Shipping guide
How to ship internationally
Cross-border shipping is straightforward when the paperwork is right. This guide walks through what to check before you book, the documents customs expects, and the habits that keep shipments out of holds.
Step by step
A simple walkthrough for global shipping
1. Check the item can be shipped
Every country has its own import rules. Confirm your product is allowed, whether a licence is needed and whether size or weight limits apply.
2. Describe the goods precisely
Customs needs to know what the item is, what it is made of, where it was made, its value and its purpose (sale, gift, sample, repair).
3. Prepare the commercial invoice
Required for any goods with commercial value. Include HS codes, quantities, unit values, currency and full contact details for both parties.
4. Decide who pays duties
Choose DDP (you pay) or DDU (the recipient pays) at booking. DDP gives the buyer a delivered price and avoids refused shipments.
Documents
What customs will ask for
- Commercial invoice: the core document for every shipment of goods. Three signed copies attached to the package, or filed electronically through us.
- Packing list: pieces, weights and dimensions, needed for freight and multi-carton parcels.
- Certificate of origin: for goods claiming a preferential rate under a trade agreement, or where the destination requires it.
- Licences and permits: for controlled goods such as food, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals and dual-use items.
- Safety data sheet: for anything classified as dangerous goods, with the correct UN number and packing group.
Avoid holds
Ways to prevent customs delays
Use clear, full descriptions
Write what the item is, what it is made of and what it is for. "Gift", "parts" or "clothing" on their own will be queried.
Use the right HS code
A wrong code means the wrong duty rate, delays and possible fines. Check the code for each product before printing the label.
Include contact details
Email and phone numbers for both sender and recipient are mandatory so customs can reach someone quickly.
Declare the true value
Under-declaring is the most common reason for penalties. State the transaction value, or a fair market value for gifts and samples.
Follow restricted-item rules
Food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and electronics with batteries often need extra labelling or registration numbers.
File documents electronically
Sending invoices digitally through us lets customs pre-clear the shipment before it lands.
Controlled products
Extra requirements for common categories
Food and beverages
Labels in the destination language, a full ingredient list, country of manufacture and the manufacturer’s name and address. Many countries require prior notice or import registration for food. Perishables need cold-chain packaging and an Express service.
Cosmetics and personal care
Ingredient lists, manufacturer details and, in some markets, product registration numbers. Aerosols and flammable liquids are dangerous goods and need appropriate packaging and declarations.
Medical devices and pharmaceuticals
Regulatory registration numbers, intended use, and often an import licence held by the recipient. Temperature-sensitive products need validated packaging. Tell us at quote stage so we can confirm the routing.
Electronics and lithium batteries
Batteries shipped inside equipment, with equipment or alone each have different rules and labels. Standalone lithium batteries are restricted on many services. State the watt-hour rating and whether the battery is installed.
Metals and industrial goods
Steel, aluminium and copper products may need country of melt or cast, content values and weights declared for additional tariffs. Machinery may need a safety conformity declaration at destination.
Textiles and footwear
Fibre composition, gender and age group, and country of origin drive both the HS code and the duty rate. Brand-name goods shipped by a third party may need a brand authorisation letter.
Go further
Everything you need to move goods across borders
Tariffs explained
Duties, taxes, de minimis and who pays what.
Zones, rates and fees
Our public rate card and the surcharges that may apply.
Tariff resource hub
Guides, checklists and a glossary for cross-border shipping.
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