Definitions used on this page
| Term | Meaning here |
|---|---|
| Carrier liability | The carrier's default legal or contractual responsibility for loss/damage under the applicable convention or terms — often capped and exclusion-heavy. |
| Declared value / declared-value service | An amount stated for customs or optional carrier coverage; it does not by itself prove insured value or claim eligibility. |
| Agent protection | Coverage or goodwill rules offered by the shopping agent (warehouse/shipper of record), separate from the international carrier's product. |
| Third-party insurance | A separate policy bought for the parcel; claims follow that insurer's evidence and deadline rules, not the agent's help-centre alone. |
| SDR / conversion basis | Some international liability caps are expressed in Special Drawing Rights or a stated currency; convert using the basis named in the current written terms. |
| Claim window | The reporting and document deadline for the exact route — often short; late notice can void recovery even when damage is clear. |
Identify the contract and coverage
Ask who is the carrier or route provider, who is the shipper of record, and whether optional coverage is carrier declared-value service, agent protection or third-party insurance. These products can respond differently to the same loss.
Read exclusions before dispatch
Confirm treatment of fragile goods, insufficient packaging, prohibited or restricted items, customs action, delay, water damage and parcels marked delivered. Do not assume a declared value is the same as insured value.
Record the current limits and deadlines
Obtain the written per-kilogram or per-parcel limit, the currency or SDR conversion basis, reporting deadline and required documents for the exact route. International liability rules and carrier terms can change, so fixed dollar examples quickly become stale.
Preserve evidence
Keep the listing, invoice, order record, warehouse photos, packing request, declared contents, tracking and delivery evidence. Photograph all sides of a visibly damaged carton before opening and contact the agent promptly because it may be the carrier contractual shipper.
FAQ
Is carrier liability the same as parcel insurance?
No. Default carrier liability is often limited and full of exclusions. Optional declared-value service, agent protection, and third-party insurance are different products and may deny the same loss for different reasons. Identify which contract applies before you ship.
Does a declared value on the label mean I am fully insured?
No. Declared value can be for customs, carrier optional coverage, or both. Confirm in writing whether that number is the insured amount, what documents are required, and which exclusions still apply (fragile goods, packaging, customs action, "delivered" scans, and so on).
What should I capture before booking the international line?
Who is the carrier and who is the shipper of record; whether coverage is carrier declared-value, agent protection, or third-party insurance; the written per-parcel or per-kg limit and currency/SDR basis; the claim reporting deadline; and the required evidence list. Save screenshots of the route terms shown at checkout.
What evidence helps if a carton arrives damaged?
Keep the listing, invoice, order record, warehouse photos, packing request, declared contents, tracking, and delivery evidence. Photograph all sides of a visibly damaged carton before opening, then contact the agent promptly — they may be the contractual shipper who must open the carrier claim. Optional QC photo documentation before dispatch is covered on our QC inspection page and the QC photos / inspection window checklist.
Where do insurance costs fit in a landed-cost check?
Treat optional coverage premiums and claim excesses as line items next to freight and fees. Use the landed-cost / second-bill guide and the billable-weight calculator for freight planning; use parcel rehearsal and consolidation before you lock a route. We do not rank agents by "best insurance."
Primary and official sources
- IATA: Montreal Convention 1999
- UPS: Claims Support
- Universal Postal Union: Liability and Claims
- U.S. CBP: Internet Purchases
Page updated 2026-10-21. Framework only — recheck the written liability limit, exclusions, and claim deadline for the exact route before booking. No dollar or SDR figures on this page are guaranteed current.