EBAY INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING (EIS) - Seller Reference & FAQ
(Information current as of Feb 2023)
EIS reference pages: Seller Center | Help Page | Seller Terms of Service | Buyer Terms of Service
Important to note upfront:
eBay International Shipping (EIS) is not the same as eBay International Standard Delivery (EISD). The process and policies are very different. Check here for info on EISD: Seller Center | Help Page | Terms of Service
EIS is (slowly) replacing the Global Shipping Program (GSP) and it's being rolled out to sellers in phases. For info on GSP click here: Seller Center | Help Page | Buyer Terms & Conditions
Comparing EIS, EISD and GSP: Feature Comparison Table
To find out whether you're enrolled in GSP or EIS, check your shipping preferences page: (link)
To request enrollment in EIS, click the "I'm Interested" link on this page: (link)
Once you're switched from GSP to EIS you cannot switch back to GSP.
SETTING UP YOUR LISTING
- Current dollar limit as of Feb 2023: cost cannot exceed $500 USD
eBay may increase this limit but has not confirmed yet. When EIS was first launched to a limited number of sellers in Fall 2022 the limit was $150 USD.
- UNANSWERED QUESTION: Does the $500 cap include shipping & handling and VAT/GST? For GSP the answer was yes, S&H was always included, but for EIS that info isn't published (that I could find).
- UNANSWERED QUESTION: What about auctions that start below $500 but the final selling price is above $500 - what policy will take effect and how should sellers manage those sales?
- VERY IMPORTANT: Sellers need to enter dimensions and weight in the listing form to ensure buyers are shown accurate shipping rates. Some sellers are used to leaving those fields blank because they offer flat rate domestic (or 'free') shipping and could run into issues when eBay is not able to accurately determine the international shipping rate for those listings. We (sellers on this board) ran some tests and found situations where search view would show $40+ shipping, but going into the listing would show $80+ shipping. Entering both weight and dimensions on the listing form fixed this so both the listing and search shipping rates lined up.
- NOV '22 SELLER CHECK-IN question: Quoting an earlier answer from eBay, "elS will automatically be on all listings, but you can remove select listings if you would like." What about when a seller is using business policies? Are our business policies changed or would elS not be enabled on our listings until we added it to our business policies?
Answer from Stephanie Ratcliffe, eBay: We will not change your business policies. They will take precedence.
- VERY IMPORTANT: Since that seller check-in, the previous info of being able to remove select listings has changed. When you enable EIS at the global (ie: account) level, it applies to ALL listings. eBay is not (yet) offering the ability to disable EIS at the listing level: it's all in or all out. Sellers are working around this by putting shipping exclusions on individual listings to ensure those items will not be eligible for international shipping.
- In addition, when a seller is opted in to EIS, sellers have reported eBay overriding a lot of their shipping preferences. If you have items that cannot ship overseas for any reason and have international shipping disabled, eBay may override your current shipping settings and enable EIS when you're first opted in. Sellers will unfortunately need to edit those affected listings and re-establish international exclusions since you cannot disable EIS as a shipping option at the listing level.
- Why is eBay not automatically blocking those items? Most of eBay's blocks are based on category or product type, country of origin and destination country. (Note: the help pages stress the importance of filling out COO.) So items that sellers cannot ship overseas due to brand restrictions, or specifics like type of material - eBay will not block those. It's up to the seller to know, for example, that listings for Levis, toner cartridges, certain types of wood that can be used to make anything from guitars to jewelry boxes, and much more need to exclude international locations. This is too nuanced for eBay to manage so sellers have to handle this at the listing level by setting up those international blocks.
- Can you offer your own shipping (ex: USPS First Class Package International or EISD) to some countries while offering EIS to the rest of the world? Yes. See below for tutorial link on how to apply changes to your international shipping settings. When your account is opted into the program, your listings will default to eBay International Shipping so check your shipping settings carefully before you publish each listing.
- eBay provided tutorials (video and PDF) for setting up your listings based on using My eBay, Seller Hub or Business Policies available here: EIS Seller Center
RATES & COMBINED SHIPPING
- Can you combine multiple orders into one single package to the EIS hub in the US? No. Each order will have a unique reference ID for customs purposes, so each unique reference ID has to ship in a separate package.
- How can you tell if multiple items are part of a single order or separate orders? When multiple items are part of a single order, and therefore need to ship in a single box, sellers will see that a single order number will be assigned for all items and a single eBay reference number will be on the shipping address for all items. When multiple items are purchased as separate orders by the same buyer, sellers will see multiple order numbers and different eBay reference numbers on the shipping address for each item. This is generally determined by whether a buyer adds multiple items to the shopping cart and submits one payment or if they pay for items separately.
- NOV '22 SELLER CHECK-IN question: Will EIS handle combined shipping for multiple items purchased so we can send 1 invoice?
Answer from Jeff Frick, eBay: eIS does not currently allow for combined shipping due to the customs manifest and D&T collection requirements.
- NOV '22 SELLER CHECK-IN question: EIS sounds a lot more comprehensive...is it a lot more expensive for the consumer compared with GSP?
Answer from Jeff Frick, eBay: No, elS rate structure is better than GSP and while a DDU program currently, will convert to DDP (like GSP) and allow the Buyer to pre-pay the D&T.
- Based on the above 2 responses from the Seller Check-In, one could make a reasonable assumption that after EIS converts from a 'Duties Delivered Unpaid' program to a 'Duties Delivered Paid' program, combined shipping will be a possibility with EIS. eBay has not yet provided a timeframe for this transition other than 'coming soon', nor have they confirmed if combined shipping will definitely be available in the future.
- From EIS FAQ: The customs clearance service is an important part of international shipping and are meant to facilitate the import of goods to your buyer’s country. On a Duties Delivered Paid (DDP) shipment, the buyer pays import charges at checkout. In contrast, the buyer pays any applicable import charges prior to delivery on a Duties Delivered Unpaid (DDU) shipment. DDU shipments may also result in the buyer being assessed additional delivery fees by the carrier.
The buyer is responsible for settling all charges or fees in order for customs to release the shipment and have it delivered to them. Once the DDP option is available, EIS will enable buyers to choose how they prefer to have their shipment cleared through customs - paid at the time of purchase or paid after shipment.
PACKING, SHIPPING & INSURANCE
- When a seller's packaging is not suitable for international shipping, eBay will (per the EIS FAQ) : evaluate all packages that are received at our hub. Anything that does not comply for international shipping will be assessed and where possible repackaged for international travel, at no additional expense to you.
- NOV '22 SELLER CHECK-IN question: How will eBay be repackaging items?
Answer from Jeff Frick, eBay: eBay only "repacks" items when the box arrives to the Hub and looks damaged and we need to inspect it to ensure it can be shipped forward. We attempt to keep all items intact; including any notes or wrapping done by Sellers and only transfer to an eBay package for shipment.
- From EIS FAQ: Will you open and inspect my package? We may open and inspect your item to ensure compliance with US export regulations and the import regulations of the destination country. If we open your package for inspection, we take care to ensure your item is not damaged in the process. Once we’ve verified your package is able to ship, we will repack your item and send it to your buyer the same way it was originally packed.
- If you purchase domestic insurance or signature confirmation for your item, it applies only until it reaches the US shipping hub. Sellers are responsible for getting the package safely to the shipping hub, but if the item is lost or damaged during international shipping, eBay will cover any refunds due.
- UNANSWERED QUESTION: If an item has to ship in multiple boxes due to size, weight or lot quantity, the fine print in the TOS is contradictory on what to do. On the one hand it says, "You will ship all EIS Items contained in a single order to the US Shipping Hub in one package" and on the other hand it says "If a single order requires multiple packages, each package requires a separate, unique label"
- As of Feb 2023, size and weight limits (check the EIS links at the top of this post for current limits in case any changes have been made) :
Packages cannot exceed 44 lbs. for every country except Canada (Canada’s max is 66 lbs.) - billable weight (not actual). Packages cannot exceed 84 inches in Length + Girth
- From the fine print in the TOS, but not stated on the general EIS help pages:
- Packages must meet or exceed 7.25 inches in width and 10.25 inches in length
- You are required to include an order packing slip in the package
- You will not combine multiple orders (either belonging to the same Buyer or different Buyers) in a single package
- Lithium battery devices must be secured in rigid packaging to prevent movement and accidental activation. Rigid packaging includes boxes, hard shell plastic, and the original manufacturer packaging. Poly mailers, shrink wrap, and other types of non-rigid packaging are prohibited.
- From the TOS fine print regarding liability for lost/damaged packages, the summary is:
- Seller is responsible until item reaches the US hub
- Seller is responsible if an item is being returned to the seller from the US hub (I found this surprising, and it also leads to the question of which party will pay for that return shipping and if it's the seller, can they file an insurance claim in the event of loss or damage?)
- "Subject to any statutory rights your Buyer may have, the risk of loss or damage to an EIS Item shall transfer to your Buyer when the EIS Item leaves the US Shipping Hub for export."
- My interpretation of this last point is that it's similar to the GSP where eBay covers loss/damage as long as the buyer has MBG coverage, and MBG coverage may vary on international sites so in some cases buyers may not be covered (which also means they may resort to payment disputes to try and recover funds).
- Will EIS take care of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements for shipping to France and LUCID requirements for shipping to Germany? Yes. Sellers will not have to worry about these packaging acts when shipping through EIS.
TRACKING
- EIS shipments will generate a tracking number that begins with EEUS - this is an umbrella number. Under that umbrella number will be (1) the domestic tracking number a seller generates when shipping packages to the EIS hub in the US and (2) the international tracking number created at the EIS hub before the package leaves the country.
- eBay will provide tracking updates throughout the journey, but if you or your buyer need more detailed tracking or more specifically, the carrier and local tracking number for the buyer's country, you can track the EEUS number on this site: https://parcelsapp.com
PROHIBITED ITEMS
- NOV '22 SELLER CHECK-IN question: Just to clarify, I can list the item though EIS even if it is not allowed in certain countries? So the pocket knife for example was not allowed to be listed with GSP as an option, full stop, With EIS, it can be listed, it just theoretically would not be displayed to buyers in say the UK?
Answer from Stefanie Ratcliffe, eBay: Correct.
- EIS restricted items and categories: (link)
- Fine print from the TOS: Not all listings on eBay.com are eligible for the Program. eBay may alter or amend the eligibility requirements for EIS Items without notice. You agree not to sell any ineligible items through the Program. More information about ineligible items may be found here. You agree that eBay shall have the right to decide if the EIS Item is eligible for the Program. You agree that in respect of any items found to be ineligible, eBay may (at its discretion) dispose of or liquidate EIS Items in any manner that they prefer, including without limitation, (a) returning the item to you at your costs, (b) handing over the item to the authorities, (c) liquidating the item or (d) destroying the item without notice.
RETURNS & CLAIMS
- For standard returns, per the EIS FAQ: Once your item is received at the domestic shipping hub, your sale is considered complete. If the buyer opens a return, eBay will issue a refund at no cost to you.
- NOV '22 SELLER CHECK-IN question: eBay International Shipping says sellers don't have to worry about returns or refunds, but within the terms of service there's text that says eBay may return items to the seller and refund buyers from the seller's account. It's a complete contradiction and sellers don't know what info to trust with this service. So what info should sellers rely on when the TOS contradicts the advertised info about not having to handle post-sale issues?
Answer from Meghan Rao, eBay: eBay will take responsibility for the item once it reaches the hub with valid tracking information. However; if an item arrives at the hub and an exception arises regarding prohibited items (firearms, illegal substances, incorrect item) then eBay may return the item to the Seller and refund from the Sellers account.
- From EIS FAQ: Shipments may not meet eBay International Shipping requirements for a number of reasons, including but not limited to: overweight, oversize, hazardous, dangerous, or restricted goods. If it is determined that your shipment does not meet the program requirements, the item may be returned to you.
- From TOS fine print: If the item is undeliverable and cannot be shipped back to you for whatever reason, eBay reserves the right to liquidate or destroy the item. In those instances, the payment will not be reversed.
FEES
- How are fees calculated? Per the EIS FAQ: Your final value fee is based on the final price of the item, shipping charges to the US Shipping Hub, and any other amounts you may charge the buyer. Sales tax, international shipping cost, and import charges are not included.
MISCELLANEOUS
- Eligibility (as of Feb 2023) : Items must be physically located in the US and listed on eBay.com. Sellers rated Below Standard are not eligible for EIS.
- Time Away: If you schedule Time Away, your estimated delivery date will be updated to reflect the extended handling time. This is a big improvement over GSP where Time Away is not factored in to the handling on GSP sales.
- US Hub: Currently there is one US hub for EIS which is located in Glendale Heights, IL. Supposedly eBay may add additional hubs in the future, but this is not confirmed. Positive about the IL hub is the central location, unlike GSP's East Coast hub in KY which resulted in higher shipping rates for West Coast sellers.
- Under export restrictions eBay notes the following as restricted: Jewelry > High value (over $2500). That seems (to me) to be a moot point because at this stage the current limit for all items is $500. It appears the $2500 limit on jewelry would only come into play as a separate restriction if eBay increases the overall item limit above $2500.
Disclaimer: this post is intended as a consolidated reference for informational purposes as EIS info is scattered throughout multiple locations. Please refer to eBay's policy pages linked at the top of this post for official EIS terms and conditions which are subject to change.
GLORIOUS!Confused about the switch to eBay discounted shipping? Read
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