shipping process from India step by step to keep deliveries on time without any challenges.
What is international shipping?
International shipping is the process of transporting goods from one country to another using air, sea, or land freight. This also includes customs clearance, export documentation, and compliance with destination country regulations. This process allows businesses to participate in global trade by reaching customers worldwide and shipping products across borders.
The cost of international shipping depends on several factors, including package weight, dimensions, destination country, shipping mode, and any additional services such as insurance or tracking. Understanding these factors helps you optimize shipping costs and ensure timely delivery to international customers.
The cost of international shipping depends on several factors, including package weight, dimensions, destination country, shipping mode, and any additional services such as insurance or tracking. Understanding these factors helps you optimize shipping costs and ensure timely delivery to international customers.
Key terms in international shipping
Being familiar with the common shipping terms helps you work with carriers, complete customs paperwork, and manage your international shipments.
Customs duty
Customs duty is a tax imposed on goods when they cross international borders. The duty amount varies by product type and destination country.
Bill of lading
A bill of lading is a legal document issued by the carrier to the shipper, detailing the type, quantity, and destination of the goods.
Incoterms
International Commercial Terms, or Incoterms, are 11 globally recognized three-letter trade rules published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) that define the responsibilities, costs, and risks of buyers and sellers in international shipping.1
Freight forwarder
Freight forwarders act as intermediaries that manage and coordinate the international shipping process for businesses without directly transporting the goods.
HS Code (Harmonized System code)
HS code is a standardized six-digit product classification number used globally by customs authorities to identify goods and determine applicable duties and taxes on imports.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
DDP is an international shipping agreement defined by the ICC in which the seller is responsible for all shipping costs, risks, duties, and customs procedures until the goods are delivered to the buyer’s destination.2
DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid)
DDU means the seller pays shipping costs, but the buyer pays all duties and taxes when the shipment arrives. The buyer is responsible for customs clearance in their country.
Import/Export License
An import/export licence is a government-issued document that allows businesses to legally import or export goods. It helps ensure that international trade follows national regulations and quality standards. In India, most businesses also need an Import Export Code (IEC) to carry out import and export activities.3
FTL (Full Truckload)
Full truckload is a shipping method where your goods occupy an entire truck. FTL works well for large-volume shipments.
LTL (Less Than Truckload)
Less than truckload is a shipping method used for transporting smaller freight loads that do not require a full truck. It is commonly used by businesses that ship smaller quantities of goods frequently. LTL shipping helps reduce costs by combining shipments from multiple businesses in one truck.
Commercial invoice
A commercial invoice is an export document that lists the shipped goods, their value, and buyer-seller details so customs authorities can calculate applicable taxes and duties.
Certificate of origin
A certificate of origin is an official document that confirms where goods were manufactured and helps customs authorities determine applicable duties and eligibility for trade agreement benefits. It is not mandatory and is required only for regulations or FTA benefits.4
Role of international shipping in exports
International shipping plays a critical role in global trade. It enables businesses to:
● Expand into new markets and reach a wider customer base.
● Improve supply chain efficiency by leveraging cost-effective shipping solutions.
● Ensure compliance with international trade regulations and customs requirements.
● Reduce shipping costs by optimizing logistics and choosing the right shipping partners.
International shipping process: Step by step
The international shipping process involves preparing your products, selecting carriers, clearing customs, and coordinating delivery to ensure your goods reach customers abroad safely and on time.
Step 1: Prepare your shipment
Select appropriate packaging materials to protect your products from damage during transit. Label your goods with the correct HS codes and complete destination details so customs can process them efficiently. Prepare commercial invoices and gather all necessary export documentation before shipping.
Step 2: Choose your shipping mode
Decide between air freight, sea freight, or courier shipping based on your budget, product type, and delivery urgency. Research and partner with a reliable freight forwarder who can handle your shipping requirements and provide competitive rates. Confirm shipping timelines and costs before finalizing your carrier selection.
Step 3: Complete customs clearance and compliance
Submit all required documents to customs authorities, including your bill of lading, commercial invoice, and packing list. Pay the applicable international shipping cost from India, along with any export duties or fees. Ensure your paperwork is accurate and complete to avoid clearance delays.
Step 4: Monitor transit and track shipments
Use your carrier's tracking system to monitor your shipment's location and movement throughout its journey. Coordinate regularly with your logistics partner to identify and address any potential delays or routing issues. Keep your customers informed about their shipment status and expected delivery dates.
Step 5: Confirm delivery and complete documentation
Ensure your recipient or their customs broker completes destination country customs clearance and pays required import duties. Obtain proof of delivery from your carrier once the package reaches your customer. Verify order completion and store all shipping documentation for your records.
Documents required for international shipping
Proper documentation ensures smooth customs clearance and prevents shipment delays. The documents you need depend on your product type, destination country, and shipping method. Below are some of the documents required.
Document
Purpose
Commercial invoice
Details product description, value, and seller/buyer information for customs
Provides packaging details, weight, and quantity of items in the shipment
Gives transportation and documentation instructions to logistics partners for arranging shipments
Export value declaration (cargo mode only)
Provides information about goods being shipped, including type, number, and value
Bill of lading
Transportation contract between shipper and carrier
Certificate of origin
Confirms the country where the goods were manufactured
Customs declaration forms
Required for customs clearance in the destination country
Import/export licenses
Required for certain controlled goods or specific destination countries
Required for regulated plant shipments, including eligible re-export consignments meeting import requirements5
Inspection certificates
Verifies quality or compliance with standards for certain regulated products
Dangerous goods declarations (DGD)
Required for shipments containing hazardous materials
Document requirements vary by destination country, product type, and shipping method. Check with your freight forwarder or carrier before shipping to make sure you have the right paperwork.
Modes of international shipping
Different shipping modes offer varying speeds, costs, and capacity options. Choose the mode that matches your product type, budget, and delivery timeline requirements.
Air freight
Air freight is commonly used for time-sensitive international shipments. It is ideal for electronics, pharmaceuticals, and other high-value or perishable goods. While air freight costs more than other shipping methods, it delivers products quickly to destination countries when speed matters most. Major international cargo airports in India include Delhi (IGI), Mumbai (BOM), Chennai (MAA), Bengaluru (BLR), and Hyderabad (HYD).6
Sea freight shipping (ocean freight)
Sea freight shipping offers cost-effective rates for bulk shipments and heavy cargo, though ocean freight takes longer than air shipping. The significantly lower transportation costs make international freight shipping by sea ideal for large orders where delivery speed is less critical. This shipping mode works best for industrial goods, textiles, furniture, and non-perishable products shipped through major Indian seaports, including Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam.
Courier and express shipping
Courier services specialize in small parcels, e-commerce orders, and lightweight shipments that need fast delivery with full tracking visibility. Express shipping delivers faster than standard postal services and provides door-to-door tracking throughout the journey. While courier shipping costs more per kilogram, it offers the reliability and speed that individual customer orders often require.
Postal shipping (India Post International Services)
India Post offers cost-effective shipping for low-weight packages and documents through services including International Speed Post (EMS), Air Parcel, and Registered Mail. Postal shipping reaches most countries worldwide and provides budget-friendly rates for smaller shipments. Delivery takes longer than private courier services, but the lower costs make it a practical option for non-urgent packages. View more details.
Multimodal transport
Multimodal transport combines two or more shipping modes, like sea and air or rail and truck, to optimize both delivery time and costs. This approach helps you balance shipping speed and expenses by using each mode where it performs best. Multimodal transport works well when you need faster delivery than sea freight alone can provide, but want to avoid the higher costs of pure air freight.
Did you know?
With Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service, you can store your products in Amazon global fulfillment centers while we pick, pack, ship your customer orders and provide customer service. If you opt for FBA, you can also use Amazon SEND, a cross-border carrier shipping solution, to ship your inventory from your location in India to Amazon's fulfillment centers.
International shipping charges: How they are calculated?
Understanding international shipping charges from India helps you plan costs and choose the right logistics partner since these charges vary based on several factors. Key cost components include:
● Shipping method: Air freight delivers packages faster but costs more per kilogram. Sea freight offers lower rates but takes longer to reach destination countries.
● Distance and shipping routes: Longer distances to destination countries result in higher shipping costs. Popular trade routes with frequent shipments often have better rates than less common routes.
● Package weight: Carriers charge based on your package's actual weight. Heavier shipments cost more to transport across borders.
● Dimensional weight: Carriers also calculate dimensional weight by measuring your package's length, width, and height. You pay based on whichever is higher: actual weight or dimensional weight.
● Customs duties and taxes: Import duties and GST vary by destination country and product category. These charges are separate from shipping fees and depend on the product value and classification.
● Handling and port charges: Packages go through multiple handling points, including origin terminals, customs facilities, and destination ports. Each handling step adds fees to your total shipping cost.
● Insurance costs: Insurance protects your shipments against damage or loss during transit. Adding insurance increases your shipping cost but provides financial protection for valuable products.
● Additional surcharges: Fuel surcharges, remote area delivery fees, and peak season charges can increase your final shipping costs. These fees change based on fuel prices and delivery location.
Benefits of international shipping
The following are some key benefits of international shipping:
● Access to global markets, diversified customers, and stronger brand recognition
● Increased revenue and profit margins
● Ability to manufacture and export affordable goods and products
● Lowest environmental footprint in the transport segment on a per-ton basis.7
● Connected logistics networks that speed up global trade
● Lower transport costs that keep your prices competitive
Challenges in international shipping
While international shipping offers many benefits, it also comes with challenges. Some of these are:
Customs delays
Customs clearance is a key step in international shipping where authorities check and approve goods before they can be delivered. But factors like missing or improper documentation, lack of awareness about updated regulations, etc., can lead to clearance delays. These setbacks also increase shipping costs, slow down deliveries, and leave customers frustrated.8
Fluctuating international shipping charges
Shipping costs change based on fuel prices, currency exchange rates, and seasonal demand. Track these price changes regularly and build some flexibility into your pricing strategy to protect your profit margins.
Lack of shipment visibility
Some carriers provide limited tracking information once packages leave India. Choose carriers with end-to-end tracking systems so you can monitor shipments and update customers throughout the delivery process.
Restricted and prohibited items
Each country has different rules about what products can be imported. Check destination country regulations before shipping to confirm your products are allowed and meet all safety or labeling requirements.
How to choose the right international shipping service?
Selecting the right international shipping services directly impacts delivery speed, customer satisfaction, and your overall costs. The best international shipping service from India depends on your product type, target markets, order volume, and budget. Use the factors listed below to compare logistics partners and choose the one that best fits your business needs.
● Coverage and network: Your carrier needs strong delivery networks in the countries where you sell. Check if they can reliably ship to your target markets and handle your order volume.
● International shipping charges and transparency: Compare prices across carriers. Look at base rates, fuel charges, and extra fees. Pick carriers that show you all costs upfront so you can price your products correctly.
● Customs and documentation support: Your shipping service should help you with customs paperwork and export documents. Good customs support prevents delays and stops your packages from getting stuck at borders.
● International shipping tracking: Choose a carrier that gives you real-time tracking updates. You need to see where packages are so you can keep customers informed and fix problems quickly.
● Reliability and track record: Check carrier performance data, like on-time delivery rates and damage claims. Read reviews from other Indian sellers to see how carriers actually perform.
Shipping and fulfillment orders globally with Amazon Global Selling
Amazon offers two ways to fulfill international orders: Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN).
With FBA, you send your products to Amazon warehouses in other countries. Amazon stores your inventory and handles packing, shipping, customer service, and returns when orders come in. Your products get the Prime badge, which helps you reach more customers.
With MFN, you ship orders directly from India to customers abroad. You control your inventory and handle all shipping yourself.
Learn more here.
With FBA, you send your products to Amazon warehouses in other countries. Amazon stores your inventory and handles packing, shipping, customer service, and returns when orders come in. Your products get the Prime badge, which helps you reach more customers.
With MFN, you ship orders directly from India to customers abroad. You control your inventory and handle all shipping yourself.
Learn more here.
Amazon Global Selling: Easy e-commerce exports and hassle-free shipping
If you are a business owner and you want to sell your products to the world, Amazon Global Selling enables you to list and sell ‘Made in India’ products on 18 Amazon global marketplaces. As an e-commerce export program, Amazon Global Selling provides support and guidance at every step of your export journey, connecting you to Amazon’s Service Provider Network for tailored compliance, payments, and logistics support.
Registered sellers can choose to ship their products by themselves through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or they can opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and outsource order fulfillment to Amazon including packing, storage, delivery, and returns. Amazon Global Selling simplifies the process of international shipping to the world, helping businesses navigate customs and reach a vast audience.
Registered sellers can choose to ship their products by themselves through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or they can opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and outsource order fulfillment to Amazon including packing, storage, delivery, and returns. Amazon Global Selling simplifies the process of international shipping to the world, helping businesses navigate customs and reach a vast audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Amazon FBA charge?
Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) fee is charged based on the size, weight and shipping zone of the product. Use the FBA revenue calculator to get an estimate of your FBA fulfillment costs here.
Why choose Amazon’s fulfillment center and FBA?
All fulfillment centers in the Amazon network are secure and automated to pick, pack, and ship seller orders. They ensure 24-hour security with an order tracking system that lets you monitor your products.
How long does international shipping take?
The shipping time depends on the destination and shipping mode. For example, air freight shipping can take 3-10 business days. Depending on the route, sea freight typically takes 20 to 45 days, with longer transit times for remote destinations or routes with multiple port stops.9
What is considered an international shipment?
An international shipment involves transporting goods from one country to another, requiring customs clearance and compliance with import/export regulations.
How are international shipping charges calculated from India?
International shipping charges are calculated based on package weight, package dimensions, destination country, and shipping speed. Carriers also factor in fuel surcharges and any additional services like insurance or signature confirmation.
What documents are required for international shipping from India?
You need a commercial invoice, packing list, and shipping bill for customs clearance. Depending on the product and destination, you may also need certificates of origin, export licenses, or product-specific permits.
What is the difference between DDP and DDU in international shipping?
DDP means the seller pays all duties and taxes before delivery, so the buyer receives the package without additional charges. DDU means the buyer pays duties and taxes when the package arrives in their country.
What is an HS code, and why is it important for international shipping?
An HS code is a six-digit number that identifies your product type for customs authorities worldwide. Customs officials use HS codes to determine applicable duties, taxes, and import regulations for your shipment.
How long does international shipping from India take?
The delivery times for international shipping from India depend on the destination. For example, express shipping to the UAE takes as little as 1–3 business days, while standard shipping to countries like Canada or Australia can take up to 10–12 business days.11 Delays can occur due to customs inspections, incorrect documentation, or high parcel volumes during peak seasons.
How can I track my international shipment?
You can track your shipment using the tracking number provided by your shipping carrier on their website or mobile app. Most carriers offer real-time updates showing your package location and estimated delivery date.
Does Amazon Global Selling ship internationally?
Amazon Global Selling helps Indian sellers list products on international Amazon marketplaces like the US, UK, and UAE. Amazon handles fulfillment and shipping through programs like Fulfillment by Amazon when you store inventory in Amazon warehouses abroad.
Published on December 01, 2021.
Updated on June 30, 2026.
Sources:
1. https://iccwbo.org/business-solutions/incoterms-rules/
2. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/delivery-duty-paid.asp
3. https://www.bajajfinserv.in/import-export-license
4. https://razorpay.com/blog/certificate-of-origin-for-export/
5. https://www.fao.org/4/y3241e/y3241e06.htm
6. https://www.aai.aero/en/services/cargo/facilities-established-aai-air-cargo-terminals
7. https://www.ics-shipping.org/shipping-fact/shipping-and-world-trade-driving-prosperity/
8. https://iarjset.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IARJSET.2025.125297.pdf
9. https://atslogistics.com/how-long-does-international-shipping-take/
Updated on June 30, 2026.
Sources:
1. https://iccwbo.org/business-solutions/incoterms-rules/
2. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/delivery-duty-paid.asp
3. https://www.bajajfinserv.in/import-export-license
4. https://razorpay.com/blog/certificate-of-origin-for-export/
5. https://www.fao.org/4/y3241e/y3241e06.htm
6. https://www.aai.aero/en/services/cargo/facilities-established-aai-air-cargo-terminals
7. https://www.ics-shipping.org/shipping-fact/shipping-and-world-trade-driving-prosperity/
8. https://iarjset.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IARJSET.2025.125297.pdf
9. https://atslogistics.com/how-long-does-international-shipping-take/
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