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The Daily Insight

Is it worth it to ship internationally on eBay?

Author

Andrew Mclaughlin

Updated on March 03, 2026

Is the eBay Global Shipping Program Worth It? As with any optional program, it all depends on your business needs and goals. If you sell small, lightweight items of low value, your buyers will probably be put off buying from you through the GSP. The cost of the program may significantly outweigh the price of the item.

Is eBay international shipping free?

There is no fee to join the Global Shipping Program. Your final value fee is based on the final price of the item, shipping charges to the Global Shipping Center, and any other amounts you may charge the buyer. Sales tax is not included. Standard eBay selling fees apply, including the international fee.

Do I have to pay import charges on eBay?

Buyers are responsible for paying import fees, usually as part of clearing their parcel through customs, or when they receive their item. If you offer international postage, you can’t include these costs in the item’s purchase and postage price.

Is eBay International Safe?

The risk of scams when selling to international buyers on eBay. It cannot be ignored that eBay is not a scam-free marketplace and a high percentage of fraudulent schemes involve international shipping in one way or another. The Global Shipping Program is one solution to concerns relating to this issue.

How does eBay international shipping work?

eBay automatically calculates the international shipping cost, duties, taxes and estimated delivery dates upfront, and adds them to the listing which the international buyer sees. When an international buyer makes a purchase, the seller sends the item to a shipping center based in their own country.

How long does eBay standard international shipping take?

31 days
Standard International Shipping — 31 days. Expedited International Shipping — 7 days.

Does eBay calculate customs?

The fees are usually based on the item’s price, shipping weight, dimensions, and country of origin, plus any taxes, duties, and fees from the country you’re sending the item to. Some countries and jurisdictions require eBay to collect import tax from the buyer when they pay for their order.

Can I add international shipping to eBay listing?

Your items must meet the selling and eligibility requirements for the eBay site in each country where you sell. Here’s how to add international shipping to your listings: On your listing, choose Show international services and options and select Save. Choose Flat Rate or Calculated.

How can I ship from the US to the Netherlands?

Become a member, receive a MyUS address and ship items from US merchants to our distribution center. Once we receive your purchase, we will help you export everything right to your door. With MyUS, you can shop American stores online and ship your purchases home to the Netherlands/Holland (even from stores that don’t directly ship overseas).

Does eBay ship to international buyers?

International purchases and shipping for buyers. When shopping on eBay, you’ll find items from all over the world. If you buy from an overseas seller, they can ship to you through regular international shipping services, or if they’re in the US or UK, they may choose to use eBay’s Global Shipping Program (GSP).

Can I ship e-cigarettes to the Netherlands?

Tobacco products (including E-cigarettes and vaping products) for FedEx, DHL, UPS, and USPS carriers are also prohibited. It’s important to understand what merchandise is banned for import into the Netherlands. For a complete list, visit Holland/Netherlands’ official customs website.

How do I buy from an overseas seller?

If you buy from an overseas seller, they can ship to you through regular international shipping services, or if they’re in the US or UK, they may choose to use eBay’s Global Shipping Program (GSP).