GLOBAL SELLING BLOG
What is international shipping? Everything you need to know to ship worldwide
From documentation to shipping process and inventory, this is your guide to international shipping from India. Get insights on how to ship internationally with Amazon FBA and SEND.
With the rapid growth of the global e-commerce market, Indian businesses are increasingly expanding beyond domestic borders. International shipping opens doors to a global customer base and boosts revenue potential, but it involves various factors, including varying regulations, customs duties, and costs. This blog post provides a step-by-step guide on how to ship internationally from India, while managing costs and ensuring smooth deliveries.
What is international shipping?
International shipping refers to the transportation of goods across international borders. It involves moving products from one country to another via air, sea, or land. This process is essential for global trade, enabling businesses to reach customers worldwide and individuals to send packages overseas.1
The cost of international shipping depends on various factors, including the weight and dimensions of the package, destination, shipping mode, and additional services like insurance or tracking. Understanding these factors is critical to optimizing shipping costs and ensuring timely delivery.
The cost of international shipping depends on various factors, including the weight and dimensions of the package, destination, shipping mode, and additional services like insurance or tracking. Understanding these factors is critical to optimizing shipping costs and ensuring timely delivery.
Key terms involved in international shipping
To navigate international shipping, it’s important to familiarize yourself with some of key terms:
1. Customs duty
Customs duty is a tax imposed on goods when they are transported across international borders.
2. Bill of lading
Bill of lading is a legal document issued by the carrier to the shipper, detailing the type, quantity, and destination of the goods.
3. Incoterms
International Commercial Terms, or Incoterms, define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international trade.
4. Freight forwarder
Freight forwarders organize shipments for individuals or businesses to get goods from the manufacturer to the market.
5. FTL (Full Truckload)
Full truckload is a shipping method where goods occupy an entire truck, ideal for large-volume shipments.
6. LTL (Less Than Truckload)
Less than truckload is a cost-effective option for smaller shipments that share truck space with other cargo.
7. Commercial invoice
Commercial invoice is a document detailing the transaction value, product description, and buyer/seller information for customs clearance.
8. Certificate of origin
Certificate of origin is a certified document stating where the goods were manufactured, often required for tariff calculations.2
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.3
Process of international shipping
The following is an overview of some key steps involved in international shipping:
Step 1: Preparing the shipment
● Select appropriate packaging to prevent damage.
● Label goods with Harmonized System (HS) codes and destination details.
● Prepare invoices and necessary documentation.
Step 2: Choosing a shipping mode
● Decide between air, sea, or courier shipping based on cost and urgency.
● Partner with a reliable freight forwarder.
Step 3: Customs clearance and compliance
● Submit necessary documents, including bill of lading and commercial invoice.
● Pay applicable international shipping charges from India.
Step 4: Transit and tracking
● Use tracking systems to monitor shipment movement.
● Coordinate with logistics partners to prevent delays.
Step 5: Delivery and final documentation
● Ensure the recipient completes customs clearance.
● Obtain proof of delivery and verify order completion.4
Documents required for international shipping
Shipping documents vary based on several factors, including the origin and destination countries, the products being shipped, and the shipping method (air, sea, land, courier). It’s important to check the specific rules and requirements for your shipment. Common documents include, but are not limited to:
Commercial invoice
Details the goods’ description, value, and seller/buyer information.
Provides specifics about packaging, weight, and quantity.
Provides transportation and documentation instructions to logistics partners for arranging shipments and filing customs documents.
Provides information about the goods being shipped, including type, number, and value.
Bill of lading
A transportation contract between the shipper and carrier.
Certificate of origin
Confirms the country where the goods were manufactured.5
You may also need extra documents based on your shipment type. These may include:
Customs declaration forms
Required for customs clearance in the destination country.
Import/export licenses
May be required for certain goods or for shipments to/from specific countries.
Required for shipments of plants and plant products.
Inspection certificates
May be required for certain goods to verify quality or compliance with standards.
Dangerous goods declarations
Required for shipments of hazardous materials.
Understand shipping documentation requirements on Export Navigator
Looking for the right documents for your shipment? Visit Amazon Export Navigator, your one-stop dashboard for guidance on six key areas of export compliance, including shipping documentation. Understand documentation requirements, view self-registration steps, or connect with third-party service providers who can help you obtain your documents.
What are international shipping modes from India?:
There are various methods available for you to ship internationally from India. You should consider each option and choose a method based on your business needs, budget, and delivery timelines. Some common international shipping methods from India include:
Air freight
● Fastest mode, suitable for urgent shipments and high-value goods.
● Ideal for electronics, pharmaceuticals, and perishable items.
● Higher shipping costs compared to other methods.
● Major international cargo airports in India: Delhi (IGI), Mumbai (BOM), Chennai (MAA), Bengaluru (BLR), and Hyderabad (HYD).
Sea freight
● Cost-effective for bulk shipments and heavy cargo.
● Longer transit times compared to air freight.
● Best suited for industrial goods, textiles, and non-perishable commodities.
● Major seaports in India: Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam.
Courier and express shipping
● Best for small parcels, e-commerce orders, and lightweight shipments.
● Faster than standard postal services but costlier.
Postal shipping (India Post International Services)
● Cost-effective option for low-weight shipments and documents.
● Services include International Speed Post (EMS), Air Parcel, and Registered Mail.
● Available for most countries but with longer delivery times.
Multimodal transport
● Combination of two or more modes (e.g., sea + air or rail + truck) to optimize costs and delivery time.
● Suitable for businesses looking to balance speed and cost-effectiveness.6
Ship internationally with Amazon Global Selling SEND
Amazon Global Selling SEND is a cross-border carrier shipping solution that allows you to ship your inventory from anywhere in India to Amazon’s global FCs in a cost-effective manner and hassle-free manner. Get your shipment ready and the partnered carrier will handle the end-to-end shipping experience, from pick up and custom processes to delivery at the fulfillment center.
Cost of international shipping
The cost of international shipping varies based on several factors, making it essential for businesses to plan and optimize their logistics strategy. Some key cost components include:
To calculate and compare costs, exporters can use online shipping calculators provided by major carriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS. The Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry also provides guidelines on export shipping costs and regulations.
Benefits of international shipping
The following are some key benefits of international shipping:
● Access to global markets.
● Increased revenue and profit margins.
● Diversification of customer base.
● Global brand recognition.8
Challenges in international shipping
While international shipping offers many benefits, it also comes with challenges. Some of these are:
● Customs delays: Incomplete or incorrect documentation can lead to delays.
● Regulatory compliance: Different countries have varying regulations and standards.
● Risk of damage or loss: Goods may be damaged or lost during transit.
● High costs: Shipping internationally can be expensive, especially for small businesses.
While international shipping comes with certain challenges, a reliable shipping partner can help reduce the costs and complexities of international shipping. With solutions like Amazon Global Selling SEND, sellers can partner with reliable carriers at competitive rates and ship from India in a hassle-free manner.
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 exports 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
1. How much does Amazon FBA charge?
FBA charges on a “pay-per-fulfillment” basis, which implies that you will be charged only for the storage space you need and the orders they fulfill. The shipping cost is included in your fees, and your Prime customers even get free shipping and faster delivery options at no added cost.
2. 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.
3. How long does international shipping take?
The shipping time depends on the destination and shipping mode. Air freight can take 3-7 days, while sea freight generally takes 20-50 days.
4. 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.
Published on November 25, 2021.
Updated on April 17, 2025.
Sources:
1. https://navata.com/cms/what-is-international-shipping.
2. https://www.shippingsolutions.com/blog/a-glossary-of-international-shipping-terms
3. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-84882-997-8_1#:~:text=Shipping%20is%20fundamental%20to%20international,of%20cargo%20around%20the%20world.
4. https://www.ithinklogistics.com/blog/international-shipping-steps-to-ship-international-from-india/
5. https://www.searates.com/blog/post/9-essential-documents-you-need-for-international-shipping
6. https://www.sflworldwide.com/en-in/what-are-the-shipping-options-available-from-india-to-international-destinations
7. https://www.hapag-lloyd.com/en/online-business/digital-insights-dock/insights/2024/07/7-factors-that-affect-the-shipping-costs-.html
8. https://golocad.com/blog/6-benefits-of-international-shipping/
Updated on April 17, 2025.
Sources:
1. https://navata.com/cms/what-is-international-shipping.
2. https://www.shippingsolutions.com/blog/a-glossary-of-international-shipping-terms
3. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-84882-997-8_1#:~:text=Shipping%20is%20fundamental%20to%20international,of%20cargo%20around%20the%20world.
4. https://www.ithinklogistics.com/blog/international-shipping-steps-to-ship-international-from-india/
5. https://www.searates.com/blog/post/9-essential-documents-you-need-for-international-shipping
6. https://www.sflworldwide.com/en-in/what-are-the-shipping-options-available-from-india-to-international-destinations
7. https://www.hapag-lloyd.com/en/online-business/digital-insights-dock/insights/2024/07/7-factors-that-affect-the-shipping-costs-.html
8. https://golocad.com/blog/6-benefits-of-international-shipping/
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*Map not to scale. The map has been used for design and representational purpose only, it does not depict the geographical boundaries of the country. These do not conform to the external boundaries of India recognized by the Survey of India.
*Map not to scale. The map has been used for design and representational purpose only, it does not depict the geographical boundaries of the country. These do not conform to the external boundaries of India recognized by the Survey of India.
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