Shipping Art of Where products yourself? Here's information to help.

by Kate

Compliance Basics: Get to know more about complaince and shipping

When you’re creating and selling products that ship worldwide, compliance is a key part. From shipping paperwork to fabric testing, Art of Where takes care of providing the information required to ship your orders smoothly worldwide.

If you're ordering products with us and prefer to ship them yourself instead of drop shipping, here are some key things to keep in mind.

What Information Do Products Need When Shipping Worldwide?

When products are shipped across borders, customs authorities need clear information to classify and process them. This includes:

  • Accurate product descriptions (what the item is, what it’s made of, how it’s used).

  • Materials and composition (especially important for textiles, apparel, and accessories).

  • Country of origin (where the product was made or substantially transformed).

  • Declared value (used to determine duties and taxes).

Providing complete and accurate details reduces the chance of delays, rejections, or unexpected fees.

What Are HS Codes?

HS (Harmonized System) codes are international classification numbers used for all traded goods. Every product has a corresponding HS code that customs authorities use to:

  • Identify what the product is.

  • Apply the correct tariffs and duties.

  • Collect trade statistics.

For example, performance clothing, pillows, and vegan leather goods all have different HS codes. Using the right code is essential for smooth international shipping and avoiding compliance issues.

We have a full list of HS codes available for our products so you can ensure you have the right HS code when shipping Art of Where products. Our list pretains for items shipping to the USA. The majority of the time, they'll work for other countries too, but it's important to double check for the country your shipping to. Contact us for the HS codes and we'll share the list with you.

What is the GPSR? Main Points to Know

The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) is an EU regulation (replacing the older General Product Safety Directive) that sets rules to ensure consumer products are safe before they reach the market. Key points include:

  • Products must be safe under normal or foreseeable use.

  • Manufacturers and importers are responsible for risk assessment and providing clear product information.

  • Products sold online are also covered, meaning e-commerce sellers must follow the rules.

  • Authorities can require recalls or corrective actions if products are unsafe.

The GPSR applies to a wide range of consumer goods and is especially important for sellers shipping into the European Union.

Those are some of the basics!

Do you have question about shipping products that you don't see here? Ask us on Instagram or Facebook or contact us and we'll get you an answer.