eBay: Global Shipping Program (2024)

What is the Global Shipping Program?

The Global Shipping Program (or “GSP”) allows international buyers to shop with confidence for US-based items thanks to the GSP’s built-in protections and end-to-end tracking.

The GSP makes things simple for buyers by automatically calculating import and shipping charges for international purchases upon checkout. Before purchasing, the buyer sees the item price plus all fees. That means no surprise charges and no additional fees upon delivery.

Buyers can also keep an eye on the progress of their shipment with end-to-end international tracking. Plus, buyers are protected if the item is lost or damaged during international transit.

With the GSP’s continuous growth, buyers have access to more items than ever before, with 70M monthly listings and counting.

Why shop with the Global Shipping Program?

The Global Shipping Program expands your shopping horizons by thousands of items in hundreds of categories. This means greater selection for millions of buyers around the globe. And with protections in place for both buyer and seller, shopping globally is just as easy and worry-free as shopping locally.

Buyers can also keep an eye on the progress of their shipment with end-to-end international tracking. Plus, buyers are protected if the item is lost or damaged during international transit.

The GSP makes things simple for buyers by automatically calculating import and shipping charges for international purchases upon checkout. Before purchasing, the buyer sees the item price plus all fees. That means no surprise charges and no additional fees upon delivery.

What happens when I buy something through the Global Shipping Program?

Once a Global Shipping Program item is sold the seller simply ships the item to the Global Shipping Center. And then once it arrives, the Program takes care of the rest. International shipping experts make sure your item is ready for transport, help it clear customs, and send it on its way via our trusted network of “last mile” shipping providers.

Another benefit of the GSP is that there are no additional fees due upon delivery. All charges are covered up front, and you can track the progress of your item from when it leaves the Global Shipping Center all the way until it arrives at your door. So as a buyer, after you complete your purchase, you can just sit back and relax until your item arrives.

Can I request an invoice?

Invoices are not available for Global Shipping Program transactions. Buyers see their total charges (including the cost of item plus shipping and import charges) when they purchase the item. The shipping costs may include domestic shipping fees charged by the seller, as well as program fees, international shipping charges, fuel surcharges, and processing and handling fees.

What countries are eligible?

The Global Shipping Program currently ships to over 100 countries worldwide—and counting! To see if yours is included, view the list.

How will I know when new countries are added?

eBay will provide notice of any additions to the list of eligible countries by posting a notice on https://announcements.ebay.com/. Any such additions are automatically effective 10 calendar days after a notice is initially posted.

The item is not available in my region. Now what?

We endeavor to make our marketplace listings available to the broadest number of potential buyers across the globe. However, there are times when certain products or categories are not available in your region.

There are a number of reasons for this including the availability of inventory, legal compliance, safety, and risk mitigation for eBay and its sellers. You can get more information on restricted items here.

We apologize if this has caused you any inconvenience, and we appreciate your cooperation in helping to make eBay a safe and trusted marketplace for everyone.

Why are some items are restricted?

The Global Shipping Program places restrictions on the size and weight of items that are available for international shipping. This is to ensure that international delivery can be completed on all GSP items. In addition, all GSP items must be physically located in the United States in order to qualify for the Program.

GSP items are also subject to the import/export laws of the buyer’s country of residence. In addition, illegal or hazardous items cannot be sent via the Global Shipping Program.

Other restrictions apply to GSP items. Click here for more information and a more complete list of restricted items and categories.

What happens if my item cannot be shipped forward?

There are times when eBay, Pitney Bowes, or Pitney Bowes’s service providers may determine that an item cannot be shipped forward to you. This may result in the purchase being cancelled, and the payment being reversed. The Global Shipping Program will then process the item as undeliverable and proceed in an appropriate manner. This may include the disposal or reselling of the item, in accordance with the Buyer Terms and Conditions.

What items are restricted?

The Global Shipping Program places restrictions on the size and weight of items that are available for international shipping. This is to ensure that international delivery can be completed on all GSP items. In addition, all GSP items must be physically located in the United States in order to qualify for the Program.

GSP items are also subject to the import/export laws of the buyer’s country of residence. In addition, illegal or hazardous items cannot be sent via the Global Shipping Program.

Other restrictions apply to GSP items. Click here for more information and a more complete list of restricted items and categories.

How is the estimated delivery date determined?

This is determined by adding up four elements:

1. Seller handling time
2. Domestic transit time based on the seller selected shipping method
3. Global Shipping Center handling time
4. International shipping transit time from the Global Shipping Center to the international location

Would I get the import charges back if I cancel my order?

If a cancellation request is made before the item is received at the US Shipping Center it is possible to receive a refund of the GSP Program Fees. However once a GSP item has been received and processed at the US Shipping Center you are no longer eligible for a refund of the international shipping and import charges.

How long will the shipment take?

Shipping time can vary and depends on the following factors:

• The seller’s handling time
• The transit time from the seller to the Global Shipping Center
• The Global Shipping Center’s handling time
• The international shipping transit time from the Global Shipping Center to your location

How do I track my package?

When you order an item via the Global Shipping Program, you’ll receive an email letting you know that the item has shipped. The email will have a universal tracking number, beginning with “UPAAA00000”. You can also find this tracking number in your My eBay and on the Order Details page for your item. With this number, you can track the package from the time your item ships to the time it arrives.

Here’s how to find this tracking number in My eBay:

• Go to My eBay.
• Click the “Purchase History” link on the left side of the page.
• Locate the item, and then click the tracking number link under the item title.

NOTE: For older items, the tracking number will not show up. You will need to access the Order Details page for the item to view the tracking number and the shipment status.

• From the Purchase History, click on "more actions" to the right of the item’s title.
• Click on "View order details" from the drop-down menu. Above the title, you will see the estimated delivery date and the status of the delivery (if there’s a tracking number uploaded).

Is this a real tracking number (GSP global tracking number)?

The global tracking number is real. This tracking number is provided by the Global Shipping Program.

The item was significantly not as described. How do I initiate a claim?

If a Global Shipping Program item arrives damaged, you would file a “return request,” just as you would in a non-GSP transaction. In most eligible cases, the buyer is fully covered by either the eBay Money Back Guarantee or the PayPal Purchase Protection program. If the case against the seller remains unresolved, contact eBay Customer Service. Click here for more information on buyer terms and conditions.

Are international returns supported through the Program?

Returns are not currently supported through the Global Shipping Program. However, a return can often be arranged directly between the buyer and seller. The buyer should review the seller’s return policy, and then contact the seller for next steps.

I didn’t receive my refund. Now what?

Typically refunds are processed within 24 to 48 hours, but please note that it can take up to 7 to 10 days for the refund to be back in your PayPal account. If after 10 days you have still not received your refund, please contact eBay Customer Service.

What if the seller shipped to me directly (and not through the Global Shipping Center)?

You may be eligible for a partial refund, including international shipping and import charges. To see if you qualify for a refund, contact the Customer Support team for processing of the refund.

I didn’t get the item—how do I get a refund?

If the estimated delivery date has passed and your item has still not arrived, you can open an “item not received case” through the My eBay / Order Details page.

Who is Pitney Bowes and what do they do?

Pitney Bowes is a global technology and shipping provider. Pitney Bowes will arrange for the international shipment of GSP orders from the Global Shipping Center by a third party shipping carrier (or carriers) to the delivery address designated by you as the buyer or to a collection center near you that is designated by the shipping carrier. Pitney Bowes will oversee the sorting and processing of the GSP item at the Global Shipping Center in preparation for international shipment to you. In addition, Pitney Bowes will manage the exportation and, through third party customs brokers, the importation clearance of GSP items purchased by you. Pitney Bowes is an independent contractor and has entered into an agreement with eBay in order to make the services available to you. eBay is not providing any of the services and is not responsible for the services provided by Pitney Bowes. Pitney Bowes is neither owned by, nor affiliated with, eBay. No agency, partnership, joint venture, employee-employer, or franchiser-franchisee relationship between the seller and Pitney Bowes (or eBay) is intended or created by the Global Shipping Program.

Does Pitney Bowes need a Power of Attorney to perform the Services?

Yes. Under the Global Shipping Program Buyer Terms and Conditions, you grant to Pitney Bowes (and, to the extent necessary, its third party service providers) a “Power of Attorney” authorizing Pitney Bowes and/or its service providers to act as its agent(s).

Do I file a claim with PayPal or eBay if something went wrong with my item?

The first step if something goes wrong (“item not received” or “item not as described”) is to file a claim through the My eBay / Order Details page. You will then be notified if and when further action is necessary. The eBay Money Back Guarantee/eBay-Käuferschutz (DE) covers eligible transactions purchased on ebay.com.

For purchases made on regional sites, you will be directed to PayPal to open a dispute. Here are instructions on how to open a dispute on PayPal:

1. Log in to your PayPal account
2. Click Resolution Center at the top of the page
3. Click Dispute a Transaction
4. Select Item Dispute, then click Continue
5. Click Find Transaction ID
6. Click the Transaction ID next to the transaction you want to dispute, then click Continue

I had an issue with [last mile carrier]. What do I do?

If there is an issue with the last mile carrier you are encouraged to contact them directly. If they have left a delivery notification, or have contacted you by other means, you should make an effort to contact them using the information they provided. If you are not successful in contacting them directly, or if you have additional questions about the last mile carrier and their ability to deliver the item, contact eBay Customer Service. In some cases eBay Customer Service may be able to contact the last mile carrier and settle the matter on your behalf.

Why are there two payment transactions on my Order Details page?

When you pay for the item through PayPal, you are authorizing two payment transactions. The first payment goes to the seller and consists of the item cost and the US domestic shipping costs (if any). The second payment goes to the global shipping provider and consists of the international shipping and import charges. After you’ve completed checkout, you can review these charges on the Order details page. The Order details page shows the total charges and the payment amounts to the seller and global shipping provider.

What payment methods are accepted?

You must pay for GSP items using PayPal.

What is the difference between shipping costs and import charges?

The shipping costs include any US domestic shipping fees charged by the seller, as well as program fees, international shipping charges, fuel surcharges, and processing and handling fees. Import charges for items purchased through the Global Shipping Program include certain fees charged by the global shipping provider.

Import charges include:

• Sales, goods and services
• Value added taxes
• Duties
• Tariffs
• Excise taxes
• Other amounts assessed or levied by any government authority in connection with the importation of goods into the applicable country of importation
• Third party brokerage fees (including advancement and disbursem*nt charges and customs brokers handling and filing fees
• Penalties
• Classification charges associated with the assignment of a Harmonized System ("HS") classification code
• Charges for export compliance screening and verification and the assignment of an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN)
• Charges relating to the management of variances between the quoted import charges and actual costs.

Import charges don’t include:

• Income taxes
• Commodity taxes
• Any customs duties, taxes, surcharges, fines, penalties, or other charges which may be imposed on you by customs or tax officials after an item purchased through the Global Shipping Program has successfully cleared customs and been delivered to, or made available for pickup at, the delivery address that you specify
• Import charges are in addition to the customs duties and taxes imposed by country tax and customs officials.

During checkout, you see the final charges for your item, including the item cost, the shipping costs, and any import charges. The charges that you see in the item listing are not final until you pay for the item. These charges could change if, for example, you change your shipping address during checkout, or if the applicable import rules change before you complete your payment.

For additional information about applicable fees, see the eBay Global Shipping Program Buyer Terms and Conditions.

Will I have to pay customs fees again?

You will only pay customs fees once. With the Global Shipping Program, you'll know the total when you pay for your item. You'll see the item cost, the shipping total, and the import charges (including applicable customs duties, taxes, and third-party brokerage) at the time of shipping. There are no additional fees due upon delivery of your item.

Why do I need to pay import charges?

Import charges include applicable customs duties, taxes, brokerage, and other fees. These charges are paid in every instance where they are due in order to ensure that the item clears customs. Paying these import charges up front also means that there are no additional amounts due upon delivery of your item.

Why do the import charges seem so high?

The Global Shipping Program calculates these charges in line with the laws of the applicable country. Import charges are calculated using the most recent information available, often including up-to-the-minute rate updates. By assessing these import charges in every instance where they are due the Global Shipping Program is able to make sure that items clear customs free of additional delay. Paying these import charges up front also means that there are no additional amounts due upon delivery of your item.

Can I pay import charges when the item arrives in my country instead?

No. Under the terms of the Global Shipping Program all import charges (including customs duties, taxes, brokerage, and other Program fees) are paid up front, at the time of purchase. These charges are paid in every instance where they are due in order to help ensure that the item clears customs. Paying these import charges up front also means that there are no additional amounts due upon delivery of your item.

Who is responsible for paying the Program Fees?

You are responsible for paying all shipping and import charges (“Program Fees”) that apply to the purchase of GSP items during checkout. These Program Fees, which will be calculated and displayed to you within GSP item listings, are as follows:

1. “International priority shipping” (or “Shipping”): this Program Fee consists of charges associated with the parcel processing and shipping services described above and is comprised of the following variable amounts: the seller’s domestic shipping charges to ship the GSP item to the Global Shipping Center; third party international shipping charges to ship your orders from the Global Shipping Center to the designated delivery address or a collection center near you that is designated by the shipping carrier; fuel surcharges; charges for selling, general, and administrative expenses, hardware, software development and licenses, operations, and hosting by Pitney Bowes; charges from third party parcel processing service providers; charges relating to the management of insurance for lost or damaged items; charges for the management of variances between the quoted Shipping amount and actual costs; and any referral fees paid by Pitney Bowes to eBay for referring the seller to the Program.
2. “Import charges”: this Program Fee consists of charges associated with the customs service described above and is comprised of the following variable amounts: sales, goods and services, and value added taxes, duties, tariffs, excise taxes, and other amounts assessed or levied by any government authority in connection with the importation of goods into the applicable country of importation (but excluding income taxes) ("Commodity taxes"); third party brokerage fees (including advancement and disbursem*nt charges and customs brokers handling and filing fees); penalties (but excluding any customs duties, taxes, surcharges, fines, penalties, or other charges which may be imposed on you by customs or tax officials after a GSP item has successfully cleared customs and been delivered to, or made available for pickup at, the delivery address specified by you); classification charges associated with the assignment of a Harmonized System ("HS") classification code; charges for export compliance screening and verification and the assignment of an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN); and charges relating to the management of variances between the quoted import charges and actual costs. Note: at the discretion of eBay, applicable classification and export compliance charges, third party brokerage fees, and charges for the management of variances may instead be included within the Shipping amount that is quoted to you.

Why are there additional import charges on some of the shipping options?

Import fees vary by country, and the Global Shipping Program takes measures to ensure that fees are paid in every instance that they are due. The import charges are included with the shipping charges to make the transaction easier for you. This way, you know the charges up front and there are no surprises and no additional fees upon delivery.

Who is using my data?

The collection of personal information by eBay in connection with the Program is governed by the privacy policy that applies to your use of the ebay.com website. However, in order for Pitney Bowes to provide you with the services required under the Program, Pitney Bowes requires certain personal information in addition to order information. Your personal and order information will be collected, used, and disclosed by Pitney Bowes only for the purpose of providing the services in accordance with Pitney Bowes’s privacy policy, which may be found here, with the exception that Pitney Bowes shall not provide, rent, sell or otherwise share the foregoing information for marketing purposes. eBay does not control the privacy policies of Pitney Bowes, its affiliates, or its service providers, and you are subject to the privacy policies of those parties, as applicable.

eBay will provide this personal and order information to Pitney Bowes on your behalf so that Pitney Bowes may provide the services that you are requesting under the Program. Pitney Bowes may disclose this information, however collected, to its affiliates, service providers, and other third parties (such as customs and revenue authorities) as necessary to perform the services (for example, providing your buyer’s name and address information to customs brokers and shipping carriers so that they may clear customs on your buyer’s behalf and deliver the GSP item).

What if additional information is needed?

Pitney Bowes, its affiliates, and/or its service providers may contact you directly in order to collect or confirm certain personal and/or order information.

Can eBay terminate the Program?

Yes. eBay has the right to terminate, amend, replace or suspend the Global Shipping Program at any time. This includes the name of the Program, as well as any of the services, features, and/or functionality offered to you under the Program. It also includes changes in the service providers used in the Program, which may be changed at any time, with or without notice to you.

What happens to lost, damaged, or undeliverable items?

If a GSP item is lost or damaged after it reaches the Global Shipping Center, both buyer and seller may be covered by the eBay Money Back Guarantee or PayPal Purchase Protection program. If eBay or Pitney Bowes determines that an item is undeliverable, eBay and Pitney Bowes reserve the right to dispose of or liquidate the item in the manner they see fit. Please see Global Shipping Program Buyer Terms and Conditions for more information.

What is my role as a buyer?

You (or the recipient of the GSP Item that you purchase, if someone other than you) are the Foreign Principal Party in Interest in connection with the exportation and importation of the GSP item. You will authorize Pitney Bowes or, at its discretion, one of Pitney Bowes’ service providers as an agent to facilitate the export and customs clearance of the GSP item. For full terms and conditions, click here.

Are there any addresses or types of addresses that are not supported by Program?

Delivery to P.O. Boxes, APO, or FPO address is not supported by the Global Shipping Program at this time with the exception of the following countries:

• Bahrain
• Brazil
• Canada
• China
• Kuwait
• New Zealand
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• Switzerland
• Thailand
• United Arab Emirates