Importing and exporting parcels
How to facilitate their customs clearance
All parcels, packages and merchandise that are sent to an international destination or from an international destination must go through customs. Customs is an institution that ensures the security and surveillance of the territory, and the collection of taxes and duties for imported goods. It is important to include all relevant documents and be aware of the different customs requirements to facilitate the shipment of your parcels abroad or when importing packages from a foreign country.
Information to simplify the customs clearance of your shipment
When sending parcels, packages or merchandise to an international destination, it is essential to fill all required documents to facilitate their customs clearance. Each shipment must have an appropriate label affixed to the box or inserted in a clear pouch.
The complete address of origin and of destination must be entered on the label. A document with the detailed description of the content must also be included. This description should include some key elements that will facilitate the customs clearance of the shipment, i.e. items’ description, quantity, composition and their primary purpose at the destination.
Other information must be included in the shipment’s documents, i.e. the net weight, the value of the contents as well as the insured or declared value, the signature of the sender and, finally, an acceptable proof of payment of taxes or duties if applicable. Many courier companies even allow you to electronically fill in the information for customs documents when you create a shipment request.
Requirements when importing or exporting goods
The importation of goods from an international destination is similar to exporting parcels from the customs point of view. Exporting is the action of shipping parcels, packages or merchandise to an international destination while importation is bringing in goods from foreign countries.
When exporting parcels, it is essential to check if an export license must be part of your customs clearance documents or not. It is your responsibility to ensure that items that are being shipped are eligible in the country of destination. The same applies when you want to import a package, make sure that its content is allowed in the country you are located in.
It is necessary to gather as much information as possible about the content of your shipment; Its composition, the country of origin of the different pieces, etc. Once these steps are completed, you must determine the tariff classification number for each item within the shipment. The Harmonized System (HS), developed and maintained by the World Customs Organization, is used as a basis classification system for most trading countries. This system allows a uniform classification and application of tariffs for importation and exportation of goods. To calculate the customs rate of duty for a shipment, it will be necessary to establish the tariff treatment applicable to parcels, either with the Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) Tariff or the Applicable Preferential Tariffs. Any shipment declared as a gift, that does not exceed the limit value of the country of destination, can be exempted from taxes and duties.
Proper customs clearance documentation will help you reduce the risk of penalties or delays when importing or exporting your packages to international destinations. Use the services of Save On Express to ship your packages to international destinations using reliable and reputable courier companies.