When ordering products from overseas – whether from China, the US, or Europe – there’s always some uncertainty after your items are shipped. Parcels may get lost, damaged, seized by customs, returned, or delayed due to weather, political events, or simple human error. For shoppers who value peace of mind, shipping insurance is the answer.
What Is Shipping Insurance and How Does It Protect Your Package?
Shipping insurance is a protection service that covers the declared value of your package during transit. If your shipment is lost, damaged, or delayed (as defined in the policy), you can file a claim for compensation.
The process is straightforward:
- You declare the value of your shipment (including product price + shipping fee).
- You pay a small percentage of that value as the insurance fee.
- If something happens that is covered by the policy, you get compensated.
It’s particularly useful for:
- High-value goods such as electronics, designer fashion, and collectibles
- Fragile items that may be damaged in transit
- International orders that pass through multiple hands and customs checkpoints
- Time-sensitive shipments where delays are costly
If you’re planning to buy from China but haven’t decided where to shop, check our guide Taobao vs JD vs 1688: Which One Should You Use? to compare platforms before insuring your shipment.
Why International Orders Need Shipping Insurance
International shipping carries more risk than domestic delivery. For example:
- Multiple logistics providers handle the same package.
- Customs clearance may result in inspections, seizures, or delays.
- Long transit times mean greater exposure to loss or mishandling.
If you shop on Taobao, JD.com, or 1688, you’re already navigating unique payment systems, language barriers, and shipping complexities. That’s why many buyers turn to SUGARGOO as a reliable buying agent, handling everything from purchase to delivery – and offering insurance as an extra layer of protection.
For a step-by-step guide to overseas buying, see How to Buy Products from China as an Overseas Consumer Using Buying Agents.
Introducing SUGARGOO’s Insured Parcel Service
SUGARGOO’s Insured Parcel Service protects against:
- Package Loss – Lost in transit
- Customs Clearance Loss – Seized entirely by customs
- Partial Loss – Missing items due to packaging damage or partial customs seizure
- Package Return – Returned for reasons not caused by the recipient
- On-Time Guarantee – Delivered late due to carrier issues
Key Details:
- Coverage Range: ¥500-¥5000
- Cost: Insured amount × 1%-4%
- Purchase Limit: Only one insurance per package; repeated purchases are invalid
For fragile shipments, see What is a Delivery Add-on? Sugargoo’s Guide to Safer, Smarter Shipping for reinforced packing options.
SUGARGOO Insurance Coverage: What’s Protected and What’s Not
| Coverage Type | What It Means | Remarks |
| Package Loss | Entire package lost during transit | Proof of value may be required |
| Customs Clearance Loss | Package seized completely by customs | Seizure Certificate required |
| Partial Loss | Missing items due to damaged packaging or partial customs seizure | Report within 72 hours of delivery |
| Package Return | Refunded original shipping fee if not recipient’s fault | Applies only to supported routes |
| On-Time Guarantee | ¥50 shipping coupon for late delivery | Time calculation rules apply |
Exclusions include wrong address, refusal, unclaimed packages, failure to cooperate with customs, delivery on time (except partial loss), force majeure, and product damage (covered by packing services instead).
Special Remarks for On-Time Guarantee and Delivery Calculations
- “Sign in” includes successful delivery, arrival at pick-up point, and delivery failure (customer must contact local authority to arrange pickup or re-delivery).
- Delivery status is based on the official logistics tracking website (e.g., 17track or the carrier’s official site).
- If a delay or return is due to security checks, remote area charges, or late postal code confirmation, the time calculation starts from when the customer confirms or the package is present.
- Time recalculation occurs if:
- Remote fees or postal code discrepancies require customer confirmation
- Customer changes address/declaration after shipping
- Customer requests interception and return, then reshipping
Routes Not Covered for Loss/Partial Loss
| TUB | EUB | EUB-D | EUB（GD） | SAL | VN-T |
| China Post Registered Air Mail | CN-US-EXPRESS | EUB(GD)-VAT | NZ-Eparcel | SEA-Z | VN-PH |
| NL-BRAM | NL-BRAM-Z | NL-BRAM-B | New Postal Treasure-Z | Israel Special Line – Z | VN-Z |
| FEDEX-T | DHL(Special) | Europe-B | German Special Line – B | CA-T | UPS(HK)-T |
| UK Special Line – B | TUB | USPS（Specials） |
Routes Eligible for Package Return
| EMS | EMS(GD)-VAT | E-EMS（GD） | UK Small Packet (Actual Weight) |
| Royal mail-ZH | CAPH-ZH | CA-ZH | XQ Tax-Free |
| AU-SEA-Z | AU-Z | AU-EXPRESS | AU-EXPRESS(Actual Weight) |
| MY Tax Free（≤10kg) | MY Tax Free（＞10kg) | MY Tax Free-Z (≤10kg) | MY Tax Free-Z (>10kg) |
| DHL IOSS-Free & Tax Free -D | EU IOSS-Free & Tax Free (Actual Weight) | FR Tax-Free (Actual Weight) | FR Tax-Free |
| DPD IOSS-Free & Tax Free Air Mail | DHL IOSS-Free & Tax Free -D | CA clothing line | EU clothing line |
| DPD express-M(Actual Weight) | DPD Tax Free (Actual Weight) | Brazil Small Packet(Actual Weight) | Brazil Express(actual weight) |
| DPD (Tax Free) | Light Cargo Tax Free(Actual Weight) | FR Tariffless(Actual Weight) | DHL Tax Free-LDT |
| DHL Tax Free | DHL Tax Free(Actual Weight) | CA-Line | CA-Line(Actual Weight) |
| AU-Line | AU-Line(Actual Weight) |
If customs delays are a concern, see Ship from Taobao with Sugargoo: Tips to Save and Clear Customs.
Routes Eligible for On-Time Guarantee
| Logistics line | Guarantee prescription（natural days) | Compensation rules |
| US-Express-10000 | 17 | The package is signed/received after 17 days |
| US Tax-Free (Actual Weight) | 17 | The package is signed/received after 17 days |
| DHL IOSS-Free & Tax Free Air Mail | 20 | The package is signed/received after 20 days |
| EU IOSS-Free & Tax Free (Actual Weight) | 20 | The package is signed/received after 20 days |
| Royal Mail-ZH | 20 | The package is signed/received after 20 days |
| Royal Mail | 20 | The package is signed/received after 20 days |
| UK Tax-Free (Actual Weight) | 20 | The package is signed/received after 20 days |
| ES Tax Free(Actual Weight) | 20 | The package is signed/received after 20 days |
| CA-ZH | 18 | The package is signed/received after 18 days |
| CAPH-ZH | 18 | The package is signed/received after 18 days |
| AU-EXPRESS | 18 | The package is signed/received after 18 days |
| AU-EXPRESS（Actual Weight） | 18 | The package is signed/received after 18 days |
| AU-Z | 18 | The package is signed/received after 18 days |
| AU(Special) | 18 | The package is signed/received after 18 days |
| ES Small Packet（Actual Weight） | 18 | The package is signed/received after 18 days |
| DHL(CN) | 6 | The package is signed/received after 6 days |
| UPS(CN) | 6 | The package is signed/received after 6 days |
| FEDEX(CN) | 6 | The package is signed/received after 6 days |
| FEDEX-Z | 10 | The package is signed/received after 10 days |
| FEDEX(HK) | 12 | The package is signed/received after 12 days |
| MYS-EXPRESS-Z (Tax-free) | 12 | The package is signed/received after 12 days |
| MY-EXPRESS (Tax-free) | 12 | The package is signed/received after 12 days |
| SG-EXPRESS-Z ( Tax-free) | 12 | The package is signed/received after 12 days |
| SG-EXPRESS( Tax-free) | 12 | The package is signed/received after 12 days |
For help choosing the best route, read How to Choose the Best International Shipping Method: Courier, Air Freight, or Sea Freight?
SUGARGOO Shipping Insurance Compensation Standards and Rules
When you purchase SUGARGOO’s Insured Parcel Service, your insured amount must be between ¥500 and ¥5000. Claims are settled according to the total value of your package (product + shipping fee), but the maximum claim amount cannot exceed the insured amount.
If your package meets one coverage category, the claim will be processed according to that category’s rules. If it meets multiple coverage categories, the compensation is not cumulative and will not exceed the insured amount.
The platform’s standard claim policy and the insurance claim policy cannot be applied simultaneously.
Once a parcel is shipped, you cannot add insurance or change the insured amount. Insurance applies only to the specific package for which it was purchased.
Compensation Standards Table
| Coverage Type | Compensation Standard | Remarks |
| Package Loss | The maximum claim amount shall not exceed the insured amount | 1. Proof of value is required for forwarding orders, not for shopping agent orders. 2. The claim standard of the platform and the insurance service are not applicable at the same time. |
| Customs Clearance Loss | The maximum claim amount shall not exceed the insured amount | |
| Partial Loss | Claims based on the value and actual weight of lost goods; maximum claim amount shall not exceed the insured amount | |
| Package Return | Return of original shipping fee collected | |
| On-Time Guarantee | Package delivered late beyond guaranteed time → ¥50 shipping coupon |
How to Claim Shipping Insurance with SUGARGOO
- Package Loss
- SUGARGOO detects tracking issues → Confirms loss with carrier → Compensates at insured amount
- Or: Customer reports loss → Carrier requires Lost Certificate → Customer provides it to SUGARGOO → Verification → Compensation
- Customs Clearance Loss
- SUGARGOO detects seizure from tracking → Confirms with the carrier → Compensates
- Or: Customer reports → Provides Seizure Certificate from customs → Verification → Compensation
- Partial Loss
- Report within 72 hours of delivery
- Provide a list of lost items, damaged packaging photos, and the Damage/Lost Certificate
- If customs confiscation is confirmed, provide a Seizure Certificate
- Package Return
- Returned for non-recipient reasons → Refund original shipping fee
- If EMS/E-EMS not returned within 4 months or other routes within 2 months, considered lost and compensated
- On-Time Guarantee
- If delivery exceeds promised time (carrier’s fault) → Customer applies → SUGARGOO verifies → ¥50 shipping coupon issued
Claim Procedure
- SUGARGOO-Initiated: They track your package, detect issues, and issue refunds within 3 working days after verification.
- Customer-Initiated: You provide proof as per above, SUGARGOO verifies, and refunds within 3 working days.
Final Tips for Using SUGARGOO Shipping Insurance to Protect Your Purchases
Shipping insurance is not just an add-on – it’s your safeguard in global shopping. With SUGARGOO’s Insured Parcel Service, overseas buyers can enjoy targeted coverage, quick claims, and confidence in every shipment. Whether buying from JD.com (Understanding How to Buy Genuine Luxury from JD.com with Sugargoo Agent) or sourcing from 1688 (Understanding How to Buy from 1688 via Sugargoo), insurance makes every purchase safer.
If payment has been a challenge, see Why It’s So Hard to Pay on Taobao from Overseas – And How to Solve It and How do I pay for goods from China on Sugargoo: Payment Methods Explained for solutions.