Shipping Knives Internationally, bypassing EIS.
Hi everyone,
I currently use eBay International Shipping (EIS) for all of my eligible items. However, as most of you know, knives are prohibited through EIS, which prevents me from offering international shipping on those listings.
I’m considering adding “Additional shipping service†→ USPS First Class Package International so that international buyers still have an option. Before I make that change, I want to be sure I fully understand the implications, especially around returns and seller protections.
For those of you who ship knives internationally outside of EIS:
How has your experience been using USPS First Class Package International?
Are there any customs challenges, delays, or seizure risks I should be aware of for certain regions?
Since EIS normally shields sellers from SNAD / INAD return requests, what protections (if any) remain when bypassing EIS?
If I disable international returns (except when required for NAD), is that generally respected on global transactions?
Are buyers still able to open INAD claims even when returns are set to “no international returns,†and how have those claims been handled in your experience?
Do you insure these shipments, and if so, through USPS or a third-party provider?
Have you found it better to block certain countries due to knife restrictions or higher risk?
Any insights, tips, or cautionary experiences would be greatly appreciated. I just want to make sure I’m setting up my knife listings correctly while minimizing risk and staying compliant.
penguins_dont_fly
·9 months agoPiling on here ...
Just as an example, the UK does not allow ANY knives to be imported (even butter knives and cake knives). The knife will be confiscated and disposed of at customs.
Lots of countries regulate imports of knives. I would recommend erring on the side of caution, let eIS handle it and don't try to sell directly.
Shipping directly for any item means that you are responsible for INAD returns, even on International sales.
You are also responsible for INR claims for most reasons (the exception is if a buyer refuses to pay any customs fees upon arrival).
International buyers are covered by the MBG policy of the site that they use to buy the item. For example, a German buyer will have the protections of ebay.de, an Australian buyer would have the protections of ebay.au, etc.
Being familiar with those other sites' MBG protections is a good thing for any seller who ships direct internationally.
edit to add: There is one more thing to consider. If you list an item for sale Internationally and have shipping enabled to a country with restrictions, the item may actually be taken down by eBay. This is personal experience talking here. I had a cake serving knife ended by eBay that had international shipping enabled to the UK (before eIS started). Just the word "knife" was enough to get it removed.
Just for information's sake, here are some other countries have notable restrictions:
Australia: Automatic (flick) and gravity knives are prohibited imports. Importing other types, even folding knives, may require a permit and specific documentation to avoid seizure.
Canada: Prohibited imports include automatic knives, centrifugal (flick) knives, gravity knives, and push daggers. Other knives are generally permitted for private ownership but require accurate customs declarations.
China: Knives with blades longer than 15 cm are illegal to import, and carrying knives in public is strictly prohibited.
Denmark: One-handed opening knives, automatic knives, push daggers, and throwing knives are forbidden. An import permit is required for any weapon.
Germany: Prohibited knives include switchblades (with some length exceptions), butterfly knives, and throwing stars. Fixed-blade knives over 12 cm and one-handed opening knives are restricted from public carry without a legitimate purpose.
Hong Kong: Bans gravity knives, switchblades, butterfly knives, and any bladed weapon designed to be held in a clenched fist.
Ireland: Generally prohibits the import and carrying of anything that can be used as a weapon without a valid reason. It is best to avoid importing knives unless absolutely essential for a specific, provable purpose.
Japan: Possession and import of folding knives with blades longer than 5 cm is strictly prohibited.
New Zealand: Regulates certain types of knives as weapons.
Norway: Butterfly knives, double-edged knives, and knives with opening aids are generally banned from public areas.
Singapore: Automatic knives are illegal.
Spain: Prohibits automatic, semi-automatic, flick, and butterfly knives, as well as daggers sharpened on both sides.
Sweden: Automatic knives, throwing stars, and similar weapons are prohibited for sale to individuals under 21, and a lawful reason is required to carry any knife in public places.
kensgiftshop
·9 months agoYou need to check knife laws in each of the countries you want to ship to.
simba6
·9 months agoThere are a lot of silly knife laws. You might want to only sell in the US to avoid problems. Chef's knives used to be allowed but, even those are restricted in some countries. Having items seized or disposed can be a real issue.