Ultimate Guide to the eBay International Shipping Program for Beginners

Selling internationally on eBay is easier than ever with the eBay International Shipping Program (EIS). But what is it, and how does it work?

This guide breaks down everything beginners, like you, need to know. Let's discuss its benefits, costs, enrollment steps, and how Stallion helps Canadian sellers ship smarter to the hub.

Key Takeaways

• eBay International Shipping is a program where sellers only ship domestically to eBay’s local shipping hub. Then, eBay manages all international logistics.
  
  
• There are no international selling fees. Sellers can save money compared to the old program.
  
  
• Buyers benefit from clearer duties and lower shipping rates.

What is the eBay International Shipping (EIS)

The eBay International Shipping (EIS) is a program that allows sellers to access global buyers without handling international logistics. Instead, eBay handles the logistics of selling and shipping to international customers, including:

• Customs paperwork
• Import charges
• International delivery
• Returns

For eligible sellers, this program provides a shipping hub where they can send their items. Once received, eBay takes over from there. It simplifies the process and offers lower costs for buyers.

What Makes It Different From eBay's Global Shipping Program

The Global Shipping Program (GSP) is the predecessor of EIS. Both programs simplify international selling for sellers by having them ship products to a domestic hub.

However, as mentioned, the new EIS program offers lower shipping costs, handles customs and duties more consistently, and provides a more straightforward returns process for both buyers and sellers.

With EIS, sellers no longer pay international selling fees and have fewer responsibilities. Buyers also enjoy more affordable rates and improved delivery times.

Key Benefits of eBay International Shipping

So, why should you consider joining? Here are the key benefits of EIS to beginners and experienced sellers alike:

• No International Shipping Fees. eBay wants to encourage sellers to expand their products to global markets without worrying about additional costs. Therefore, sellers don't pay extra for international sales, which means more profit in your pocket. In addition, removing seller-side international fees makes cross-border selling as easy and affordable as domestic sales.
  
  
• Simplified Shipping and Customs Clearance. Customs paperwork, duties, and shipping internationally can be intimidating for many sellers. With EIS, however, you can forget about customs forms and overseas couriers. eBay centralizes this process by allowing sellers to ship domestically only to a nearby local hub. Then, eBay becomes the "exporter of record," which reduces mistakes and speeds up the process.
  
  
• eBay Handles Returns and Protections. Complications can happen in international returns. However, eBay handles the responsibility of this process and protects you from chargebacks and negative buyer experience with EIS. As a result, it can give you more confidence to sell abroad. You also don't have to worry about disputes and lost money.
  
  
• Access to More International Buyers. As mentioned, sellers are often overwhelmed with international shipping. Thus, many of them only list domestically. However, opting into EIS automatically makes your listings available to buyers around the world. In return, it provides more visibility for your store, increasing the chances of sales and growth.
  
  
• Competitive Rates for Buyers. EIS leverages eBay's negotiated carrier rates to reduce costs for buyers. Lower international rates mean more buyers are likely to complete their purchases. In addition, buyers see the full landed cost upfront. Not only does it make international purchases more attractive, but it also avoids surprise fees at delivery. Fewer abandoned carts!

How Does eBay International Shipping Work

If this sounds too good to be true, let’s break it down step by step. Here’s how the EIS program works in practice:

1. Seller lists an item on eBay Canada. Create your eBay listings as usual and enable EIS in your shipping settings. Once on, it covers eligible listings automatically.
   
   
2. The buyer from another country makes a purchase. The buyer sees shipping, estimated delivery, and import charges at checkout when available. eBay, then, processes the payment, just like a domestic sale.
   
   
3. Seller ships the item domestically to eBay’s domestic shipping hub. Seller prints a domestic shipping label addressed to the nearest eBay local shipping center. Sellers don't have to prepare any customs paperwork.
   
   
4. eBay handles international shipping, customs, and delivery. eBay ships the package overseas using its carrier network and international shipping services. It also includes tracking updates provided to the buyer.
   
   
5. Buyer receives the package with duties and taxes managed. EIS includes all applicable duties and taxes upfront. This allows customers to enjoy a transparent price with no surprise fees at delivery. Additionally, if a return is necessary, eBay handles the international aspect. It makes it easy for the seller to manage a simple domestic return.

How to Enroll in the EIS Program

Wondering how to get started? Enrolling in EIS is straightforward and can be done right from your eBay Seller Hub. Here are the steps:

Eligibility Requirements

To join the EIS program, sellers need a valid eBay account in good standing. The account SHOULD NOT HAVE any of the following:

• Unresolved policy violations
• Shipment issues
• Buyer complaints

The items must also comply with eBay's export rules and the chosen courier's restrictions. The restrictions are for prohibited products that are not eligible for shipping. It includes hazardous goods, alcohol, and counterfeit items.

Meanwhile, the most common categories, such as apparel, electronics, and small household goods, are typically permitted.

How to Opt in via eBay Seller Hub

Joining from Canada is simple:

1. Log in to Seller Hub.
2. Go to Shipping Preferences.
3. Under International Shipping, select eBay International Shipping (EIS).
4. Once enrolled, all eligible listings will automatically be available to international buyers.

By opting in, you don’t need to worry about customs forms or finding an international courier; EIS handles everything once your package reaches eBay's hub.

How to Update Shipping Preferences

To make sure your listings qualify:

• Set your shipping location to Canada.
• Confirm that your chosen shipping method allows international buyers through EIS.
• Use clear handling times so buyers can estimate delivery.

You can also exclude specific countries if needed, though EIS already blocks unsupported destinations.

Tips for Selecting Eligible Listings

Remember, not all products are suitable for international delivery. Canadian sellers should avoid restricted categories like:

• Lithium batteries
• Perfumes
• Perishables
• Oversized items

It's also essential to provide detailed and accurate descriptions and enter the correct weight and dimensions for smooth processing. You must also pack the items securely since they travel to the eBay Canadian hub before continuing abroad.

By following these best practices, members of the eBay Canada community can ship domestically—just like a regular order—while still reaching eBay’s global marketplace without the stress of handling international logistics.

Costs and Fees: What Sellers Need to Know

One of the biggest perks of EIS is its transparent cost structure. Here’s what you need to know about your responsibilities and what buyers will cover:

• Domestic Shipping Costs (Seller’s Responsibility). As a seller, you’re responsible for shipping costs from your location to eBay’s Canadian hub.
  
  
• No international Selling Fees for Sellers. Unlike the old program, you keep more profits. Using the Global Shipping Program, international costs were higher. Many Canadian sellers lost sales because buyers faced steep shipping and customs charges.
  
  
• Duties, Taxes, and International Delivery. Buyers are responsible for duties, taxes, and final international delivery fees. It means you don’t have to calculate or collect these extra costs yourself. Instead, eBay will do it on your behalf. The buyer sees the full landed cost upfront, including import duties, VAT, GST/HST, or any other destination-country taxes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re just starting your eBay business journey, choosing to use eBay International Shipping is one of the easiest ways to grow beyond local sales. You only handle domestic shipping to eBay’s hub, while eBay manages the complex international side. With Stallion’s affordable rates, beginners can step into global selling with confidence.

How Stallion Supports Your eBay International Sales

Your role in EIS is simple—ship domestically to eBay’s Canadian hub. But how you handle that domestic step makes all the difference. That’s where Stallion comes in.

Stallion is a trusted 3PL company that helps Canadian eCommerce sellers simplify shipping and save money.

With Stallion, you can:

• Ship to eBay’s Canadian hub at discounted domestic rates.
• Speed up deliveries with streamlined, technology-driven processes.
• Save on shipping costs while focusing on scaling your sales.

By partnering with Stallion, Canadian sellers can confidently take advantage of the EIS program without worrying about high costs, customs paperwork, or logistics challenges.

Start shipping smarter with Stallion today—your reliable 3PL partner for eBay international sales.

Aman Chopra

Aman looks after the content marketing department at Stallion Express. He is passionate about helping businesses grow by providing informative and up-to-date trends in the eCommerce industry. Outside the office, you can find him on the soccer field cheering on Real Madrid.