Shipping Coverage & Liability

This page explains how shipment protection, declared value, and liability work when shipping with Polimark. Our goal is transparency so you can make informed decisions before you ship.

How Shipment Protection Works

Polimark arranges transportation through trusted carrier partners. As with most international shipping services, liability for loss or damage is limited and is tied to:

The declared value on your customs form.
Any optional shipment protection you select (where available).

Shipment protection is intended to address rare events (such as loss in transit) while keeping shipping costs affordable.

Optional Shipment Protection (Parcels)

Optional shipment protection can be added during the customs form process. Protection is based on the declared value of your shipment.

Available Protection Levels

Up to $60 Included at no cost

Up to $300 $7.00

Up to $500 $11.00

Up to $1,000 $21.00

Protection is capped at $1,000 per shipment.

Shipment protection is not a guarantee that every scenario will be reimbursed. Outcomes depend on carrier findings, documentation, and applicable limitations below.

Damage Limitation for Personal Effects and Used Items (Parcels)

Because Polimark is not present at the destination to inspect items and cannot verify the pre-shipment condition of personal effects, damage protection is not provided for parcels containing personal effects and used items.

Item condition cannot be independently verified prior to shipment.
Damage outcomes are often influenced by packaging quality and handling evidence at delivery.

If your shipment contains used items and you require damage insurance, you may need to explore freight forwarding or freight services (see "Freight insurance" below).

Commercial and Ecommerce Shipments (Parcels)

For commercial or ecommerce shipments, insurance may be available based on purchase value.

Rate: 3% of insured value.
Maximum: up to $1,000 per shipment.
How to add: please contact us directly before shipping so we can confirm eligibility and documentation requirements (e.g., proof of purchase).

Declared Value and Why It Matters

When completing your customs form, you are required to declare the value of the contents. This value is used for customs processing and also affects the maximum compensation available in the event of an approved claim.

Please Note

The declared value should reflect the true, reasonable value of the contents.
Customs authorities may request documentation (receipts, screenshots, written explanations).
Declared value can impact VAT, duties, and fees at destination.

In the event of a claim, compensation is limited to the lesser of:

The declared value of the shipment.
The selected protection or insurance amount (if applicable).

Polimark cannot advise customers to misstate value. Incorrect declarations can result in delays, charges, or enforcement action and may limit or void coverage.

A helpful note for personal gifts to the EU

Some EU destinations apply relief for non-commercial gifts sent from one private individual to another when the total value is EUR 45 or less, provided conditions are met (occasional, personal use, no payment). This does not change your obligation to declare value accurately. If the true value is higher, declare the true value and expect that VAT or duties may apply.

What Happens If a Parcel Is Lost or Damaged

While loss or damage is uncommon, we take issues seriously and will help you navigate next steps.

If a parcel is lost (or appears lost)

Contact our support team with shipment details.
We file and follow up with the carrier network.
If the claim is approved, compensation is issued based on declared value and any applicable protection or insurance.

If a parcel arrives damaged (final-mile)

Because final-mile damage is handled locally and requires immediate inspection evidence, damage issues typically must be addressed with the delivering (final-mile) courier.

What to do immediately

Take clear photos of the outer box (all sides), label, inner packing, and damaged contents.
Report damage according to the delivering courier's process and timeline.
Polimark can support you by providing shipment details and, where needed, the local final-mile tracking reference.

Claims are handled case-by-case and require supporting documentation.

Freight Insurance (Non-Parcel Shipments)

For freight shipments (such as pallets or containers), third-party cargo insurance is often available, including for personal effects. This insurance is typically priced as a percentage of insured value and is arranged through an external insurer.

If you need insurance that covers used personal effects, freight services may be a better fit than parcels.

Important Limitations

To keep shipping costs affordable, Polimark's services have the following limitations:

Compensation is limited to declared value and any applicable protection or insurance amount.
Coverage does not exceed stated maximums.
Shipping timelines are estimates and may vary due to customs, carrier handling, peak season, weather, or other external factors.
Claims are handled case-by-case and require supporting documentation.

We recommend carefully considering the value of your shipment and selecting appropriate coverage before submitting your order.

Your Responsibility as the Shipper

By submitting a shipment, you confirm that:

The information provided is true and accurate.
The contents comply with applicable laws and carrier rules.
The declared value reflects actual value.
You understand that liability for loss or damage is limited as described above.
Packaging is your responsibility. Inadequate packaging can lead to damage and may result in a claim being denied by the delivering carrier.

Questions?

If you're unsure whether our service is the right fit for your shipment, or if you have questions about coverage or declared value, our team is happy to help before you ship.