eBay International Shipping will replace the Global Shipping Programme for eligible UK sellers. We are introducing eBay International Shipping in phases in the coming months. If you aren't enrolled yet, we'll be expanding the programme to more sellers soon.
How it works
If you're eligible and currently enrolled in GSP, you'll be automatically enrolled in the programme. All your eligible listings will be enrolled in eBay International Shipping and will automatically be available to international buyers. eBay International Shipping will become your default international postage option when you don't offer any other international postage services and we'll automatically add eBay International Shipping to your current eligible listings.
If you have provided self-shipping international options on your current listings and your item is eligible for eBay International Shipping, buyers will be shown the cheapest shipping option. If you only want to ship with eBay International Shipping, you may need to manually update your listings to remove the international self-shipping options.
We'll let you know when an item sells to an international buyer and provide you with the domestic shipping hub address. All you need to do is send your sold items to the domestic shipping hub and the international shipping, customs and returns will be managed for you. For more information on how this programme works, see our Seller Centre - opens in new window or tab page.
Benefits of eBay International Shipping
When you ship internationally using eBay International Shipping, you're responsible for sending the item your buyer purchased safely to the UK shipping hub. We'll take care of international shipping after that.
There are many other benefits to using eBay International Shipping, including:
- If a buyer reports that an item was lost or damaged during international shipping or it is damaged at the hub, we'll work with the buyer to resolve the issue. You're protected from:
- Refunding the buyer for items that are lost or damaged in transit during international postage
- eBay Money Back Guarantee cases
- Payment disputes
- Open 'Not as described' returns in your service metrics
- Negative or neutral feedback related to item handling during international shipping
- If you're a business seller, you can save on selling fees for your international transactions, including no international fee
- All international returns, refunds, and customs clearance will be handled on your behalf. If an item is returned, you still keep the sale proceeds
- If you schedule Time Away, the estimated delivery date will be updated to reflect this
- You'll be protected against item not received claims and chargebacks once your item is accepted at the domestic hub
Just like with the Global Shipping Programme, with eBay International Shipping you are responsible for sending your items safely to the shipping hub. However, with eBay International Shipping, your items will be available to more buyers and you will also benefit from no international fee and returns and refunds are handled on your behalf.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the eBay International Shipping programme, you'll need to meet the following requirements:
- Above Standard or Top Rated seller performance
- Eligible for seller protections
- Low or Average Service Metrics
- Compliant with eBay rules and policies
The following requirements apply to items posted through eBay International Shipping:
- Items are physically located in the UK and listed on eBay.co.uk
- Items are eligible for export
- The cost of the order doesn't exceed £900 GBP, including shipping
- Packages should not exceed:
- 120 cm in length; 120 x 60 x 60 cubic cm
- 31.5kg
The cost limit will be actively reviewed as the programme expands and we’ll update you when higher cost items can be sent through this programme. Transaction limits may apply to some accounts. Read our full list of terms and conditions to find out more about eBay International Shipping eligibility and programme requirements.
Posting and tracking your items
When posting your item to the domestic shipping hub, always add tracking details and include the reference number on the label to ensure it arrives safely. This is done automatically for you if you use Simple Delivery.
Once your item is received at the domestic shipping hub, international tracking will be added so that you and your buyer can track the item's progress. If the item is lost during international delivery, we'll refund your buyer and you'll still keep the sale.
Combined postage
If a buyer purchases multiple items from you, the order will automatically be combined if it's eligible for combined postage. There are several reasons why postage can't be combined when sending items through eBay International Shipping. For example, combined postage won’t be applied if:
- The order costs more than £900 GBP
- The listing is in auction-style format
- The item is purchased through Best Offer or an offer sent by the seller
- The items exceed the programme’s package limits
If the buyer is paying import fees at checkout for some items and paying import fees on delivery for other items in the same order, the postage won’t be combined.
Tip
Each eBay International Shipping order should fit in one package which meets the weight and dimensions allowed.
Postage exclusions
You can manage your postage exclusions through your Postage Preferences - opens in new window or tab, Business Policies, or by revising your listings.
You can apply your exclusions to items shipping with eBay International Shipping by updating your settings at any time. Here's how:
- Go to Account Settings - opens in new window or tab and select Postage Preferences.
- Select Edit next to Exclude shipping locations.
- Adjust the toggle at the top of the page.
- Select Save.
If the toggle is 'On', eligible items will ship to your excluded locations through eBay International Shipping.
If you opt out, your current shipping exclusions will stay the same for items shipped with eBay International Shipping, as well as items you ship internationally outside of this programme.
Restricted items and categories
Items included in eBay's hazardous, restricted or regulated materials policy, or that don't follow our International trading policy, can't be shipped using eBay International Shipping.
Due to export limitations and restrictions, items listed in the following categories also can't be shipped with eBay International Shipping. This is not an exhaustive list and it may be updated based on transportation regulations and export laws.
Complying with EU and international regulations
As a seller, you may be legally required to comply with certain laws and regulations when trading internationally. It's important that you are aware of and understand these laws and regulations and take the necessary steps to comply. Some of these regulations that may apply to you when you ship with eBay International Shipping include:
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) - Under EPR, sellers and manufacturers must comply with various environmental regulations when selling certain products.
- Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) - If you're a business seller offering certain items for sale into the US from abroad, you'll need to be compliant with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) rules.
- General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) - opens in new window or tab - GPSR aims to ensure the sale of safe products to buyers in the European Union and Northern Ireland.
See Understanding regulations when selling on eBay for more information on laws and regulations you may need to comply with.
Tip
If you sell to buyers in the EU, you can add Public Business Information in your Account Settings - opens in new window or tab in My eBay. This information will be shown to EU buyers who view your listings and is required in order to comply with the Digital Services Act. If this information isn't added, the required information you provided at registration will be displayed in your listings instead. See our Seller Centre - opens in new window or tab page for details and more information about the Digital Services Act.
Returns and refunds
All eBay International Shipping returns will be processed on your behalf. Buyers can return items sent by eBay International Shipping up to 30 days from the date the item is delivered to them, so we automatically apply a 30 day return policy for items shipped with eBay International Shipping.
When a buyer opens a return, we'll refund your buyer and you'll keep the sale. When the return is received at the eBay International Shipping hub, it will be inspected to make sure it's in the same condition. We'll then issue the refund to the buyer's original payment method, usually within 5 to 7 business days of the item being received at the hub. Returned items, items that couldn't be delivered to the buyer, or items that didn't pass inspection at the hub will not be returned to you.
If you receive negative or neutral feedback related to item handling during international shipping, we'll remove it.
Tip
Items shipped from the UK through eBay International Shipping always leave the UK and are considered to be exports. For shipments between the UK and the EU, eBay will adjust the item price to remove UK VAT, where included. In such instances, the buyer will pay the applicable customs and import charges on the adjusted item price. For more information, see Your VAT obligations in the UK & EU or contact your accountant/tax advisor.
Opting out of eBay International Shipping
You can opt out of eBay International Shipping at any time by updating your Postage Preferences - opens in new window or tab. If you choose to opt-out, you'll be asked to provide a reason why.
To opt out of eBay International Shipping:
- Go to My eBay and select Account.
- Select Postage Preferences.
- Select Opt Out on the right-hand side of eBay International Shipping.
- Select Done.
Keep in mind that if you choose to opt out of eBay International Shipping, you won't be able to use the Global Shipping Programme, but you can ship your items to international buyers on your own.
If you change your mind, you can opt back in 24 hours after opting out. To opt in again, go to Postage Preferences - opens in new window or tab and select Enroll next to eBay International Shipping.