Shipping to the US now starts before checkout.

What changed on July 9, 2026

Etsy's Seller Policy now says that orders shipped to the United States must use a Delivered Duty Paid shipping method. Sellers must not use a method that leaves the buyer with extra import charges after purchase.

Etsy's seller update explains the practical scope: sellers outside the US need to account for duties and import fees in the price shown to US buyers and ship with DDP. Etsy also states that US-bound orders sent without duties prepaid will not qualify for Etsy Purchase Protection.

What DDP shipping means

DDP stands for Delivered Duty Paid. With this method, the seller arranges for tariffs, duties, taxes and other import charges to be paid before or through shipment, so the buyer is not asked for an unexpected payment when the parcel reaches the United States.

This differs from DDU or buyer-paid import delivery. Under that model, the carrier can contact the buyer for duties, taxes or handling fees before releasing the parcel. Etsy's current Seller Policy does not allow sellers to create that post-purchase charge for US-bound orders.

Which Etsy sellers and orders are affected

The rule matters most when all three points are true:

• The seller or goods are located outside the United States.
• The order contains a physical product crossing into the United States.
• The shipment may create tariffs, duties, taxes or carrier import fees.

Digital downloads do not create a physical import shipment. Goods already stored and shipped from within the US are also a different situation. If stock location, country of origin or fulfillment route is unclear, confirm the treatment with your carrier or customs adviser before promising a delivered price.

What costs belong in a DDP calculation

DDP is broader than postage. A realistic estimate can include:

• International transport and any fuel or remote-area surcharge.
• Estimated customs duty or tariff based on the product classification and origin.
• Carrier brokerage, customs advancement or handling charges.
• Import taxes or other destination charges when applicable.
• Insurance, packaging and documentation costs.
• A small buffer when the final carrier charge can differ from the estimate.

The duty rate can depend on the product's HS code, country of origin, declared value and current US trade rules. Two items with the same sale price can therefore have different import costs.

A practical DDP workflow for Etsy sellers

1. Confirm country of origin. This is where the product was made or substantially transformed, not simply where you mail it from.
2. Identify a likely HS code. Use a precise product description and check the result instead of accepting the first broad category.
3. Estimate tariffs. Etsy's US Estimated Tariffs Calculator is available to eligible sellers outside the US when a listing's shipping profile includes the US.
4. Ask your carrier for a DDP service. Confirm that duties can be billed to you and that the buyer will not be asked to pay on delivery.
5. Add all landed costs to the US price. Include the DDP amount before calculating Etsy fees and your target profit.
6. Keep documents and tracking. Retain the shipping label, customs declaration, carrier invoice and proof of delivery.
7. Review regularly. Tariffs, carrier charges and marketplace rules can change.

How to build DDP into an Etsy price

Start with the full product cost, seller-paid shipping and estimated DDP charges. Then calculate the sale price high enough to cover Etsy fees and your target margin.

US-specific pricing

Etsy says eligible sellers can use the tariff estimate to inform US-specific pricing. That can be cleaner than raising prices for buyers in countries where the same import cost does not apply. Check the listing tools available in your Shop Manager and make sure the US price still covers Etsy fees.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Choosing a carrier service that says duties may be collected from the recipient.
• Using a tariff estimate without checking the HS code or country of origin.
• Adding duty to the price but forgetting brokerage and carrier handling.
• Calculating Etsy fees before adding US shipping and import costs.
• Assuming Etsy Purchase Protection applies when duties were not prepaid.
• Leaving an old shipping profile active after the carrier changes its DDP terms.