Decoding Cross-Border Ecommerce

Did you know that $61-$78 billion worth of goods enter the U.S. duty-free each year under the $800 de minimis threshold? While this policy simplifies trade for low-value imports, it’s also raising tough questions about its impact on U.S. businesses and trade policy.In this episode of the Decoding Cross-Border Ecommerce podcast, hosts Clint Reid, Founder and CEO of Zonos, and Aaron Bezzant, Zonos’ Head of Global Trade Strategy, explore the loopholes businesses use to avoid paying tariffs, what’s happening just over the U.S. border with fulfillment, and the surprising ripple effects on global trade.Could changes to de minimis reshape ecommerce and international shipping? Tune in to find out what’s really at stake and how it could impact your business.Related links: De minimis guide:https://zonos.com/docs/guides/de-minimis-values?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcastSection 321 blog:https://zonos.com/blog/section-321?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcastLearn more about Zonos:https://www.zonos.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast#DeMinimisThreshold #EcommerceLogistics #GlobalTradeInsights #InternationalEcommerce #Zonos #CrossBorderTrade #Zonos #Podcast #CrossBorderEcommerce[00:00:00] Opening clip[00:02:34] De minimis, process for duty and tax collection[00:05:15] Shipments entering the US below the de minimis[00:08:14] Potential tariff value of low-value packages entering the US[00:09:01] De minimis rules and limitations[00:13:52] De minimis requirements. Informal vs. formal entry[00:14:54] Most generous de minimis in the world?[00:16:35] De minimis loopholes[00:20:01] Final thoughts

Dive into the fascinating history of US de minimis and Section 321 on the Decoding Cross-Border Ecommerce podcast! Hosts Clint Reid, Founder and CEO of Zonos, and Aaron Bezzant, Zonos’ Head of Global Trade Strategy, take you on a journey through pivotal milestones in cross-border trade—from the 1930 Tariff Act to the modern-day $800 threshold.Uncover how these policies shaped international trade, the debates they sparked, and the impacts on today’s ecommerce landscape. Plus, get insights into current whispers of change, the reasons a shift might be needed, and what the future could hold for de minimis and Section 321. Whether you're a business owner navigating cross-border logistics or just curious about trade history, this episode has insights for you!Related links: De minimis guide:https://zonos.com/docs/guides/de-minimis-values?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcastSection 321 blog:https://zonos.com/blog/section-321?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcastLearn more about Zonos:https://www.zonos.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast#DeMinimis #Section321 #Ecommerce #GlobalTrade #BusinessEfficiency #Logistics #DecodingEcommerce #Zonos #podcast #crossBorderEcommerce[00:00:00] Opening clip[00:02:07] Intros[00:04:08] 1930-1965: Section 321, Tariff Act of 1930[00:09:01] 1966-1978: First major increase[00:09:54] 1978-1993: Customs Procedural Reform Act[00:11:26] 1993-2015: Major increase/customs modernization[00:18:08] 2016-present: Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act[00:21:47] Sneak peek at future discussions

Global trade, customs procedures and regulations, de minimis… how did they come to be? Where did it all start? In this week’s episode of the Decoding Cross-Border Ecommerce podcast, hosts Clint Reid, Founder and CEO of Zonos, and Aaron Bezzant, Zonos’ Head of Global Trade Strategy, delve into the fascinating history of "de minimis" thresholds and how they evolved in global trade. Journey back through time as they explore the origins, legal principles, and pivotal historical shifts that led to today’s de minimis standards. From ancient Rome to modern customs, discover how the de minimis evolved to simplify small-value trade and support a rapidly globalizing economy.Related links:De minimis guide:https://zonos.com/docs/guides/de-minimis-values?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcastSection 321 blog:https://zonos.com/blog/section-321?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcastLearn more about Zonos:https://www.zonos.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast[00:00:00] Opening clip[00:10:21] Intros[00:14:00] What is de minimis?[00:16:15] Classical period[00:18:00] Medieval period[00:19:27] Early modern period[00:20:58] 19th century - beginning of standardization[00:22:19] 20th century standardization[00:24:04] Post-WWII - WCO[00:25:20] Today’s state of trade and recap#zonos #podcast #decodingCross-border #cross-borderEcommerce #DDP #cross-border #ecommerce #internationalShipping #internationalSelling #DeMinimis #GlobalTrade #EcommercePodcast #TradeHistory #BusinessEfficiency #ShippingExpertise #CrossBorder #Ecommerce #TradePolicy #InternationalBusiness #Customs #WCO

Mexico’s customs can be a challenging hurdle for ecommerce businesses, with packages often getting held up due to strict regulations and complex processes. In this episode of the Decoding Cross-Border Ecommerce podcast, hosts Clint Reid, Founder and CEO of Zonos, and Aaron Bezzant, Zonos’ Head of Global Trade Strategy, reveal essential strategies to avoid customs delays, navigate import requirements, and keep your shipments moving smoothly. They discuss the unique challenges of shipping to Mexico, tips for working with carriers, and practical steps to ensure your products arrive without costly delays. For ecommerce businesses looking to expand into Mexico, this episode is a valuable guide to overcoming customs obstacles and optimizing cross-border logistics.Related links: Mexico country guide:https://zonos.com/docs/guides/country-guides/mexico?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcastUSMCA guide:https://zonos.com/docs/guides/country-guides/usmca?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcastLearn more about Zonos:https://www.zonos.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast#MexicoEcommerce #CustomsChallenges #CrossBorderEcommerce #GlobalExpansion #DecodingEcommerce #ShippingTips #BusinessGrowth #LogisticsSolutions #Zonos #Podcast #InternationalShipping[00:00:00] Opening clip[00:03:53] Intros[00:09:16] Shipping to Mexico[00:12:54] Best way to ship to Mexico[00:13:51] Why packages get held up[00:20:17] De minimis, taxes, duties, trade agreements[00:27:11] Recap

Are you selling internationally on Shopify or thinking about it? Make sure you’re using the right tools and strategies to maximize profits and avoid costly pitfalls! In this episode of the Decoding Cross-Border Ecommerce podcast, hosts Clint Reid, Founder and CEO of Zonos, and Aaron Bezzant, Zonos' Head of Global Trade Strategy, welcome back Kilie Williams, Zonos' resident Shopify expert, to help you navigate the world of cross-border selling on Shopify. They break down Shopify’s offerings for international selling—Shopify Markets and Managed Markets—uncovering hidden costs and potential gotchas that may be eating into your profits. Plus, they discuss alternatives to make selling cross-border on Shopify even easier. Whether you’re just starting or looking to optimize your current setup, this conversation will help you make informed decisions for a more profitable international strategy.Related links: Zonos for Shopify:https://zonos.com/docs/global-ecommerce/shopify?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcastLearn more about Zonos:https://www.zonos.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast#ShopifyEcommerce #CrossBorderSales #GlobalEcommerce #DutyAndTax #InternationalTrade #BusinessGrowth #ShippingSolutions #Zonos #Podcast #ShopifyMarkets #ShopifyManagedMarkets[00:00:00] Opening clip[00:27:23] Introductions[00:28:32] International selling on Shopify[00:30:08] Benefits of not doing DDP[00:32:40] Shopify Markets[00:37:58] Dimensional weight[00:39:59] The importance of guaranteed duty and tax[00:44:15] Shopify Managed Markets[00:57:21] Third-party solutions for international selling[001:05:11] Summary

Ever wondered if a Shopify store is the right move for your business? In this episode of the Decoding Cross-Border Ecommerce podcast, hosts Clint Reid, Founder and CEO of Zonos, and Aaron Bezzant, Zonos' Head of Global Trade Strategy, dive into Shopify with guest Kylie, Zonos' resident Shopify expert. Discover if Shopify is the right platform for your business as they explore its top features, pricing plans, app integrations, and key limitations you should know before jumping in.Stay tuned for the next episode, where we cover selling internationally with Shopify!Related links: Zonos for Shopify:https://zonos.com/docs/global-ecommerce/shopify?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcastLearn more about Zonos:https://www.zonos.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast[00:00:00] Opening clip[00:21:17] Intros[00:02:12] Shopify basics[00:07:54] Shipping tips[00:10:54] When Shopify doesn’t work[00:17:26] Inventory tracking and split shipments[00:19:48] Closing thoughts and tips#ShopifyForRetailers #CrossBorderEcommerce #EcommercePodcast #Zonos #ShopifyTips #OnlineRetail #SmallBusinessGrowth #Podcast

In this special episode of the Decoding Cross-Border Ecommerce podcast, hosts Clint Reid, Founder and CEO of Zonos, and Aaron Bezzant, Zonos’ Head of Global Trade Strategy, take a fun approach to explaining cross-border ecommerce concepts to kids! Joined by young guests, they simplify what Zonos does, how duty and tax work, and the idea of de minimis thresholds — all in a way that’s easy for anyone to understand, even a 9-year-old.Using real-life scenarios and lighthearted examples, they break down the essentials of global trade, making it easy to grasp for business owners, ecommerce professionals, or anyone curious about international shipping. Plus, stay tuned for more episodes with Aaron’s kids as we continue to break down complex cross-border topics in simple and fun ways.Don’t miss this entertaining and educational journey into cross-border ecommerce!Learn more about Zonos:https://www.zonos.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast[00:00:00] Opening clip[00:00:12] Intro to a Zonos kid![00:02:07] What does Zonos do?[00:07:27] Intro to Zonos Kid #2![00:10:35] What is duty and tax?[00:12:57] What is de minimis?#CrossBorderEcommerce #DeMinimis #EcommerceForKids #GlobalTrade #BusinessTips #DutiesAndTaxes #ShippingSimplified #Zonos #Podcast

Are you putting your business at risk by ignoring global tax laws? In this episode of the Decoding Cross-Border Ecommerce podcast, hosts Clint Reid, Founder and CEO of Zonos, and Aaron Bezzant, Zonos’ Head of Global Trade Strategy, explore the risks and repercussions of failing to comply with low-value tax regulations. Joined by special guest Hannah, Zonos' Chief People Officer with a background in international law and compliance, they discuss the growing complexity of global tax laws, focusing on how countries are cracking down on non-compliant merchants. Learn about the consequences of non-compliance, such as hefty fines, penalties, and even the risk of being banned from importing into key markets. Don't miss this essential conversation for ecommerce businesses looking to scale globally while staying on the right side of tax law.Learn more about Zonos:https://www.zonos.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast[00:00:00] Opening clip[00:07:14] Intros[00:9:38] Tax scheme refresher[00:16:15] Risks & penalties[00:21:55] Low-value tax scheme remittance processes[00:24:01] More sales = higher risk[00:25:31] Options for compliance[00:31:49] How noncompliance affects your customers and business[00:33:12] US businesses & low-value tax schemes[00:34:56] The future of low-value tax schemes#Ecommerce #TaxCompliance #CrossBorderEcommerce #GlobalEcommerce #BusinessGrowth #InternationalTrade #SalesTax #Logistics #DecodingEcommerce #Zonos #podcast #taxlaw

In this episode of the Decoding Cross-Border Ecommerce podcast, hosts Clint Reid, Founder and CEO of Zonos, and Aaron Bezzant, Zonos' Head of Global Trade Strategy, are joined by special guests Kylie Williams and Chanel Barnes to discuss the world of inclusive pricing. They dive into the benefits and challenges of implementing inclusive pricing for duties and taxes during the shopping experience. The episode explores how inclusive pricing can enhance transparency, reduce cart abandonment, and improve conversion rates—but only in certain regions, as customer expectations around tax presentation vary by culture and country. Tune in to discover the strategic advantages of inclusive pricing and how Zonos is helping ecommerce merchants get it right.Related links: Inclusive pricing overview:https://zonos.com/docs/global-ecommerce/inclusive-pricing?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcastZonos Duty and Tax for Shopifyhttps://apps.shopify.com/duty-and-tax-calculator-iglobal-storesLearn more about Zonos:https://www.zonos.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast[00:00:00] Opening clip[00:01:36] Introductions[00:04:48] What is inclusive pricing?[00:11:19] Regional preferences and laws[00:15:40] Not just tax, but also duty[00:17:25] Inclusive pricing can be tricky[00:19:38] Inclusive pricing strategies & shopper psychology[00:27:07] How Zonos tackles inclusive pricing#InclusivePricing #DutyAndTax #GlobalEcommerce #CrossBorderEcommerce #EcommercePodcast #ConversionOptimization #CheckoutExperience #CustomerTrust #BusinessGrowth #DutiesAndTaxes #EcommerceStrategy #CustomerExperience #DecodingEcommerce #Zonos #Shopify #podcast

Customs assessment discrepancies can lead to costly overcharges on duty and tax bills—often due to human error. In this episode of the Decoding Cross-Border Ecommerce podcast, Clint Reid, Founder and CEO of Zonos, and Aaron Bezzant, Zonos’ Head of Global Trade Strategy, are joined by experts Ryan Swapp and Kat Dej-Panah from Zonos, to discuss real-life examples of egregious and common customs overcharges and how to avoid and fix them.You'll get step-by-step guidance on disputing errors with carriers and customs authorities, insights into the manual processes behind customs clearance, and tips to avoid these costly surprises. You don’t want to miss this episode if you sell or ship internationally!Chapters: [00:00:00] Opening clip[00:03:15] Introductions[00:05:58] Duty and tax bills[00:13:01] Crazy duty and tax bill errors[00:20:06] Free trade agreements[00:21:23] Common billing mistakes[00:25:47] Customs errors[00:27:42] Carrier disputes[00:32:29] Advice for merchants[00:33:45] Final thoughts Related links: FedEx billing disputeshttps://zonos.com/docs/global-ecommerce/shipping-labels/carriers/fedex-billing?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcastDHL billing disputeshttps://zonos.com/docs/global-ecommerce/shipping-labels/carriers/dhl-express-billing?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcastUPS billing disputes:https://zonos.com/docs/global-ecommerce/shipping-labels/carriers/ups-billing?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcastTrade agreements:https://zonos.com/docs/guides/country-guides/trade-agreements?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcastBad customs descriptions podcast episode:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_QGPNB8t0s?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcastAI customs descriptions:https://zonos.com/docs/supply-chain/customs-documentation/ai-customs-description?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcastCustoms descriptions best practices:https://zonos.com/docs/guides/quality-descriptions?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcastLearn more about Zonos:https://www.zonos.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast