Configure Products for International Shipping
International shipping requires complete product data including Harmonized Code, Country of Origin, Manufacturer, and Product Description. Configure these before accepting international orders to avoid fulfillment delays.
Configuring International Product Data
1Navigate to Products → All Products.
2Search for the SKU you want to configure and click Edit.
3On the Product General Info tab, scroll to the For International Shipping section.
4Select the Country of Origin - the country where the product was manufactured. If the product is composed of multiple components (e.g., a computer), list the country of final assembly.
5Enter the Harmonized Code (also called HS Code or HTS Code).
6Enter the Manufacturer name.
7Enter a Brief Product Description that includes
- Manufacturer name
- Product color
- Material composition
- Other identifying details
8Click Save to apply your changes.
Updating Multiple Products at Once
International product data fields (Harmonized Code, Country of Origin, Manufacturer, Brief Description) are not currently available for bulk updates through the standard CSV import process.
Have a Large Product Catalog? If you need to configure international data for many products, contact Cahoot Support to inquire about professional services assistance. Our team may be able to help bulk-configure international product data for large catalogs.
For now, international product data must be configured individually for each SKU using the process described above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I'm missing international product data?
Cahoot will encounter a "No Service" error when attempting to create shipping labels. You must configure all required international fields (Harmonized Code, Country of Origin, Manufacturer, Brief Description) before we can ship internationally for your products at Cahoot.
What's the difference between DDU and DDP?
DDU (Delivery Duty Unpaid) means the recipient pays customs duties upon delivery. DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) means you prepay all duties and taxes at checkout. All international shipments through Cahoot's carriers are currently set to DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) by default. This means the recipient is responsible for paying all customs duties and taxes before the package can be delivered. Learn more in Understanding International Customs Charges.
Which carriers should I use for international shipping?
Cahoot will select the best option based on destination, package size, and transit time requirements. See the International Shipping FAQ for a complete comparison of different carriers.
How do I handle customs delays or holds?
Customs delays are typically due to incomplete documentation, unclear product descriptions, or the destination country's inspection process. Ensure all product data is complete and accurate. For packages held at customs, the recipient may need to provide additional information or pay duties before release. See Understanding International Customs Charges for guidance on customer communication.
How do international returns work?
International returns require special handling. Many sellers do not accept international returns due to high costs. Learn how to Create Return Labels and Direct Shipments in Cahoot.
What items can't be shipped internationally?
Common restrictions include lithium batteries, hazardous materials, perishables, alcohol, and tobacco. Requirements vary by destination country and carrier. Always verify restrictions before accepting international orders. See International Shipping FAQ for detailed prohibited items list.