What do I need on my website to ship orders internationally?

Selling abroad can grow your business quickly, but international orders bring new questions about shipping costs, customs, duties and payments. Before you ship orders internationally, your website needs a few specific settings and pages so customers understand costs and orders arrive smoothly.

Here is a checklist for your store. Rules for exports and duties depend on your products and destinations, so confirm details with your courier and accountant.

Website settings to ship orders internationally

WooCommerce explains zones in its guide to setting up shipping zones, and Shopify has similar settings under Shipping and delivery.

Duties: who pays?

There are two common approaches. With duties paid by the customer on delivery, prices look lower at checkout but customers may face surprise charges. With duties included or prepaid, the price is higher but final. Whichever you choose, explain it clearly on product pages, at checkout and in your shipping policy.

Policies to update

• Shipping policy with delivery times by region.
• Returns policy for international orders, including who pays return shipping.
• Restricted items and countries you do not ship to.
• Contact options across time zones.

Payments and currencies

Make sure your payment gateway accepts international cards and check its fees. Read Razorpay vs Cashfree vs Stripe for a comparison. On Shopify, you can show local prices using Markets; read multiple currencies on Shopify.

Paperwork for Indian sellers

Indian businesses exporting goods usually need export registration, such as an Importer Exporter Code, and correct invoices and customs documents. Requirements vary by product and shipment type, so confirm with your chartered accountant and courier before you ship orders internationally. The DGFT website covers export registration in India. Couriers and aggregators often help with customs documentation.

Example: a smooth first export

A tea brand wanted to ship orders internationally to the US and Europe. It added accurate weights and HS codes to every product, created shipping zones with rates from its courier, chose duties-paid shipping for the US to avoid surprises, showed prices in dollars and euros, and updated its returns policy. Before launch, it sent test parcels to friends abroad to check delivery times. The first month’s international orders arrived without customs delays, and reviews mentioned the clear pricing.

Common mistakes

• Flat international shipping that loses money on heavy parcels.
• Missing customs descriptions, causing delays.
• No mention of duties, leading to refused parcels.
• Shipping restricted items without checking rules.

Start small

You do not need to open every country at once. Start with two or three markets where you already see interest, perhaps from social media followers or enquiries. Learn from the first orders, refine rates and policies, then add more countries. A gradual approach keeps costs and risks under control while you learn how to ship orders internationally profitably.