When purchasing items on Chinese online shopping platforms such as Taobao, 1688, and JD.com, it’s essential to choose suitable international shipping routes. Different countries and regions have unique customs rules, tax thresholds, and check inspection procedures. If you choose the wrong method, the result is delays, more taxes, and product returns.
This guide explains the recommended shipping routes, customs clearance requirements, duty-free thresholds, and tips to reduce customs risks. Aiming to help you save costs and make sure your packages are delivered safely.
Note: Information provided is for reference only. For specific advice, contact Sugargoo Customer Support.
Estimate Your Shipping Costs in Advance
Many users miscalculate total costs by ignoring international shipping. Use Sugargoo’s Shipping Cost Estimation Tool to get an instant quote by entering your destination country, weight, and size.
Pro tips:
- Weight-based pricing: Best for heavy, small parcels.
- Volumetric pricing: Applies to light but large parcels.
- Order consolidation: Use consolidation services to combine multiple orders into one parcel, reducing costs.
💡 Want to understand how to submit parcels for shipping?
See our guide: How to Submit and Consolidate Your Orders
Shipping Route Recommendations by Package Type
Choosing the most suitable shipping method can reduce customs-related risks. Below are general guidelines based on parcel contents and destination sensitivity:
| Package Type | Suggested Shipping Method | Notes |
| Small, high-value (e.g., electronics, watches) | Courier (e.g., DHL, FedEx) | Fast but more likely to be inspected |
| Medium-sized, mixed goods (clothing, beauty items) | Air freight | Balanced speed and cost, good for most regions |
| Bulk, high-volume items (furniture, wholesale goods) | Sea freight | Most cost-effective, may face longer clearance time |
| Batteries, liquids, and food products | Use with caution | Restrictions vary by country and route; check before shipping |
DDP vs DDU:
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Taxes & customs clearance included.
- DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid): Recipient handles taxes.
Why Customs Clearance Matters
All cross-border packages must go through customs checks in both China and your country. Whether a package is taxed, delayed, or rejected depends on:
- Declared value
- Item type (e.g. electronics, liquids, batteries)
- Package weight & size
- Your country’s import rules
Even with proper declarations, there remains a risk of random inspection, especially for high-value, oversized, or sensitive items.
Duty-Free Thresholds (For Reference)
Here are estimated de minimis thresholds (the value below which packages are usually tax-exempt) for major countries:
| Country | Duty-Free Value (Approx.) |
| United States | USD 800 |
| Japan | ¥10,000 (~ USD 70) |
| South Korea | ₩150,000 (~ USD 110) |
| New Zealand | NZD 35 |
| Singapore | $400 SGD (~USD 290) |
| Canada | CAD 20CAD (~ USD 14) |
| United Kingdom | £15 GBP (~USD 17) |
| European Union | €0 |
| Australia | AUD 1,000 (~ USD 650) |
| Malaysia | RM500 (~ USD 108) |
High-risk categories:
- Luxury brands & electronics: High inspection rate
- Liquids & cosmetics: Require safety compliance
- Food & supplements: May need licenses
- Batteries: Restricted on some routes
For more details on sensitive items, please see High-Risk Items for Customs Inspection: What You Need to Know.
Tips to Reduce Customs Risks
- Avoid parcels over 10kg to prevent commercial classification.
- Limit identical item quantities to reduce suspicion.
- Declare realistic values to minimize taxes without triggering audits.
- Use reinforced packaging for better protection and clearance success.
What to Expect During Customs Clearance
- If your parcel is large, heavy, or contains sensitive items, it’s more likely to be checked. Every parcel will be inspected randomly.
- The local customs may contact you to provide supporting documents or invoices if your parcel is flagged. If you don’t know how to deal with it, you can contact our service support for assistance.
- For non-tax-inclusive shipping routes, all taxes and clearance fees are the responsibility of the recipient.
- We recommend selecting the tax-inclusive routes, as we will help coordinate the declaration process. You can simply wait for your parcel to be delivered from door to door. If you face some problems, please contact us for assistance.
If customs cannot reach the recipient, or if the recipient does not cooperate with clearance, the parcel may be returned or destroyed. Any resulting losses are the responsibility of the customer.
How Does Sugargoo Compare to Other Taobao Agents on Shipping?
When it comes to shipping, Sugargoo stands out from other Taobao agents in several key ways. Unlike many agents that use a fixed exchange rate, Sugargoo calculates costs based on the real-time exchange rate, so you always get the best deal. Sugargoo has over 2,000 international shipping routes and covers a wide range of countries and regions. This Taobao agent also offers various add-on services, including insurance, extended warranties, and customized packaging, protecting your parcel and ensuring the deliveries are safe. Learn more in our guide on Add-on Services for Cross-Border Orders: Packaging, Photography & Protection Options.
Final Tips
- Estimate shipping costs in advance – use the Estimate Your International Shipping Costs Online with Sugargoo tool to plan your budget and avoid surprises.
- Select the right route based on your country’s customs.
- Declare appropriately and split shipments if needed.
- Leverage Sugargoo’s services for smooth delivery.