FedEx International Connect Plus (FICP) for Hassle-Free International Shipping

FedEx is a global carrier known for reliable and cost-effective shipping solutions, helping businesses reach customers worldwide. Whether shipping a single package or handling high-volume deliveries, International shipping can be a complex challenge for online businesses. In this guide, we’ll explore how FedEx International Connect Plus (FICP) stands out as an affordable, fast, and reliable option for international shipping. Plus, we’ll show you how to seamlessly integrate FedEx services with popular eCommerce platforms like WooCommerce and Shopify.

What is FedEx International Connect Plus (FICP)

FedEx International Connect Plus (FICP) is an affordable and reliable international shipping service designed for small and medium-sized eCommerce businesses. It offers a balance between cost-effectiveness and speed, providing delivery times of 2 to 5 business days to over 190 countries and territories.

FICP combines the reliability of FedEx’s express services with competitive rates, making it a great solution for businesses looking to expand globally without high shipping costs. It includes streamlined customs clearance, real-time tracking, and no long-term contracts, providing flexibility and convenience for international shipments.

Key Features of FedEx International Connect Plus (FICP)

FICP offers several key features that make it a standout choice for international shipping:

Affordable Rates: FICP offers competitive pricing, making international shipping affordable without compromising on quality. It’s a cost-effective solution with no hidden fees, like residential surcharges, ensuring simple and transparent pricing.
Fast Delivery: Depending on the destination, FICP shipments typically arrive in 2 to 7 business days which is faster than services like FedEx International Economy. However, It depends on the shipping route and destination country. For example:
- Canada: 2-3 business days
- United Kingdom: 3-5 business days
- Australia: 5-7 business days
- Germany: 3-6 business days
- France: 3-5 business days
- Japan: 3-7 business days
- To Asia-Pacific and the Rest of the World: Typically 3 to 5 business days.
Global Reach: FICP offers service to over 190 countries and territories, covering major international markets in Europe, the Americas, Asia, and beyond.
Reliable Tracking: With FICP, you get access to real-time tracking, allowing both businesses and customers to monitor shipments from start to finish. This transparency helps businesses offer a better experience to customers by keeping them informed throughout the shipping process.
Day-Definite Delivery: FICP promises day-definite delivery, meaning businesses can give their customers a reliable delivery window. This is essential for time-sensitive shipments and provides peace of mind to customers who need their products on specific dates.
Streamlined Customs Clearance: International shipping often comes with the headache of customs clearance. However, FICP includes Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) options that simplify the customs process, ensuring your shipments clear customs faster and with fewer delays.
No Contracts Required: Unlike many shipping services that require long-term contracts or business accounts, FICP is flexible.
Shipping Heavy Items: FICP has key advantages for businesses shipping a variety of package sizes since it can be used for shipments weighing less than 70 pounds.

What Can and Can’t Be Shipped with FICP?

Items That Can be Shipped with FICP:

FICP supports shipping of non-hazardous, lightweight goods (under 70 lbs) that fall within the acceptable shipping guidelines. Some common items include:

Apparel & Fashion Accessories – Clothing, shoes, handbags, and jewelry (excluding precious metals).
Electronics & Gadgets – Mobile phone accessories, headphones, smartwatches, and small electronics (excluding lithium batteries).
Health & Beauty Products – Skincare, cosmetics, and non-prescription wellness products.
Books & Educational Materials – Textbooks, novels, and stationery supplies.
Home & Kitchen Items – Small appliances, decor, cookware, and utensils.
Toys & Games – Board games, puzzles, and non-battery-operated toys.
Sports & Fitness Gear – Apparel, yoga mats, resistance bands, and small fitness equipment.
Pet Supplies – Toys, pet accessories, and non-perishable pet food.

Items That Cannot Be Shipped via FICP:

While FICP covers a broad range of shipments, certain items are restricted or prohibited due to international shipping regulations. These include:

Hazardous Materials: This includes various chemicals, flammable substances, corrosives, and biological products, both hazardous and non-hazardous.
Live Animals and Animal Products: Shipping live animals, animal skins, and certain animal products is generally prohibited.
Weapons and Explosives: Firearms, ammunition, and military equipment are not allowed.
Drugs: Both prescription and non-prescription drugs are often restricted or prohibited.
Foodstuffs: Many countries prohibit the shipment of perishable goods, certain food additives, and specific agricultural products.
Cultural Sensitivity: Items deemed offensive to local cultures or religions are typically banned.
Electronics: Restrictions apply to various electronic devices, particularly those with batteries (e.g., lithium-ion batteries).
Medical Samples and Equipment: Many countries have stringent regulations regarding medical items.

Country-Specific Prohibited Items

Canada: Prohibits hazardous materials, live animals, certain foodstuffs (including perishables), and firearms without permits.
Mexico: Bans hazardous materials, live animals, fresh produce, and firearms without proper documentation.
United Kingdom: Restricts hazardous materials, live animals, narcotics (controlled substances), and certain printed materials deemed offensive.
Japan: Prohibits hazardous materials, live animals, specific food products (including fresh produce), and narcotics.
France: Bans hazardous materials, live animals, certain foodstuffs (including perishables), and firearms without permits.
Germany: Prohibits hazardous materials, live animals, specific food items (including perishables), and firearms requiring documentation.
Australia: Bans hazardous materials, live animals without permits, many foodstuffs (including fresh produce), and firearms requiring strict documentation.
India: Restricts hazardous materials, live animals, certain foodstuffs (including perishables), and cultural artifacts.

Some countries allow only specific types of shipments (e.g., documents only), while others have weight or value limits for certain goods.

FICP Pricing

Offering transparent pricing, FICP is ideal for eCommerce businesses looking to expand globally without inflating shipping costs.

Transparent Pricing with No Hidden Fees: FICP is known for its straightforward pricing structure, with no surprise charges like residential or remote area surcharges. Customs duties and taxes are prepaid, eliminating unexpected delivery costs.
Scalable for Businesses of All Sizes: FICP is flexible, accommodating shipments up to 70 lbs. With no minimum volume or contract requirements, businesses can ship internationally without long-term commitments, making it ideal for startups and small businesses.
Weight-Based Pricing: Pricing is based on the shipment’s weight, allowing businesses to estimate costs easily. Heavier packages will incur higher costs, but the pricing is straightforward and scalable.
Extra additional charge: If opting for a signature, the extra price will be added starting from $6.35. The same goes for insurance as well.

FICP for eCommerce

FedEx International Connect Plus (FICP) offers a cost-effective international shipping solution for eCommerce businesses aiming to expand globally. It provides seamless shipping across various eCommerce platforms like WooCommerce, Shopify, Magento, BigCommerce, and PrestaShop. Merchants can offer competitive international shipping rates, real-time tracking, and day-definite delivery to customers worldwide.

Now, let’s see how FICP works with WooCommerce and Shopify.

FICP in WooCommerce

WooCommerce does not support FedEx International Connect Plus (FICP) shipping by default. However, using the WooCommerce FedEx Shipping Plugin simplifies the process.

Note:
To get started with the FedEx plugin in your WooCommerce store, visit the following link for a detailed guide: PluginHive FedEx Shipping Guide for WooCommerce.

All you need to do is enable the FedEx International Connect Plus service for the FedEx shipping method in the plugin’s settings, and it will automatically display the live FICP shipping rate on the WooCommerce checkout page.

This plugin also helps you generate shipping labels and commercial invoices directly from your store.

FICP in Shopify

Shopify users can easily manage FedEx shipping with the Multi-Carrier Shipping Label App, which automates rate calculations, label generation, and tracking for FedEx shipments.

Note:
To get started with FedEx shipping in your Shopify store, visit the following link for a detailed guide: FedEx Shipping Guide for Shopify

Note: To get started with FedEx shipping in your Shopify store, visit the following link for a detailed guide: FedEx Shipping Guide for Shopify.

By selecting the FedEx International Shipping service in the app’s settings, FICP live rates will automatically appear at checkout on your Shopify store.

This app also helps you generate shipping labels and commercial invoices directly from your store.

Another alternative you can use in shopify is the “PH Ship Rate and Track for FedEx” app. Go through the setup process to configure this app and easily manage FedEx shipping rates, labels, and tracking within your Shopify store.

Conclusion

FedEx International Connect Plus (FICP) is an excellent international shipping solution for businesses looking to expand their global reach with affordable and reliable delivery. Offering day-definite delivery, streamlined customs clearance, and competitive rates, FICP makes it easy to meet your customers’ shipping expectations worldwide. By integrating FICP with tools like the WooCommerce FedEx plugin, Shopify USPS Shipping App, and StorePep, you can automate your shipping process. For additional support or inquiries, reach out to PluginHive Customer Support.

FAQs

How long does FedEx International Connect Plus (FICP) take to deliver?

FedEx International Connect Plus (FICP) delivers within Europe in 1-4 business days, shipments to the U.S. arrive in around 4 business days, and packages sent to Asia-Pacific and the rest of the world typically take 3-5 business days. Actual delivery times may vary based on the destination and customs clearance.

Is there insurance or declared value coverage with FedEx International Connect Plus?

Yes, FedEx International Connect Plus (FICP) includes declared value coverage of up to $100, providing basic protection against loss or damage during transit. For added security, businesses can opt for additional insurance coverage.

Does FedEx International Connect Plus offer tracking?

Yes, FedEx International Connect Plus provides end-to-end tracking, allowing businesses and customers to monitor shipments in real-time.

How does ETD make international shipping easier with FedEx International Connect Plus (FICP)?

ETD allows you to submit customs documents electronically, speeding up the customs clearance process, reducing paperwork, and eliminating the need for printed forms. This makes shipping faster, more accurate, and cost-effective, while also being eco-friendly!

Do I need to print customs documents if I use ETD?

No, ETD eliminates the need for printed paperwork, making the process paperless and hassle-free.

What is the difference between FedEx International Economy and FedEx International Connect Plus?

FedEx International Economy offers affordable shipping to over 215 countries with delivery in 5–7 days, while FedEx International Connect Plus provides faster 2–5 day delivery to 190+ countries, transparent pricing, no residential surcharges, and ground delivery to Canada.

What is the fastest FedEx international shipping method?

The fastest method is FedEx® International Next Flight, which offers delivery within 24 hours. For quicker, reliable delivery, FedEx International First® or FedEx International Priority® provide 1–3 business days. FedEx International Connect Plus (FICP) offers 2–5 day delivery.

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