If you have a family member in the military who is stationed overseas, you sell internationally on eBay or you have friends who are expatriots, then there will come a time when you will want to ship a package out of the country. International shipments require more effort than merely packing the box, slapping on a label and taking it to the nearest pack-and-ship location.
The first difference between shipping domestically and shipping internationally is the type of packaging that should be used. International shipments are handled much more frequently while in transit than are domestic shipments. For this reason, shipping cartons should be double-walled for extra durability. If a shipment requires a wooden packing crate, the wood must be heat-treated and certified to be insect-free. This prevents bugs or tree diseases from inadvertently being imported.
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The second major difference between domestic and international shipping is that all international shipments require specific documentation. These documents provide government authorities in the consignee’s country with information regarding what kinds of items are being imported and the value of the items. This provides a basis for calculating any tariffs or duty that are due. A pro-forma or commercial invoice needs to be attached to any international shipment that contains items other than documents. The commercial invoice lists the full name, address and telephone number of both the shipper and the consignee, the specific items being shipped along with the number of units and the per piece value, and the total value of the shipment. The pro-forma invoice must be signed in ink by the shipper and dated. Gift items and items for personal use still require a pro-forma invoice.
Many countries also require a Certificate of Origin. Italy, for example, demands that any online purchase being shipped by a private individual contain a COA detailing where the item was manufactured. Many European countries require a COA for textiles or finished goods made of fabric, such as clothing or purses.
The North American Free Trade Agreement covers shipments between the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico. It removed trade tariffs for shipments between these countries as long as a proper NAFTA Certificate of Origin was attached. Shipments between these countries that are valued at less than $1000.00, require that the statement “"I hereby certify that the good covered by this shipment qualifies as an originating good for purposes of preferential tariff treatment under the NAFTA" be added to the pro-forma invoice.
Any shipment that does not have proper documentation will be retained at the destination country and will either be opened for inspection or returned at the shipper’s expense.
Finally, there are items that cannot be shipped into certain countries, and a shipper needs to know these restrictions. For example, a box going to a military person stationed in Afghanistan or Iraq should not contain any product that is illegal under Islamic law. The obvious items are things like a Christian bible or rosary, or a Jewish prayer shawl or yarmulke. It also includes magazines or books that are considered obscene, such as the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition or Cosmopolitan. Alcohol, CDs of rap music and some graphic video games are also forbidden. The United Kingdom restricts shipments of canned chili, beef jerky and electronic cigarettes, and any toys being sent must be certified to comply with European Community safety standards.
Contact an experienced shipping professional to unravel any confusion surrounding packing and shipping. He or she can determine whether items comply with a country’s import restrictions and will help you to complete all the needed documentation.
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