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For any small business operation that is involved in selling physical goods, there is likely to be a need to ship internationally at some point. Even though this can be more complicated than shipping goods within your local country, it is still relatively easy to export your goods and navigate through customs with a little preparation. Here are four useful tips to help streamline the international shipping:
Check shipping restrictions
One of the first steps to take is to make sure that the item to be shipped is entirely legal in the destination country. Depending on the location to ship, there could be different rules in relation to how a parcel should be prepared and the type of materials that are acceptable.
Customs documents
In order to avoid the deployed deliveries on the international items and to clear customs it is essential to prepare the appropriate paperwork. Any items that are delayed by customs can lead to a poor experience for your customers.
The customs documents that are completed in full will result in fewer difficulties. Most forms require information like the value and a short description of the item being shipped. Other information can include an export license for the commercial products. Also, certain countries will require specific documents completed to ship internationally.
Customs broker
There is the option to use a customs broker like Ata carnet to simplify the process of shipping goods out of the country. They can take on the responsibility of filing the required paperwork to make sure the goods pass through custom with minimal delay. Alternatively, there are many delivery services that will provide a broker as part of the shipment cost. However, for those that only send the occasional international shipment, it may be more practical to complete the paperwork to avoid the extra costs.
Shipment service
Most delivery services offer a choice of international services which can range from the budget friendly to the time sensitive. Most services can be tailored to match the specific needs in relation to distribution needs and budget. The weight of the goods can determine whether the item is sent as a normal package or freight. Also, the chosen service can have an impact on the type of documents that need completing. Some of the common shipping documents to complete include packing list, certificate of origin, and commercial invoice.
Shipping packages internationally can be tedious. Each country sets its own regulations for what can be imported and what documentation is required for customs. Even shipments to Canada and Mexico require customs documentation (whatever happened to NAFTA?). The most common customs documentation may include:
1) Commercial invoice – this document details the contents of the package, including a description of the item(s), value, weight, quantity, shipper, and receiver (i.e., “consignee”)
2) Power of attorney – this document is signed by the shipper to give the shipping company authorization to act as the shipper’s broker to get the shipment through customs
Sometimes, additional documentation is required for international shipments. To simplify the process, visit your local The UPS Store. The friendly staff will expedite your shipment to its destination with automated systems to complete most of the paperwork for you!
Keep in mind that shipping internationally with UPS is more expensive than other shipping methods. The value added services offered by UPS include:
UPS acts as the customs broker to get your package through the customs process in the destination country.UPS flies the package to its destination country on its own fleet of aircraft.UPS delivers the package right to your receiver’s door, in most cases. An agency like the Post Office turns the package over to the mail delivery system in the destination country and hopes that it will be delivered on their behalf. All UPS packages are tractable, insured for the first $100.00 of value, and guaranteed to be delivered when promised (pending normal customs clearance of the package).
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