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Short answer
When setting your Etsy shipping price, take into account the actual and volumetric weight of the packed product, the destination country and the packing cost; Etsy's transaction fee also applies to the shipping amount. Etsy collects sales tax in the US and VAT on orders of up to €150 in the EU and up to £135 in the UK. On-time dispatch and tracking numbers directly affect your shop's performance.
How to set your Etsy shipping price
On Etsy, shipping prices are defined by country or region in shipping profiles. For the right price, weigh and measure the product in its packed state before listing it: in international transport, the price is based on the greater of the actual weight and the volumetric weight (length × width × height ÷ 5000).
- Include the cost of packing materials, the invoice and the label in the shipping price or the product price.
- For light but bulky products (cushions, decorative objects), the volumetric weight decides; optimise the box size.
- Set a realistic additional item shipping price for customers who buy more than one product.
- As Etsy's transaction fee also applies to the shipping amount, do not set the shipping price below cost.
CURRENT PRICE
Current shipping prices for your Etsy order
See the shipping price by country for your product's weight and dimensions, and set your shipping profile accordingly.
How to set processing time and delivery dates
On Etsy, the estimated delivery date is the sum of the processing time you enter (preparing the order and handing it to the carrier) and the transit time. With express services you can expect 1–3 business days of transit to Europe and 2–4 to the US; we recommend leaving a safety margin for customs.
Tracking numbers and shop performance
Etsy treats on-time dispatch and added tracking information as key measures of shop performance; these criteria also matter for the Star Seller badge. Add the tracking number to the order on the day you hand over the shipment.
- The tracking number lets the shipment be followed across the international network and keeps the buyer informed.
- In case of loss or delay, the tracking record protects you in any dispute with the buyer.
- For valuable products, shipping insurance adds protection against damage and loss.
Taxes collected by Etsy
| Market | Tax collected by Etsy | What the buyer may pay on delivery |
|---|---|---|
| USA | State sales tax | Customs duty and extra tariffs (de minimis suspended) |
| European Union | VAT on orders up to €150 (IOSS) | Since 1 July 2026, €3 customs duty per product category; VAT and duties above €150 |
| United Kingdom | VAT on orders up to £135 | VAT and customs duty above £135 |
| Australia | GST on orders up to AUD 1,000 | Taxes and fees above AUD 1,000 |
Etsy's tax practices may vary by market; check the Etsy Help Center for up-to-date information.
For orders on which Etsy collects VAT, Etsy's IOSS number is added to the shipment details, so the shipment is not taxed again for VAT at EU customs.
Sending Etsy orders as micro exports
Every Etsy order can be invoiced and sent as a micro export with an ETGB. This way your sale is recorded as an official export, the export proceeds are documented and you can benefit from rights such as a VAT refund.
For the process, see our micro export guide and our micro export invoice page.
Packing tips for Etsy products
- Ceramics and glass: wrap each item separately, use double boxing and make sure nothing moves inside the box.
- Jewellery: send small items in a padded box; add insurance for valuable pieces.
- Textiles: bag the product to protect it from moisture; pack compactly so as not to increase the volumetric weight.
- Gift wrapping: presentation matters, but do not compromise on the strength of the outer box.
For detailed advice, see our international shipping packing guide.
Frequently asked questions
How is Etsy shipping calculated?
On Etsy, the shipping price depends on the actual and volumetric weight (length × width × height ÷ 5000) of the packed product and the destination country. Remember to add the packing cost, and that Etsy's transaction fee also applies to the shipping amount.
How long does it take for Etsy orders to be delivered?
The delivery time is the sum of the processing time you set and the transit time. With express services, transit usually takes 1–3 business days to Europe and 2–4 to the US.
Is a tracking number mandatory on Etsy?
On-time dispatch and tracking information are key measures of shop performance on Etsy. A tracking number also protects you in case of loss or delay; we recommend adding one to every order.
Does Etsy collect taxes?
Yes. Etsy collects state sales tax in the US and VAT on orders of up to €150 in the EU and up to £135 in the UK. On orders above these amounts, the buyer may be asked to pay taxes on delivery.
Can Etsy orders be sent as micro exports?
Yes. Each order can be invoiced and sent as a micro export with an ETGB, so the sale is recorded as an official export.
Which carrier should I use for Etsy shipments?
Look at the international network, tracking quality and customs support. Cargonet offers tracked express shipping and ETGB support through the international networks of UPS, DHL, FedEx, Aramex, TNT and PTT.