Understanding international customs requirements for your shipments
Learn moreAnything posted or couriered to another country goes through customs to check if it isn't banned or restricted and the importer pays the right tax and 'duty' (customs charges) on it.
This includes anything new or used that the recipient:
Customs declarations are an official customs document that helps customs officers to check the package. Normally, customs declaration and accompanying documents are put into an adhesive transparent pouch attached to the outside of the package.
Under international customs law, the importer is legally responsible for the package and its contents. It's therefore your responsibility to ensure the declaration is filled out accurately and in full.
Most often the sender fills out the customs declaration and attaches it to the package. This is considered a case in which the goods are cleared by customs in the regular way.
You know your country's customs better than I do and whether they are likely to give you trouble or not.
They will calculate any import charges and inform you (the recipient) about further steps.
Once the importer pays any duties that may be required, the goods will be released for delivery.
I do not have any control over customs.
To prevent Customs clearance delays, complete the declaration in English, French, or in a language accepted in the destination country.
To clear the package, the customs in the destination country must know exactly what the contents are. Therefore, the declaration must be completed fully and legibly, or there may be a delay. If false or misleading info is provided on the declaration, the recipient may get fined or package contents may be seized.
Give a detailed description of the items in your package, e.g. "men's cotton shirts." General descriptions, such as "spare parts", "samples" or "food products" are not permitted. Similar items may be grouped into categories, such as "Children's toys" or "Women's clothes".
Specify the quantity for each article.
Give the net weight of each article and the total gross weight of the parcel including packaging, which is the weight used to calculate the postage.
List the value of each article and the total value. You need to be very careful when specifying the items' customs value, because customs taxes and fees are calculated based on it. Be sure to check customs value limits applicable to the country of destination.
Correctly specify the package contents category. Usually there are several options to choose from: gifts, documents, commercial goods, returned goods, other. The sender needs to check the regulations applicable to each category and discuss them with the recipient, since choosing an incorrect category may result in extra customs fees.
When filling out the Customs declaration, you should pay attention to every detail and make sure you enter the address correctly. An incorrect address may lead to the package getting delayed or stuck.
Be sure to mention if the contents are subject to quarantine or other restrictions. If the item is accompanied by a licence or a certificate, tick the appropriate box and specify the number. An invoice should be attached for all commercial items. Some countries like Mexico require the recipient's tax ID number to be provided on the label.
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