International E-commerce Shipping: A Practical Guide and Rates
Selling online abroad is a real opportunity for any Italian e-commerce business — but international e-commerce deliveries can become a hurdle if the costs are too high or the process too complicated.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know: how international e-commerce shipping works, which couriers are best suited to each destination, how much it actually costs, and how to offer your international customers a delivery experience that’s on a par with the competition in Europe.
Why International Shipping Is Crucial for E-commerce
When an international customer visits your website, the delivery cost is often the final hurdle before they make a purchase. If the cost is too high — or the delivery time too long — they’ll abandon their basket and buy elsewhere.
The figures confirm it: the cost of international e-commerce deliveries is the main reason for shopping basket abandonment in cross-border purchases. Conversely, those who offer competitive rates and guaranteed delivery times see their conversion rates rise even in foreign markets.
However, access to affordable express courier rates has traditionally been the preserve of large companies with dedicated contracts. With SpedizioneComoda, something fundamental is changing: You can access the same rates as DHL, UPS, FedEx and TNT even if you send just 10 parcels a month, with no minimum order quantity and no contracts.
Which Couriers to Use for International E-commerce Shipments
There is no single ‘best’ courier service: the choice depends on the destination, the weight of the parcel and the level of service you wish to offer your customers.
DHL Express
Ideal for international e-commerce shipments to Asia, Africa and remote destinations. An excellent customs clearance network, real-time tracking and some of the fastest delivery times on the market. The top choice for those selling to markets outside Europe.
UPS
The most reliable solution for the USA, Canada and the whole of the Americas. Excellent management of B2C shipments with active notification services for recipients.
FedEx
A leading provider of business shipping services to the Middle East and Asia. Specialises in document management for specialised goods.
TNT
An economical option for many destinations in Europe and beyond. A good choice when cost is a higher priority than top speed.
ℹ️ With SpedizioneComoda, you can compare DHL, UPS, FedEx and TNT in a single quote tool. Enter your destination, weight and dimensions to see the available rates straight away — including home collection. |
International E-commerce Shipping Rates — Actual Prices
Here are the indicative rates available on SpedizioneComoda for the most popular destinations and international shipments from Italian e-commerce businesses. Prices include VAT and home collection.
European Destinations (Intra-EU — No Customs)
| Country | 1 kg | 2 kg | 5 kg | 10 kg | 20 kg | 30 kg | Times |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | €9,46 | €9,56 | €9,56 | €12,01 | €13,80 | €18,89 | 1–2 days |
| France | €9,46 | €9,56 | €11,30 | €17,91 | €19,89 | €23,16 | 1–2 days |
| Spain | €9,51 | €9,56 | €9,56 | €12,25 | €17,93 | €23,16 | 1–2 days |
| Austria | €9,51 | €9,56 | €9,56 | €13,15 | €18,20 | €23,18 | 1–2 days |
| The Netherlands | €9,51 | €9,56 | €10,74 | €16,38 | €17,42 | €23,16 | 1–2 days |
| Belgium | €9,46 | €9,56 | €11,16 | €16,38 | €17,35 | €23,16 | 1–2 days |
| Portugal | €9,56 | €9,56 | €15,47 | €19,29 | €23,18 | €23,16 | 1–2 days |
| Sweden | €9,56 | €9,56 | €13,09 | €19,33 | €23,14 | €23,18 | 2–3 days |
ℹ️ Deliveries intra-EU trade in goods and services They do not require customs documentation. The recipient’s address and contact details are sufficient.
Non-EU Destinations (Customs Clearance Required)
| Country | 1 kg | 2 kg | 5 kg | 10 kg | 20 kg | 30 kg | Times |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | €9,56 | €9,56 | €9,56 | €15,23 | €16,74 | €24,79 | 2–3 days |
| Switzerland | €8,32 | €10,63 | €17,67 | €25,80 | €28,94 | €28,94 | 2–3 days |
| Norway | €8,32 | €10,63 | €17,67 | €25,80 | €28,94 | €28,94 | 2–3 days |
| USA | — | — | €44,90 | €64,90 | — | €99,90 | 3–5 days |
| Australia | — | — | €55,00 | €64,00 | — | €115,00 | 3–5 days |
| Japan | — | — | €79,00 | €79,00 | — | €132,00 | 3–5 days |
⚠️ A commercial invoice is required for international e-commerce shipments outside the EU. The courier will handle customs clearance; any customs duties are payable by the recipient (unless DDU/DDP terms apply). |
Intra-EU vs Extra-EU — What’s Changing for Your International E-commerce Shipments
Intra-EU shipments
Sending parcels within the European Union is as simple as sending them within Italy: no customs barriers, no additional paperwork. Delivery times are quick — in many cases, 1–2 working days. Germany, France and Spain are the most accessible markets for an Italian e-commerce business looking to expand.
Shipments outside the EU
Outside the European Union (post-Brexit UK, USA, Switzerland, Australia, Japan), customs come into play. This means:
- Commercial invoice or proforma compulsory, with the value of the goods declared
- HS code for classifying the product
- Longer waiting times for the customs clearance (usually +1–5 days compared with transit time alone)
- Duties and VAT payable by the consignee (standard DDU) or by the consignor (DDP)
A practical tip: for the US and the UK, always let the customer know that there may be additional duties, or consider using the DDP service to offer an “all-inclusive” price at the checkout.
Volumetric Weight — The Calculation That Many E-commerce Businesses Overlook
Courier companies apply volumetric weight to large but light parcels. The formula is:
Volumetric weight = (length × width × height in cm) ÷ 5,000
Example: a box measuring 40×30×30 cm has a volumetric weight of 7.2 kg — even though it only contains 2 kg of goods. |
For an e-commerce business, this means: optimise your packaging. More compact boxes reduce the volumetric weight and lower the delivery cost per order.
How SpedizioneComoda Works for E-commerce
SpedizioneComoda is an express delivery comparison service that brings together DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT and BRT in a single dashboard. There is no need to sign a contract with each courier, there is no minimum shipment volume and there are no fixed monthly fees.
- Create your account on SpedizioneComoda.com — free and with no obligation oor browse as a guest
- Enter your delivery details in the quotation: destination, weight, dimensions
- Compare prices available via various couriers
- Book and pay online — the label is ready in a few minutes
- The courier collects the parcel delivered directly to your address — collection included in the price
You don’t have to take the parcel to the office, you don’t need to have active contracts with courier companies, and you don’t have to meet a minimum monthly volume. It’s the ideal solution for those just starting to send parcels abroad in small quantities.
