Selling cross-border is far more complex than selling domestically
Getting the duties and taxes right on cross-border sales is critical for your operations and your customers. It’s also highly complex, thanks to customs regulations and a maze of tariff codes (also known as Harmonized System/HS codes).
“You don't have to be a global trade expert to have a successful cross-border e-commerce program."
— An Analysis of the Cross-Border E-Commerce Opportunity (and challenges) for U.S. Merchants, NAPCO Research
Selling cross-border is far more complex than selling domestically
Getting the duties and taxes right on cross-border sales is critical for your operations and your customers. It’s also highly complex, thanks to customs regulations and a maze of tariff codes (also known as Harmonized System/HS codes).
“You don't have to be a global trade expert to have a successful cross-border e-commerce program."
— An Analysis of the Cross-Border E-Commerce Opportunity (and challenges) for U.S. Merchants, NAPCO Research
Avalara simplifies the process of selling internationally
Avalara’s cross-border solution makes it easier to sell anywhere in the world by automating the process of identifying and mapping tariff codes to your products and by calculating customs duties and import taxes.
“e-retail revenues are projected to grow to 6.54 trillion US dollars in 2022"
— Retail e-commerce sales worldwide from 2014 to 2023, Statista
Avalara increases efficiency and improves the customer experience
Customers expect on-time delivery. Inaccurate HS codes delay shipments as packages get held up in customs. Highly accurate HS codes help expedite the shipping process, and automating item classification increases speed and efficiency.
Calculating customs duties and import taxes at the time of transaction enables you to provide customers with all the costs associated with the sale, so there are no surprises fees upon delivery. It also allows sellers to ship Delivery Duty Paid (DDP), so payment of customs duties and import taxes is handled prior to delivery.
Unexpected costs at delivery are a burden on customers, which often lead to poor reviews and returned shipments. Returned shipments are costly and impact the seller’s bottom line.
“During the calls with the Avalara Item Classification team, they really dug in to understand our products and manufacturing processes. I could tell there was a real sense of urgency, and a serious commitment to understanding our needs.”
— Performance cycling company
2 products for a complete cross-border solution
Choose products a la carte or implement the entire cross-border suite to meet your needs
AvaTax Cross-Border seamlessly calculates customs duties and import taxes (VAT, GST), wherever your business sells.
Give customers a good experience
Automate calculation of customs duty and import tax so customers know what to expect.
Prevent costly shipping rejections
Calculate and pay duties up front, so you can lower the risk of frustrated international customers sending shipments back.
Avoid overpayment of duties
Assess duties with greater accuracy so you can avoid overpayments.
Avalara Item Classification uses AI to automate the process of identifying and mapping tariff codes to your products for shipment to any country and every jurisdiction in the world.
Boost efficiencies
Get products to customers faster, while freeing your employees from the headache of figuring out HS codes and country-specific tariffs.
Increase accuracy
Have more confidence in your tariff codes, with an automated solution that’s always up to date.
Lower risk
Reduce the possibility of your products being held up in customs — so your international customers don’t face unnecessary delays.
AvaTax Cross-Border integrates with these ecommerce platforms
AvaTax Cross-Border integrates with these ecommerce platforms
Keep exploring with these resources
How much do you know about international ecommerce? Test your knowledge of what it takes to sell cross-border.
Survey results from NAPCO Research reveal the top issues online retailers have when selling cross-border and how they’re addressing them.
IDC evaluates the complexity of cross-border ecommerce and the role tax technology plays in facilitating international transactions.
Selling internationally ups the complexity for tax compliance. We’ve put together a podcast series to help you understand challenges of cross-border selling, as well as how to overcome them.
Connect with Avalara
Talk with a global trade specialist
You can also call us at 877-780-4848 or chat with a real person.
