Are you a seller looking to sell internationally? Read our article on selling internationally
When purchasing from an international seller, keep in mind that postage can sometimes take longer and cost more than buying from a seller in your own country. If you have any questions about postage, contact the seller before you go to checkout.
Where to find the cost of international postage
You’ll find the estimated cost of postage in the Postage and payments section of every eBay listing. You’ll also see the postage service the seller offers and where the item will be sent from, as well as a list of countries the seller posts to.
Listings also include an estimate of customs and import charges, if applicable. The charges you see on the listing aren't final until you pay for the item at checkout. For example, if you change your delivery address during checkout, or if the applicable import rules change before you complete your payment, the charges could change.
The final cost you’ll need to pay to have your item delivered will be confirmed at checkout.
Buying from sellers using eBay International Shipping
If your seller is posting your item through eBay International Shipping, you'll pay for postage and VAT, if it applies, at checkout. You can choose to pay for customs charges, import fees and taxes either at checkout or when your item arrives. You'll see the following options at checkout:
- Pay import charges now – select this option to pay all taxes and duties at checkout
- Defer import charges until delivery – select this option to pay all taxes and duties when your item arrives
If you complete checkout and pay for more than one item from the same seller, the postage will automatically be combined if the items are eligible. If you're paying import charges at checkout for some items in your order and paying import charges on delivery for other items, your postage won't be combined. Combined postage is also not available for auction-style listings.
Once you've completed checkout, the seller will send your item to the shipping hub, and from there it's posted to you. Tracking is automatically added so you can track your item from the hub to your door.
Items sent by eBay International Shipping can be returned up to 30 days from the delivery date. If you need to return an item, go to our Return an item for a refund page.
Tip
International purchases are covered by eBay Money Back Guarantee as long as all other eligibility requirements are met. Learn more about eBay Money Back Guarantee.
Buying from sellers using the Global Shipping Programme
If your seller is sending the item through the Global Shipping Programme, you’ll see the GSP logo on the listing.
Benefits of the Global Shipping Programme for buyers:
- You’ll pay all postage, taxes, and import charges up front, and you won't have to pay any extra charges when your item is delivered
- Tracking is always included so you can track your item right to your door
- International deliveries made through GSP include customs clearance so you don’t need to handle any extra paperwork
Once you’ve paid for your item, the seller sends it to the global shipping centre. From there, it's sent to you.
When you pay for items through GSP, your payment will be split into two transactions:
- The first payment goes to the seller to cover the item price and any domestic postage costs to send the item to the global shipping centre
- The second payment goes to the global shipping provider to cover the international postage cost and any import charges, if applicable
After you've completed payment, you'll be able to see both the total cost and the amounts paid to the seller and the global shipping provider on the Order details page.
Tip
Items purchased through GSP can’t be delivered to P.O. Box numbers or APO and FPO addresses.
Buying from sellers using other shipping services
If your seller sends your item through an international shipping service instead of an eBay shipping program, you'll pay for the cost of delivery and VAT, if it applies, at checkout.
However, you may still have to pay any necessary customs, import fees, and taxes when your item arrives. Either your seller or their international postage service will manage the customs forms.
Customs and import charges
As a buyer, it's your responsibility to check which customs and import charges may apply, and to pay them. These import charges are generally based on the item's price, weight, dimensions, and country of origin, as well as any taxes, duties, and fees added by your country. Your seller might be able to give you some information about import charges, but before you bid on, or buy an item, it's a good idea to check with your country's customs office for more specific details.
Tip
When you’re buying items from overseas, there may be restrictions on certain items in your country. Find out more in our international trading policy.