The UNDP Shop ships to all United Nations member states. You can find a list of these states here.
Shipping to Hong Kong:
For shipments to Hong Kong, please place your order by sending an email to shop@undp.org with the following details:
A complete list of products you wish to purchase, with quantities
Full shipping address
Contact information, including phone number and email
Once we receive your email, we will provide you with a direct purchase link so you can complete your order.
What are your shipping methods and delivery times?
Orders are processed within 3–5 business days before shipment. Delivery times are typically 2–6 business days for USPS First Class within the USA and Canada and 2–8 business days for DHL Express for international orders.
During high order volumes, shipments may experience slight delays.
How are shipping rates calculated? Are duties included?
Shipping rates are determined by our carriers, USPS for domestic orders within the US and Canada, and DHL for international orders. The total shipping cost will be calculated and displayed at checkout.
Please note that customs and duties fees are not included in the shipping cost. Please refer to the Customs and Duties section for more information.
Do you ship internationally with USPS? How does it work?
Yes, we occasionally utilize USPS for international shipments. In such cases, the parcel will be handled and trackable on the USPS website until it reaches its final destination country. From there, the shipping will be managed by the country's local shipping provider, such as Canada Post for Canada. We recommend tracking the delivery progress using the tracking number provided by USPS on the local shipping provider's tracking tool.
Do you offer free shipping?
No, we do not offer free shipping at this time. We apologize for any inconvenience and encourage you to visit our UNDP Shop website regularly to see if we are running any promotion. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates on any special discount.
Will holiday closures affect shipping times?
Yes, they might. Our shipping center is closed on all UN HQ mandated holidays, during which orders will not be processed or shipped. You can find the updated official list of UN holidays observed in 2025 here.
Can strikes affect my delivery timeline?
Yes, events beyond UNDP Shop's control, such as strikes, can impact delivery timelines. If a strike lasts over a week and significantly affects our customers, we typically offer alternative shipping options.
Where is my order? Where can I find tracking information?
To track your order and estimated delivery, please use the shipping confirmation email you will receive when your order leaves the UNDP Shop warehouse. If you do not see the email in your inbox, please check your spam/junk folder.
Additionally, you can log-in your UNDP Shop account, to view the status of your order. From there, you can access order details and track your shipment.
Do you offer gift wrapping or boxes?
No, we do not offer gift wrapping nor boxes currently. Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause!
Customs and Duties
How are duties and taxes handled for purchases on the UNDP Shop?
Duties and taxes for purchases on the UNDP Shop are collected by the shipping courier (DHL or USPS) after the purchase and before delivery. The UNDP Shop cannot calculate or collect these fees at checkout.
Customers or their designated consignee as the Importer of Record are responsible for paying applicable duties, taxes, and import fees to local customs authorities. These fees are determined by factors such as product origin, material composition, use, and destination.
Customers accessing the UNDP Shop from outside the US are responsible for complying with local laws and regulations, including paying any necessary duties.
This rule applies to both personal and corporate orders. If your organization is tax exempt, you may be able to get a tax exemption by liaising directly with the shipping company (DHL or USPS) when they will get in touch with you to handle duties and taxes for your shipment.
If customers outside the US prefer not to pay duties upon delivery, they can cancel their order within 24 hours for a full refund. Cancellations received after this timeframe may result in charges or a partial refund.
Are customs duties included for orders shipping outside the US?
No. We currently do not provide prepaid duties and taxes. Please be aware that shipping outside the US is subject to customs clearance processes and may incur customs duty fees. This applies to both personal and bulk/corporate orders.
Any duties and taxes imposed on international orders are non-refundable, and exemptions are not available at this time.
We are actively seeking alternative solutions and will provide updates as soon as they are available. International customers can cancel their order within 24hrs to receive a full refund.
Can I refuse to pay customs duties?
Yes, you can refuse to pay customs duties on international orders. These duties are charged locally based on your purchase's total value and any administrative fees. Please note that UNDP Shop does not have control over customs and duties, as they are subject to local customs laws.
Please also note that orders returned to the UNDP Shop because the customer refused to pay duties may be subject to a restocking fee.
Importantly, if the shipping courier charges UNDP Shop with fees for merchandise they are unable to deliver due to the customer's choice to refuse to pay duties, a refund to the customer may not be possible.
Please refer to our Shipping & Returns Policy for more information on returns.
What happens if I refuse to pay customs duties?
To avoid potential duty fees upon delivery, we advise canceling your order within 24 hours of receiving the confirmation email for a full refund.
If you choose to reject payment or shipment while your order is in transit, the courier will liaise with UNDP Shop to confirm the feasibility and clarify if there are any charges associated with handling the return.
Please note that for returns with no associated costs, we will only be able to refund the merchandise cost. Shipping, taxes, and duties paid during order placement will not be refunded.
In the unlikely event that the shipping courier charges UNDP Shop for handling a parcel due to the customer's refusal to pay duties, a refund of your order may not be possible.
With this in mind, please email us at shop@undp.org with relevant details to facilitate the return process. Thank you for your understanding.
Are customs and duties refundable for returned items?
Only the merchandise cost will be refunded for returns. Please note that handling fees, duties, and taxes are non-refundable through UNDP Shop. Additionally, we are unable to refund any shipping or taxes paid during order placement. Please also note that returns are sometimes subject to a restocking fee. Thank you for your understanding.
Returns Policy
What is the UNDP Shop return policy?
At the UNDP Shop, we prioritize sustainability and encourage minimizing returns whenever possible. However, if you need to return an item, you have 30 days from the delivery date to do so. Returned merchandise must be unused and in sellable condition to qualify for a full refund or for an exchange.
Returns may take up to 5-7 business days to process. Ensure you use a shipping carrier with tracking or proof of delivery for returns, as the UNDP Shop is not responsible for lost or damaged returns.
Please note that we do not refund shipping, tax, or duties costs and that returns may be subject to a variable restocking fee.
Please refer to the question ‘What are the terms and conditions for a return to be accepted?’ for more information on returns and exchanges.
What are the terms and conditions for a return to be accepted?
Whether you are returning an item for a refund or exchange, please note the following terms and conditions:
Packaging: All returned items must be properly packaged as received. Include all product packaging (e.g., box or pouch), which must be undamaged, uncrushed, and not used as shipping boxes.
Tags and protective films: Any protective films, security, and identification tags must be intact and attached to the returned items.
Conditions for rejection: Returned items will not be accepted if:
Delivery incurs additional taxes, duties, or fees for the UNDP Shop at the time of delivery, or requires pickup from a courier branch office.
Items are marked, tagged, damaged, scratched, or dented.
Items are missing original accessories, components, protective films/packaging, labels, or instructions.
Items are not the ones the customer purchased (wrong or substituted items).
Return/exchange eligibility: Returns or exchanges will only be accepted if all the above terms and conditions are met.
Non-compliant returns: If a non-compliant return is accepted, the UNDP Shop will deduct an administrative/restocking fee from the refund. This fee may range from 20% to 50% of the product's sale price at the time of purchase. Non-compliant returns may not be approved for an exchange.
Compliant returns: Compliant returns are eligible for a refund or exchange. Some items may be subject to a variable restocking fee, depending on the merchandise type and value. Our customer service team will confirm if a restocking fee applies and its amount upon receiving your return and confirming its eligibility. Compliant returns sent back for exchange are not subject to a restocking fee.
Do you offer free returns?
We do not offer free returns for purchases made at the UNDP Shop. While free returns may seem convenient, excess shipping increases emissions, negatively impacting our planet. You can use a shipping company of your choice to return your unused item(s). Additionally, please note that we are unable to refund any shipping costs, duties or taxes associated with returning your order to UNDP Shop. Please also note that returns may be subject to a variable restocking fee. Thank you for your understanding.
Please refer to the question ‘What are the terms and conditions for a return to be accepted?’ for more information on general terms and conditions for returns.
Do you also offer exchanges?
At UNDP Shop, sustainability is at the forefront of our operations.
We therefore encourage mindful shopping to reduce environmental impact. While exchanges are possible within 30 days of delivery for new and unused items, we urge customers to consider the environmental consequences. Exchanges contribute to landfill waste and shipping emissions.
Kindly check our question ‘What are the terms and conditions for a return to be accepted?’ for more information on general terms and conditions for returns, including for exchanges.
Also, please note that we cannot refund any shipping, duties, or tax costs associated with the original order. Thank you for your understanding.
Are exchanges free?
No, we do not offer free exchanges.
Customers are responsible for the shipping costs of any merchandise they wish to return for an exchange. You can use a shipping carrier of your choice to return your unused item(s). As the UNDP Shop is not responsible for lost or damaged returns, we recommend using a carrier with tracking or proof of delivery and to wrap/package the item/s you are returning carefully.
Please note that shipping, duties, and tax costs associated with the original order will not be refunded if you return your purchase for an exchange. Note the customer is also responsible for shipping costs to their preferred address for all replacement items.
I want to exchange my item. How should I proceed?
To initiate an exchange, please email shop@undp.org with the following details:
Order number
Reason for exchange
Please review our Shipping & Returns Policy FAQs carefully before initiating a return to understand the terms, restrictions, and any associated costs.
What if my order arrives damaged, incorrect, or is missing an item?
For inquiries regarding damaged, incorrect, or missing items, please fill the form on this page and please share following details:
Damaged Item:
Order number
Product name
Photo of the damage
Incorrect Item:
Order number
Product name
Photo of the incorrect item
Missing Item:
Order number
Product name
Please note that shipping costs, duties and taxes may NOT be refunded to customers.
My package was lost or stolen. What should I do?
If your package was lost or stolen, we recommend first contacting the shipping carrier (DHL for international orders or USPS for domestic orders within the USA and Canada). You can also reach out to us using our Contact Us form.
Please provide us with all relevant details, including your order number, the email used to place the order, and any other useful information.
We will conduct an investigation and based on its outcome you may be eligible for a refund. However, please note that we may not be able to refund any shipping, tax, or duties you may have paid when placing your order. Thank you for your understanding.