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Overview

The Australia Post MyPost Business app provides comprehensive support for international shipping, including automatic customs declarations, export documentation, and country-specific requirements. This guide covers everything you need to know about shipping orders overseas.

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Prerequisites for International Shipping

Before shipping internationally, ensure you have:
  • Valid Australia Post account with international shipping enabled
  • Product information including HS codes and country of origin (these are prefilled from your Shopify product details when available—see HS code and country of origin below)
  • Export documentation for high-value shipments
  • Compliance knowledge for destination country requirements

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International Shipping Process

1

Order Selection

Select orders with international shipping addresses
2

Customs Declaration

Complete required customs information for each item
3

Export Documentation

Add export declaration numbers for high-value shipments
4

Service Selection

Choose appropriate international shipping service
5

Label Generation

Generate and print international shipping labels

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Customs Declarations

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Required Information

For every international shipment, you must provide:

HS Codes

Harmonized System classification codes for each item. When you create international labels, HS codes are prefilled from your Shopify product details (variant inventory item’s Harmonized System code) when available—you can edit them as needed.

Item Descriptions

Detailed descriptions of goods being shipped. Descriptions are editable per line item when you create a label (up to 40 characters). By default, the app uses the product title—or a product metafield if you configure one in Settings (see Prefill item descriptions from a product metafield below).

Country of Origin

Where the goods were manufactured or produced. Country of origin is prefilled from your Shopify product details (variant inventory item’s country of origin) when available—you can change it per item if needed.

Export Reason

Purpose of export (sale, gift, return, other)

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HS Code and Country of Origin from Shopify

The app automatically prefills HS code and country of origin for each line item from your Shopify product/variant data when that information is set in Shopify (inventory item’s Harmonized System code and country of origin). This reduces data entry and helps keep customs declarations consistent. You can still edit or add values when creating a label. For best results, maintain HS codes and country of origin on your products in Shopify. Learn how to add HS codes in Shopify: Add HS codes for international shipping.

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HS Code Management

HS (Harmonized System) codes are international classification codes. The app prefills HS codes from your Shopify product details (each variant’s inventory item Harmonized System code) when you create international labels—research and add codes in Shopify for products you ship internationally to streamline label creation. See Shopify’s guide to adding HS codes for step-by-step instructions.
  • Product databases: Use online HS code lookup tools - Supplier information: Check with your product suppliers - Customs websites: Official government resources - Industry guides: Sector-specific classification guides
  • 6-10 digits: Most countries use 6-digit codes, some require 8-10 - Format: XXXX.XX.XX (e.g., 1234.56.78) - Specificity: More digits = more specific classification
  • Electronics: 8517.12.00 (Mobile phones) - Clothing: 6203.42.40 (Men’s trousers) - Books: 4901.99.00 (Printed books) - Jewelry: 7113.19.50 (Precious metal jewelry)

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Commercial value

When you complete a customs declaration, each shipment includes a Commercial value field (Yes / No). This indicates whether the goods are for resale.
  • Default: Yes (commercial / for resale)
  • When to use No: Gifts, samples, or other non-commercial shipments where the goods are not intended for resale
You can change this on the customs declaration form before confirming the label. The value is sent on the Australia Post customs declaration.

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Item descriptions on the customs form

For international labels, you can review and edit the Customs description for each line item directly in the customs declaration modal.
Customs declaration Item Details section showing editable Customs description field prefilled per line item
Key details:
  • Each active line item gets its own Customs description field (maximum 40 characters)
  • Descriptions are used on the Australia Post customs declaration form—not the separate Goods description field, which is only used when the export reason is Other
  • If you have already saved a customs declaration for the order, your saved descriptions are kept and are not overwritten
Default description order (when no saved description exists):
  1. Saved description from a previous customs declaration on the order (if any)
  2. Product metafield value (if you mapped a product metafield in Settings—see below)
  3. Product title
  4. Parcel contents (fallback when no title is available)
Orders with more than 20 line items: Australia Post limits item content lines on the customs form. When an order has more than 20 active line items, the app groups items by HS code and country of origin and suggests grouped descriptions. You can review and edit those grouped descriptions before confirming. Grouped suggestions use the same default order above (metafield value or product title) when building the suggested text.

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Prefill item descriptions from a product metafield

If product titles are too generic for customs (for example, internal SKUs or marketing names), you can store a customs-friendly description on each product and have the app prefill it automatically.
This is optional. If you do not configure a metafield mapping, the app continues to use product titles as today.
Requirements:
  • The metafield must be a product-level definition in Shopify
  • Only Single line text metafield types are supported
  • The metafield definition must already exist in Shopify before it appears in the app dropdown

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Step 1: Create a product metafield in Shopify

Create a product metafield definition in Shopify Admin for the description you want to use on customs forms—for example, customs.description or a name your team already uses.
1

Open custom data for products

In Shopify Admin, go to Settings → Custom data → Products (or open a product and add a metafield definition from the Metafields section).
2

Add a definition

Click Add definition and choose type Single line text. Other types (multi-line text, lists, numbers, and so on) are not supported for this feature.
3

Name and namespace

Give it a clear name (for example, Customs description) and note the namespace and key—you will select this definition in the app.
4

Save

Save the metafield definition.

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Step 2: Enter values on your products

Add a customs-friendly description on each product. Use plain language suitable for customs authorities (material, product type, intended use)—not internal SKUs alone.
1

Open a product

Go to Products in Shopify Admin and open a product you ship internationally.
2

Find Metafields

Scroll to the Metafields section on the product page.
3

Enter the customs description

Fill in your single-line text metafield with the description you want on customs forms (maximum 40 characters is enforced when creating labels).
4

Save the product

Save the product. Repeat for other products as needed.
Use Shopify bulk edit to update metafield values across many products at once—similar to how you can bulk-edit dimension metafields. See Product & Variant Dimensions for bulk-edit workflow tips.

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Step 3: Map the metafield in Kivaro Settings

Tell the app which product metafield to use for customs description defaults.
Kivaro Settings Postage tab showing landed costs payment and Customs item description source product metafield dropdown
1

Open app settings

In the app, go to Settings → Postage.
2

Select the metafield source

Under Customs item description source (product metafield), choose your metafield from the dropdown. Select None (use product title) to turn this off.
3

Save settings

Save your settings. The mapping applies to new customs declarations and label creation going forward.
How the app uses the mapping:
Only product-level metafields are read—not variant metafields. Set the value on the product (or ensure the product record has the value your variants inherit from).
If a previously selected metafield definition is deleted in Shopify, the app shows a warning in Settings and falls back to product titles until you choose another metafield or clear the setting.

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Export Declaration Numbers (EDN)

For shipments over certain values, you need an Export Declaration Number:
EDN is mandatory for shipments over $2,000 AUD in value.
When EDN is required:
  • Shipments valued over $2,000 AUD
  • Certain restricted or controlled goods
  • Destination country requirements
How to obtain EDN:
  1. Register with Australian Border Force
  2. Complete export declaration online
  3. Receive EDN for your shipment
  4. Enter EDN in the app when creating labels

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Setting Importer Reference via Shipping Rules

You can automatically set the importer reference number for international shipments using Shipping Rules. When an order matches a rule that has the Importer reference number action, the app applies that value to the customs declaration for the label—useful when you routinely use a fixed importer reference (e.g. your company or client reference) for certain destinations or order types. How to set it:
  1. Go to Shipping Rules in the app and create or edit a rule.
  2. Add a condition that targets international orders (e.g. Destination country not equals Australia).
  3. In Actions, add Importer reference number and enter your reference (max 40 characters).
  4. Save and enable the rule.
When you create an international label for an order that matches this rule, the importer reference will be prefilled on the customs declaration. Shipping rule action: Importer reference number for international orders

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Country-Specific Requirements

Requirements: - HS codes required for all items - Detailed item descriptions - Country of origin mandatory - FDA approval for food/cosmetics Restrictions: - No dangerous goods - Limited alcohol shipments - Restricted agricultural products
Requirements: - HS codes and descriptions - Country of origin - VAT implications for EU shipments - Brexit documentation Restrictions: - Food and agricultural products - Certain electronics - Cultural artifacts
Requirements: - HS codes mandatory - Detailed descriptions - Country of origin - NAFTA documentation if applicable Restrictions: - Firearms and ammunition - Certain food products - Endangered species materials
Requirements: - HS codes and descriptions - Country of origin - Biosecurity declarations - Food safety certificates Restrictions: - Strict biosecurity rules - Limited food imports - Agricultural product restrictions

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Creating International Labels

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Step-by-Step Process

1

Select International Order

Choose an order with an international shipping address
2

Add Item Details

For each item, provide: HS code, customs description, country of origin, and individual value. HS code and country of origin are prefilled from Shopify product details when available—review and edit as needed. Customs descriptions default from your product metafield (if configured) or product title and can be edited per line item.
3

Set export details

Select the export reason, commercial value (Yes / No), and landed costs payment if applicable
4

Add Export Documentation

Include EDN if required for high-value shipments
5

Review Declaration

Verify all customs information is complete and accurate
6

Generate Label

Create the international shipping label

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Label Format Requirements

International shipping labels can only be printed on A4 paper due to their size requirements.
Label specifications:
  • Paper size: A4 only
  • Format: Single label per page
  • Content: Includes customs declaration
  • Printing: High-quality printer recommended

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Common International Shipping Issues

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Documentation Problems

Problem: Items rejected due to missing or incorrect HS codes Solution: - Research correct HS codes for your products - Maintain a database of product classifications - Add HS codes to your products in Shopify (inventory item’s Harmonized System code) so they are prefilled when creating labels—how to add HS codes in Shopify - Update product information in Shopify
  • Use generic codes as last resort
Problem: Customs reject shipments with vague descriptions Solution: - Use specific, detailed descriptions - Include material composition - Mention intended use - Avoid generic terms like “gift” or “merchandise” - Store customs-friendly descriptions in a product metafield and map it in Settings → Postage so labels prefill consistently
Problem: Declared values don’t match customs assessment Solution: - Use actual sale prices - Include shipping costs in total value - Provide invoices if requested - Be consistent with previous shipments

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Shipping Restrictions

Always check destination country restrictions before shipping.
Common restricted items:
  • Food products: Most countries have strict food import rules
  • Electronics: Some countries require special certifications
  • Cosmetics: May need health department approval
  • Medicines: Usually prohibited without proper licensing
  • Cultural items: May require export permits

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Delivery Issues

Causes: Incomplete documentation, restricted items, random inspections Prevention: - Ensure all documentation is complete - Use accurate HS codes and descriptions - Avoid shipping restricted items - Provide detailed item information
Causes: Rejected by customs, refused by recipient, incorrect address Prevention: - Verify recipient addresses - Include contact information - Use appropriate packaging - Consider insurance for valuable items

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Best Practices

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Preparation

1

Product Database

Maintain a comprehensive database of: - HS codes for all products - Country of origin information - Detailed product descriptions (or a dedicated product metafield for customs descriptions) - Export restrictions by destination
2

Documentation Templates

Create templates for: - Common export reasons - Standard item descriptions - Country-specific requirements - Emergency contact information
3

Staff Training

Train your team on: - International shipping requirements - Customs documentation - Restricted items lists - Emergency procedures

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Ongoing Management

  • Monitor changes in international regulations - Update HS codes as needed - Review destination country requirements - Track shipping performance and issues
  • Set clear expectations for delivery times - Explain potential customs delays
  • Provide tracking information - Handle customs duty questions
  • Factor in customs duties and taxes - Consider insurance for valuable shipments - Optimize packaging for international shipping - Monitor shipping costs and performance

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Troubleshooting

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Common Error Messages

Message: “HS Code is required when declaration is not accepted” Solution: Add valid HS codes for all items or accept the general declaration
Message: “Export Declaration Number is required for orders over $2,000” Solution: Obtain and enter the EDN for high-value shipments
Message: “Country of origin is required for shipments to this destination” Solution: Specify the country where goods were manufactured. You can set country of origin on your products in Shopify (inventory item) so it is prefilled when creating international labels.

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Getting Help

If you encounter issues with international shipping:
  1. Check documentation: Ensure all required information is provided
  2. Verify restrictions: Confirm items can be shipped to destination
  3. Contact support: Reach out for assistance with complex cases
  4. Review regulations: Stay updated on changing international requirements

Contact Support

Get help with international shipping issues

Australia Post Resources

Official international shipping guidelines