Shipping, Tax and Compliance
Find out which tax and compliance processes Swap can automate to save you stress, and the data we need from you to make it happen.
By Rez and 2 others3 authors32 articles
How can shippers ensure accurate customs documentation and duties/taxes settings for international shipments?
Shipping & Delivery Methods
Learn how international shipping works, including DDP vs DAP, landed cost calculations, and delivery expectations across markets.
Understanding landed costThis article explains what landed cost is, what it includes, and how Swap calculates and guarantees it for every international order.
Understanding duty calculation methodsHow customs authorities calculate import duties, and which method applies in different countries.
Understanding de minimis thresholdsWhat de minimis thresholds are, how they vary by country, and what the global trend toward removing them means for cross-border merchants.
Product Classification & Harmonised Codes
Understand how to classify your products correctly using HS codes, GRIs, and other international standards to stay customs-compliant.
Understanding the General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs)The six sequential rules used to classify goods under the Harmonized System (HS), and what they mean for e-commerce merchants.
How to classify bundles, kits, and setsHow to determine the correct HS code for bundles, kits, and sets — known as composite goods in HS classification.
How to write product descriptions for customs complianceHow to write product descriptions that allow customs authorities to classify your goods correctly, reducing the risk of delays and incorrect duty assessments.
Understanding HS CodesWhat an HS Code is, why it matters for both Swap Global shipments and Returns, and where to manage it depending on which Swap product you use.
Taxation & Duties
Get guidance on how duties and taxes are applied, calculated, and vary across countries in the cross-border trade process.
Different Taxation Methods
Country-Specific Import Tax Rates
How can I manage DDP and DAP shipping terms, troubleshoot tax discrepancies, and configure shipping zones?
Customs Documentation & Paperwork
Find out which documents are required for customs clearance, how to complete them correctly, and what to avoid.
Understanding Air Waybills and Bills of Lading
Modifying the Commercial Invoice
Handling Commercial Invoice Discounts
Understanding Certificates of Origin and Countries of OriginWhat a Certificate of Origin and Country of Origin are, why they matter for both Swap Global and Returns, and where to manage them depending on which Swap product you…
Navigating Customs Clearance for E-commerce
Understanding Commercial Invoices
📄 Why is CBP Form 5106 required?Why CBP Form 5106 is required for U.S. imports, when it’s needed, and how it affects customs clearance and shipment delays.
🆔 Why is a Tax ID or National ID required for returns?Why a Tax or National ID is required for international returns and how missing it can block label creation or delay customs.
How do I handle 'Letter of Acceptance' (LOA) requirements for shipment returns?
Understanding drop ball certifications for eyewear shipmentsThis article explains what drop ball certifications are, why they're required for eyewear shipments entering the United States, and what to do if you don't have one.
The Swap guide to EEI and ITN filingThis guide explains what EEI and ITN filing requirements mean for your US outbound shipments, and what to expect as Swap builds a solution to handle this automatically.
What are the customs clearance requirements for different types of shipments?
Cross-Border Compliance & Strategy
Explore broader trade strategy topics, including regulatory changes, Incoterms, returns, and how to scale globally with the right tools.
Navigating Customs Regulations for E-commerce
Understanding Incoterms and Their Impact on Shipping
Managing Returns and Refunds in Cross-Border E-commerce
Leveraging Technology for Compliance and Efficiency in Cross-Border E-commerce
Preparing for Regulatory Changes in Global Trade
How to Generate a Manufacturer Identification (MID) Code for U.S. ImportsWhat a MID Code is, when you need one, and how to generate one manually for U.S. imports if you don't have Compliance Hub to do it for you.
Carrier Collections
Arranging collections with carriers
Customising the portal: Adding a collection linkLetting customers know they can't add a direct booking link for collection on their product but they can direct their customers to the link
Book a Royal Mail Collection?Booking a collection for carrier pickup a return parcel for Royal Mail only
Book a Fedex collectionArranging a fedex carrier collection for parcels to be picked up within the UK only, if international shipments, Fin will need to escalate to agent.