What should a shipping policy for jewelry say?

ZKZ Editorial TeamMain answer · Product & gemmology desk

Say what you will do, when and at what cost, and then do it. A shipping policy should cover processing time, shipping methods and times, costs, what happens at customs, tracking, address errors and lost or damaged parcels. Make the times you state ones you can meet.

What we verified

Fact 16 CFR 435.2 says a seller must have a reasonable basis to expect to ship within the time clearly and conspicuously stated, or within 30 days if none is stated.

Fact 16 CFR 435.2 says that if a seller cannot ship in time, it must offer the buyer the option to consent to a delay or to cancel and receive a prompt refund.

Fact The Federal Register notice implementing Executive Order 14324 says duty-free de minimis treatment was suspended for articles entered on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on 29 August 2025, with an exception for the international postal network as set out in the notice.

What to include

1. Processing time, separate for stock items and made-to-order items.
2. Carriers, services, tracking and delivery estimates.
3. Costs, and any free-shipping threshold.
4. International orders: who pays duties and taxes, and what can delay a parcel.
5. Signature, insurance and what happens with lost, delayed or damaged parcels.
6. Address errors and re-shipping.

Our advice Describe the policy to customers in plain language and keep a dated copy.

It depends Duty and tax rules differ by destination and change, so tell customers where to check.

Keeping it accurate

Our advice Review the policy each time you change a carrier, a packing method or a supplier lead time. Test it by placing an order yourself and checking whether what you promised happens. Train whoever answers customer messages to quote the policy, not improvise. For valuable items, state clearly whether you require a signature and how claims for loss or damage are handled, and keep photographs of how each parcel was packed.

Uncertain We did not verify current duty rates for jewelry, rules outside the US or carrier terms.

Related reading: What should I check in a jewelry return policy before ordering online? · How to Request a Jewelry Prototype

Sources

• 16 CFR 435.2, FTC Mail, Internet, or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule
• Federal Register, notice of implementation on de minimis (2025)

Fact = stated by the cited source. Our advice = editorial recommendation. Uncertain / it depends = limits of what can be said in general.