Glossary
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international-shipping
International e-commerce delivery: definition of cross-border shipping, EU and non-EU zones, customs, Shopify Markets DDP, carriers, and key points.
Updated on
June 4, 2026
International shipping (expédition transfrontalière) refers to the sending of packages to a different country from that of the merchant's shipping origin (warehouse or supplier). In e-commerce, it complements cross-border: shipping rates by zone, carriers (DHL, Colissimo International), longer delivery times, customs documents, and sometimes customs duties. On Shopify, it is configured via shipping zones and Shopify Markets.
Summary
Simple definition: international delivery
International delivery = the package crosses at least one customs border between the shipping country and the delivery country. From a French shop, sending to Belgium, the United States, or Japan all falls under international, with different rules depending on the zone.
Common zones in e-commerce configuration:
Domestic: Metropolitan France (excluding strict international scope).; European Union: no intra-community customs duties; e-commerce VAT according to OSS rules.; Europe outside the EU: Switzerland, UK, Norway (customs and import VAT possible).
North America: US, Canada (delays, duties, customs clearance).; Rest of the world: flat rate or by region (Asia, Oceania, Africa).
Specific international elements:
Customs documents: commercial invoice, CN22/CN23, product HS code.; Customs clearance: value control, type of goods, restrictions.; Incoterms: DDP (delivered duty paid) vs DDU (customer pays upon receipt).
Address formats: postal codes, US states, telephone (delivery address).; Weight and dimensions: strong impact on international cost.
Useful distinctions:
International delivery vs cross-border e-commerce: shipping = transport business; cross-border = global strategy (pricing, language, taxation).; International delivery vs customs fees: transport vs import taxation (often linked but distinct).; International vs internationalization: physical shipping vs site language/content.
Direct shipping vs local 3PL stock: package from France vs US/UK warehouse ("local" delivery after storage).; Standard international vs express: different lead times and rates by zone.; International shipping costs vs free shipping: avoid free worldwide if actual cost is high.
The benefits of international shipping for an online store
Opening up internationally without a credible shipping offer limits cross-border trade to zero: the foreign customer sees absurd fees, vague delivery times, or a blocked "rest of the world" zone.
International conversion: transparent shipping costs and delivery times at checkout.; Turnover expansion: new markets without a physical store.; Competition: customers compare delivery times and landed prices vs. local Amazon.; Logistics cost: international shipping is often 3 to 10 times the domestic cost (delivery fees).
Customer service: packages stuck in customs, transit delays, costly returns.; Reputation: negative reviews if there is a customs surprise (poorly explained DDU).; Compliance: products prohibited for export (batteries, food, cosmetics depending on the country).
A well-configured international delivery transforms foreign traffic already present (SEO, ads, social) into deliverable orders. Conversely, promising "worldwide delivery in 5 days" from a single European warehouse creates disputes.
Using with Shopify
Configuration in Settings > Shipping and delivery + Markets (Shopify Help Center).
Shipping zones: create EU, US, World zones with separate rates.; Flat rate: flat fee per zone (simple at launch).; Weight-based: weight brackets (essential for varied catalogs).; Carrier calculated: real-time DHL/UPS rates (depending on plan).
Markets: enable/disable countries, shipping by market.; Apps: Sendcloud, Boxtal, Zonos, Passport (DDP, multi-carriers).; Product metafields: country of origin, HS code for customs.
Key points to check for Shopify international:
List target countries (1 to 5 for testing, then expand).; Create realistic zones and rates (carrier cost + margin or absorption).; Enter weights/dimensions for all products.; Choose DDP or DDU and display it (Shipping page, FAQ).
Test checkout with US, DE, CH address via Markets preview.; International label processing + email tracking.; International returns policy (cost, timeframes).
Growing volume: consider a local 3PL (US warehouse via ShipBob, etc.) to reduce delivery times and sometimes last-mile shipping costs. Stock is "domestic" for the local customer even if the brand is French.
In brief
International delivery = shipping to another country, with specific customs and lead times.; Zones: EU, Europe outside EU, US, world; carriers DHL, Colissimo, UPS…; Distinct cross-border global, customs, i18n site.
Shopify: shipping zones, Markets, weight, DDP/DDU, apps.; Realistic rates, customs documents, documented returns and after-sales service.
Associated terms, FAQ, and going further
Associated terms
Cross-border e-commerce: global international sales.
Customs duties: import taxes at the border.
Shopify Markets: markets and shipping by country.
Shipping: logistics framework including international.
Shipping costs: postage pricing by zone.
FAQ
International shipping and cross-border: same thing?
Not exactly. International shipping refers to the cross-border transport of the parcel. Cross-border also encompasses price, language, taxes, payments, and market strategy.
Should you offer shipping to all of Europe?
The EU is often the first expansion (no intra-community duties, moderate delivery times). Then expand based on demand, margin, and operational capacity. Each added zone must have a coherent postage rate.
How to set up international shipping on Shopify?
Admin > Settings > Shipping and delivery: create zones (e.g., "European Union", "United States") and assign flat or weight-based rates. Complete with Markets to activate the target countries.
Will the customer pay fees upon delivery?
In DDU, yes possibly (duties + customs clearance fees). In DDP, no if everything was collected at checkout. Clearly explain the chosen model on your Shipping page.
Go further
Sources: Shopify Help Center (Shipping zones), Shopify Help Center (Markets), international carrier guides (La Poste Colissimo, DHL).
In brief
International shipping = shipping to another country, with specific customs and processing times.
Zones: EU, Europe non-EU, US, world; carriers DHL, Colissimo, UPS…
Distinct cross-border global, customs, site i18n.
Shopify: shipping zones, Markets, weight, DDP/DDU, apps.
Realistic rates, customs documents, documented returns and customer service.
Associated terms, FAQ, and going further
Associated terms
Cross-border e-commerce: global international sales.
Customs duties: import taxes at the border.
Shopify Markets: markets and shipping by country.
Shipping: logistics framework including international.
Shipping costs: shipping pricing by zone.
FAQ
Are international shipping and cross-border the same thing?
Not exactly. International shipping refers to the cross-border transport of the parcel. Cross-border also encompasses price, language, taxes, payments, and market strategy.
Should you offer shipping to the whole of Europe?
The EU is often the first expansion (no intra-community duties, moderate lead times). Then expand according to demand, margin, and operational capacity. Each added zone must have a coherent shipping rate.
How do I set up international shipping on Shopify?
Admin > Settings > Shipping and delivery: create zones (e.g., "European Union", "United States") and assign flat rates or weight-based rates. Complete with Markets to enable target countries.
Will the customer pay customs fees on delivery?
In DDU, yes, it's possible (duties + customs clearance fees). In DDP, no, if everything was collected at checkout. Clearly explain the chosen model on your Shipping page.
Go further
Sources: Shopify Help Center (Shipping zones), Shopify Help Center (Markets), international carrier guides (La Poste Colissimo, DHL).
Enzo
June 4, 2026
