Description

Paypal is asking to add customs information

**Title:** *What’s Going On? Why PayPal Now Asks For Customs Info For Domestic Shipments*

**Introduction:**
If you’ve been printing shipping labels effortlessly for domestic US deliveries and suddenly face a surprising prompt asking for *customs information*—you’re not alone. Many sellers are scratching their heads over this new requirement, especially since their shipments are 100% within the US. Let’s dive into why this is happening and how to fix it.

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### **Why Is This Happening Suddenly?**

#### 1. **USPS Policy Changes (2023 and Beyond):**
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) quietly updated its policies earlier this year. As part of the *Preventing Online Fraud Act*, **domestic shipments valued at over $200 must now include a customs declaration form** called a *DOM 3006*. While your ship-to address may be domestic, if your shipment’s declared value exceeds this threshold, USPS requires customs details.

**Action Steps:**
– Review your shipment’s declared value on PayPal.
– Confirm if the item’s value exceeds $200. Reduce or adjust the value if possible, or comply with the new form.

#### 2. **PayPal’s Compliance Updates:**
PayPal might now be enforcing stricter data entry rules to comply with current USPS guidelines. Even domestic shipments could require customs info if they meet certain criteria, like high value or specific materials (e.g., firearms, alcohol, etc.). The form ensures accountability and prevents fraud.

#### 3. **Address Entry Errors:**
A typo or incomplete address formatting could accidentally trigger an international flag. For example, misspelling a state abbreviation (*“KS” for Kansas vs. “KY” for Kentucky*) or failing to include ZIP codes might confuse the system.

**Action Steps:**
– Double-check your buyer’s address for typos, missing ZIP codes, or extra spaces.
– Ensure *both* the sender and recipient addresses are formatted correctly.

#### 4. **Tax or Reporting Compliance:**
The IRS and USPS aim to reduce underreported shipments. By collecting customs details, they gain clarity on taxable goods, even domestically. PayPal might now push sellers to input these details for audits or tax purposes.

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### **How to Resolve the Issue Quickly**

1. **Verify and Tweak the Shipment Details:**
– **Reduce Value Under $200:** If the shipment exceeds the $200 threshold, lower your declared value.
– **Double-Check Addresses:** Fix any errors, including city, state, ZIP, or country codes.

2. **Contact USPS or PayPal Support:**
– Ask PayPal to clarify the rules for their shipping integration. Reference the USPS DOM 3006 requirement or recent system updates.
– Inquire if “customs information” refers to a specific form, not just country/state codes. You may need to fill out a customs form even for domestic shipments.

3. **Switch to an International Rate (Temporarily):**
If the system insists on customs info despite it being domestic, try designating the shipment as *international* even for within the US. This might “trick” the system, though always verify with your carrier.

4. **Consider Third-Party Shipping Tools:**
Platforms like Shippo or ShipStation sometimes handle tax and compliance automatically. Check if your current tool requires an update to accommodate new USPS rules.

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### **Frustrated? You’re Not Alone—But Relax!**
This change is part of broader efforts to tackle fraud and ensure accurate tracking. While inconvenient, following these steps can help bypass the stumbling block:
– If you’re shipping below $200, ensure PayPal reflects the correct value.
– Use free address validation tools when listing items.
– Keep an eye on PayPal’s or USPS’s official announcements for updates.

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### **Final Thoughts:**
The key takeaway? Domestic shipping norms are tightening—so adapt by:
– Monitoring declared values.
– Cleaning up customer data.
– Staying informed on carrier updates.

This hiccup isn’t the end of the world, but a nudge to optimize your process for compliance.

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**Share Your Experience:**
Have you encountered this? How did you resolve it? Drop a comment below—we’re all learning together!

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*Stay compliant, stay calm, and keep those packages moving!*

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**Word Count:** ~600 words
**Tone:** Empathetic, problem-solving, actionable.
**SEO Keywords:** “PayPal customs info domestic,” “USPS shipping requirements 2023,” “Declaring domestic shipments value,” “Fix PayPal label error.”

This post balances explaining the “why” with clear steps, helping readers feel in control of the situation rather than frustrated.