Shipping, DDP & Restricted Products
Why 3PLs refuse liquids/batteries/supplements. DDP basics: who pays what, where people screw up.
Why 3PLs Refuse Certain Products
Common reasons 3PLs reject shipments:
- Liquids: Leak risk, hazmat regulations, special handling required
- Batteries: Lithium-ion restrictions, IATA regulations, fire risk
- Supplements: FDA regulations, customs delays, labeling requirements
- Cosmetics: Ingredient restrictions, EU regulations, testing requirements
- Electronics: Certification requirements (CE, FCC), customs complexity
DDP Basics: Who Pays What
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
You (seller) pay: Shipping, customs duties, import taxes, delivery to customer door.
Customer pays: Nothing (it's all included in the price they see).
Best for: High-value items, B2B, predictable markets (EU, UK).
DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid)
You (seller) pay: Shipping to destination country.
Customer pays: Customs duties, import taxes, handling fees (at delivery).
Best for: Low-value items, unpredictable markets, when customer expects to pay duties.
Where People Screw Up
Not calculating duties upfront
If you offer DDP, you must estimate duties/taxes and include in price. Many merchants underestimate, then lose money.
Wrong HS codes
Incorrect Harmonized System codes = wrong duty rates = delays, fines, or customer refusal.
Missing documentation
Commercial invoice, packing list, certificates of origin. Missing docs = customs delays = angry customers.
Not communicating DDP vs DDU
Customer expects free delivery, gets hit with $50 import fee = chargeback risk.
Restricted Products Checklist
- ☐Check destination country restrictions before listing
- ☐Verify 3PL accepts product category
- ☐Get proper certifications (FDA, CE, etc.)
- ☐Label products correctly (ingredients, warnings)
- ☐Use correct HS codes for customs
- ☐Include all required documentation
- ☐Test shipping to one country before scaling
Last updated: December 14, 2025
Need help? Book a call