1. Shipping Methods at a Glance
| Method | Speed | Cost (est.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express (DHL/FedEx/UPS) | 3-7 business days | $15-40/kg | Samples, small orders (under 30kg), urgent restocks |
| Air Freight | 7-12 days | $5-12/kg | Medium orders (30-200kg), seasonal launches |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | 25-35 days | $100-300/m³ | Large orders (>200kg), cost-sensitive, non-urgent |
| Sea Freight (FCL) | 25-35 days | $2,000-5,000/container | Very large orders, full container loads |
| DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) | Varies by method | All-inclusive | First-time importers, hands-off experience |
2. Which Method Should You Choose?
For Samples & Small Orders (under 1,800 pairs)
Recommendation: Express (DHL/FedEx). Door-to-door in 3-7 days. Full tracking. Minimal paperwork. A sample order of 10-30 pairs typically costs $30-60 to ship express to the US or Europe. A small first order of 300-600 pairs (2-4kg) costs approximately $60-120 express.
For Medium Orders (1,800-5,000 pairs)
Recommendation: Air Freight. 7-12 days airport-to-airport (plus 2-3 days for local delivery). More cost-effective than express at 5-30kg. You'll need a customs broker or use our DDP service. Typical cost: $150-400 for 10-30kg to major US/EU airports.
For Large Orders (5,000+ pairs)
Recommendation: Sea Freight LCL. 25-35 days port-to-port. The most economical per-unit cost. A 1m³ shipment (approximately 10,000-15,000 pairs with packaging) costs $100-300 for ocean freight. Add customs clearance, port fees, and local delivery.
3. DDP: The Hassle-Free Option
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means we handle everything: factory → Qingdao port → ocean/air freight → destination customs clearance → duties & taxes → door delivery. You receive the goods at your address — no customs broker, no paperwork, no surprise fees.
DDP is ideal for:
- First-time importers unfamiliar with customs procedures
- Brands who want a single all-in price with no hidden costs
- Shipments to countries with complex customs (EU, Saudi Arabia, Brazil)
DDP typically adds 15-30% to the base freight cost but eliminates all customs risk and paperwork burden. For most first-time buyers, DDP is the recommended option.
4. Customs: What You Need to Know
False eyelashes are classified under HS Code 6704.19 (Wigs, false beards, eyebrows and eyelashes of synthetic textile materials). Import duties vary by country:
- 🇺🇸 USA: 0-6.5% duty (generally duty-free for shipments under $800 de minimis)
- 🇪🇺 EU: 2.5-5% duty + VAT (17-27% depending on country). Requires EORI number for business imports.
- 🇬🇧 UK: 2-4% duty + 20% VAT. Requires GB EORI number.
- 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia: 5% duty + 15% VAT. Requires SASO/SABER certification for commercial shipments.
- 🇦🇪 UAE: 5% duty + 5% VAT. Relatively straightforward customs process.
Important: Always declare the correct HS code and value. Undervaluing shipments to reduce duty is illegal and can result in seizure, fines, and blacklisting.
5. Packaging for Shipping
Lashes are lightweight but delicate. Proper packaging prevents damage during transit:
- Individual lash boxes packed in inner cartons (12-24 per inner)
- Inner cartons packed in master export cartons with bubble wrap/cushioning
- Silica gel packets included to prevent moisture damage during sea freight
- Each master carton labeled with contents, quantity, destination, and handling instructions
- Photos of packed goods sent before dispatch
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