The Countries With the Toughest Shipping Restrictions

International shipping has opened up new markets for eCommerce merchants allowing them to reach customers in countries all over the world. This growth will continue to increase in the coming years as eCommerce continues to transform.

While international shipping has become more efficient through companies like Easyship, there are restrictions that you need to be aware of to avoid unnecessary delays, challenges with customs, or fines for non-compliance.

In this article, we’ll cover some international rules and regulations you need to know, the countries with the most stringent international shipping restrictions, and how Easyship will streamline your shipping experience and help you navigate international shipping for your eCommerce company.

5 Reminders About International Shipping Restrictions

Unlike local shipping, international shipping comes with a more complex set of shipping rules, export regulations, and paperwork. There is a lot of customs documentation to fill out and specific international shipping regulations to comply with, depending on the destination country. Transit time and shipping costs can also vary significantly, so you need to plan carefully to ensure your packages arrive on time without delays.

Here are five important reminders about international shipping restrictions to help ensure your international shipments are handled properly and reach their end users efficiently.

1. Restricted and Prohibited Items

Different foreign countries enforce strict shipping regulations that govern what commodities can be shipped or sold within their borders. Some countries have outright bans, while others impose restrictions on certain types of goods to protect domestic industries or safety.

You’ll need to review whether your shipment contains prohibited items, such as live animals, dangerous goods, or perishable foods, as these are subject to stringent customs clearance requirements. Failure to comply with the applicable laws of the importing country can lead to severe penalties, confiscation, or returns.

2. Customs, Duties, and Taxes

Customs regulations for international shipping can be complex. Each country has its own duties, taxes, and forms that must be completed accurately. You must have the appropriate commercial invoice, customs forms, and any required export license or permits from the origin country.

Use a duty and tax rate calculator to identify applicable fees and determine who will be responsible—you or the buyer—for these costs. Clarifying this upfront can prevent disputes over the shipment value and ensure smoother trade transactions.

3. Transit Time and Cost

Compared to domestic services, shipping internationally takes longer and incurs more costs, especially when customs delays, border inspections, or supply chain issues arise. This is even more critical when shipping time-sensitive items like perishables.

Use a shipping rate calculator to assess freight costs to different countries and consider express options when necessary. While faster transit times improve reliability, they increase shipping expenses, so weigh the price against the urgency of the shipment.

4. Packaging and Labeling

Proper packaging is essential when sending goods imported across borders, especially when dealing with hazardous materials, fragile items, or dangerous goods. Your cargo must be labeled correctly, and meet the regulations of both the origin and destination countries.

Mislabeling or using incorrect materials may result in delays or rejected shipments, so it's critical to comply with the rules and safety guidelines for international shipments. Consider also whether special equipment is needed for the packaging.

5. Insurance

With international shipping, the risk of cargo being lost, damaged, or delayed increases significantly due to the number of services and borders a package crosses. Investing in shipping insurance helps mitigate these risks and offers financial protection for exporters and buyers alike.

Though usually affordable, insurance adds an important layer of security, especially for high-value or restricted items. It ensures that, should anything happen during transit, you're not left to bear the full burden of loss or damages.

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6 Countries with the Most Stringent Shipping Regulations

Before you scale your online business to a particular destination country, it’s crucial to understand the international shipping regulations and cross-border export restrictions that govern goods imported into that region. Without a firm grasp on documentation, import duties, and customs clearance laws, your international shipments may face significant delays, penalties, or even be rejected at the border.

Here’s a rundown of six countries with the most stringent shipping regulations to help you plan better.

India

India imposes high import duty and requires extensive personal documentation for package delivery. For most commodities, import duties start at 22%, but can go up to 50% for certain types such as home appliances, health, and beauty products.

Another restriction is the need for additional documentation from the end user (recipient), often including identity verification. If the required customs forms are not submitted, packages risk being returned. Additionally, due to India’s size and infrastructure, shipping services experience extended delivery times.

Russia

Russia is challenging for shipping internationally due to its strict customs regulations, opaque inspection processes, and fluctuating political landscape. Customs clearance can take days to weeks, especially for commercial goods and electronics, which are subject to detailed scrutiny.

Even individual shipments may be inspected, delayed, or confiscated, particularly if not labeled correctly or missing documents such as a commercial invoice. These regulatory hurdles and lack of tracking transparency affect many companies trying to enter this importing country.

Brazil

Brazil’s international shipping system is known for its confusing regulations, bureaucratic hurdles, and heavy taxes. The duty and tax threshold is $0, meaning that duties apply to all shipments—even low-value items (excluding documents, collectibles, and books).

A 19% tax is charged across the board, with import duties ranging from 2% to 35% depending on the type of product. The customs process is further delayed by corruption and lack of transparency, adding complexity to your supply chain when shipping into Brazil.

China

China enforces a rigorous and complex clearance process that applies to all international shipments. With a tax threshold of $0, even minor packages are taxed. A flat 17% import tax is applied across imports, with some commodities, like watches, taxed up to 23%.

Due to China’s vast territory, standard delivery services are slower, and quick shipping incurs higher costs. Remote areas are particularly difficult to serve, often lacking proper package tracking capabilities. Non-compliance with export regulations can result in fines or delayed shipments.

Libya

In Libya, most shipping constraints relate to import duties and taxes, which start from a $0 threshold. All cargo is taxed at 20%, and import duties range between 1% and 20%, excluding documents.

Due to local regulations and limited infrastructure, goods imported are often delayed, and the lack of customs transparency adds complexity for exporters looking to expand into this market.

Tanzania

Tanzania also has a $0 duty threshold, meaning all items are subject to import evaluation. Import duties range from 1% to 25%, and an automatic 18% tax applies to all shipments, regardless of value.

Though exceptions exist for items like documents, electronics, and cameras, all other packages must meet strict customs scrutiny. Missing or incomplete shipping documentation can lead to restricted shipments or border hold-ups.

How Easyship Can Optimize International Shipping

Easyship can help you navigate international shipping restrictions by offering you a suite of shipping tools that make your shipping process to different countries easy and hassle-free.

Here are some of the ways through which we can help you stay ahead of the international shipping game.

• Over 250 couriers: Easyship connects you to over 250 fast and cost-effective couriers that ship internationally.
• Rates calculators: using our shipping rates and tax rates calculators, you can estimate international shipping taxes and duties in different countries, and compare shipping costs and surcharges with various courier companies
• Customs: Easyship takes the hassle out of your customs paperwork with automatically pre-filled customs forms to quicken your customs clearance as much as possible.
• Packaging: Easyship has the experience and expertise in handling packaging for international shipping. We can help you package and mail even the most delicate items.
• Insurance: we can provide you with insurance of up to $5,000 and save you the headache of double loss.

Open a free account today with Easyship and get started in international shipping.

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FAQ: International Shipping Restrictions

Which countries have the strictest shipping regulations?

Countries like India, Russia, Brazil, China, Libya, and Tanzania are known for their stringent international shipping regulations. These countries enforce strict customs clearance procedures, high import duties, and require detailed documentation, which can complicate the shipping process for eCommerce companies and exporters.

What items cannot be shipped internationally?

Commonly prohibited items include live animals, dangerous goods (like explosives or flammable materials), perishable foods, certain plant-based products, hazardous chemicals, and counterfeit goods. Each destination country has its own list of restricted items, so always check specific shipping regulations before preparing your international shipment.

What are the most important documents required for international shipping?

Essential international shipping documents include a commercial invoice, customs declaration forms, packing list, and where applicable, an export license or certificate of origin. These documents help customs authorities determine the contents, value, and legitimacy of your shipment, ensuring it meets all export regulations.

What regulations exist for shipping a package?

Shipping regulations vary depending on the origin country, importing country, and the type of commodities being shipped. You must comply with labeling, packaging, and safety standards, and ensure that the shipment is labeled correctly, properly documented, and doesn't include any prohibited goods. Failing to follow these rules can result in delays, fines, or returned packages.

What countries can USPS not ship to?

The United States Postal Service (USPS) occasionally suspends shipping services to embargoed countries or nations affected by trade restrictions, war, or logistical challenges. As of the most recent update, countries like North Korea, Syria, and Iran may be restricted. For the latest list, visit the USPS International Service Alerts page.