Other costs to keep in mind

When sending goods internationally it's important to have a complete understanding of a shipment's total costs (also known as landed costs). Other charges that apply to your shipment along the way can include:

• Carrier fees – The price of shipping your goods from A to B. Carriers can also provide many of the services listed below, so that all duties, taxes and other costs may be charged together with the carrier fees.
  
• Broker fees – The cost of using a customs broker to clear goods through customs. Brokers often pay duties and taxes on behalf of the receiver, and then charge them to the receiver combined with their fee. Carriers often provide customs brokers as part of their shipping service.
  
• Surcharges and ancillary fees – Additional carrier costs for goods that fall outside standard shipping and handling such as dangerous goods and temporary imports.
  
• Insurance – To insure your goods in case of loss or damage while in transit. You can purchase this through your carrier or separately.
  

To find out more, ask your carrier for advice, or browse the customs website of the country you're shipping to.