Choosing the Right Shipping Method

Selecting the best shipping method is essential for ensuring your products reach their destination on time and within budget. The right choice depends on your location, package size, and delivery timeline. Here’s a quick guide to help you make the right decision:

Air Freight:

If speed is your priority, air freight is the way to go. For small packages (1-2 kg), express couriers like DHL, UPS, FedEx, and SF International offer fast delivery within 5-8 days, though this comes at a premium cost.

For medium-sized packages (under 5 kg) heading to the US, Canada, Australia, or Europe, where buyers can tolerate slightly longer shipping times (up to 20 days), using national postal services like USPS, Royal Mail, or Canada Post can be more cost-effective.

For buyers in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, and the Philippines, SF International Express is a reliable, budget-friendly option with stable delivery times.

Sea and Land Freight:

For larger shipments over 20 kg, sea or land freight can offer significant savings, although delivery times can range from 20 to 35 working days or more, depending on the destination.

• For US buyers: Sea freight is often the best choice, with packages typically transferred to the local postal service upon arrival for final delivery.

• For European buyers: Rail or truck shipping can be an economical choice, particularly when the product value is low relative to air freight costs. This approach helps reduce overall costs but comes with longer transit times.

Duties and Taxes:

Customs duties vary by country, and whether you need to pay them depends on the declared value of your package. Here’s a quick overview:

When the declared value is below the duty-free threshold, packages are typically not taxed (except in cases of inaccurate declarations). However, if the value exceeds the threshold, you may need to handle customs duties and clearance independently. Note that certain shipping methods include duties and taxes in their costs, simplifying the process for buyers. These services are generally available for packages under 20 kg, while larger shipments may require commercial customs clearance.

Important Reminders:

1. Switzerland has a duty-free threshold of 100 CHF, but a lower VAT threshold of 65 CHF.

2. Customs inspections are stricter in Canada and European countries, with commercial couriers like DHL and UPS having a higher likelihood of being taxed.

Disclaimer:

This guide is based on publicly available information and is for reference only. Actual duties, taxes, and shipping timelines may vary. Please consult with your support team for the most accurate and up-to-date advice.

Last Updated: May 13, 2025