I can say I know quite a bit about international shipping.
My first international shipment to Canada I used UPS to ship some software, UPS uses a private company to open the packages for customs and assigns a value to it for tariff purposes. Even though I only sold it for $40, the buyer was charge tariff's fees based on a $200 value. I refunded the guys money to cover the tariff fees and he rated me positively on Ebay. So a word to the wise, never use Fedex. UPS or other private shipper for international shipments unless you make the buyer understand he is responsible for all tariff fees. What I usually have done since is say the item is a gift or repaired merchandise to help the buyer avoid tariff fees shipping via the postal office.
Over the years I've accepted Foreign Checks, Foreign Mail orders and Paypal transactions. I've always made it clear that the funds have to clear before I ship, for international checks it's generally 2 weeks. I never had an issue with any International postal shipments to Europe, I even shipped to Brazil and Singapore. The last international shipment I sent to Mexico never arrived to it's destination. I ended up received the package back after over a month with a few of the star war figures missing. So as a rule of thumb, no more international shipments for me.
Would I ship packages internationally again for an EBAY auction that stated no international shipments? Sure, if the price is right, but next time I would only use UPS or FedEx and make the buyer aware that any tariff fees is his problem. I just don't trust the postal service in some of these third world countries anymore.
In my case the buyer was much more understanding. How long has it been since you shipped? Any insurance? Will the package be returned to you if undeliverable? Out of maybe 20 international shipments I really only had an issue once and I did get the package back eventually.