Shipping packages internationally can seem complex, especially if it’s your first time dealing with customs forms. However, with a little guidance, you can deal with this process smoothly. SFL Worldwide is here to assist you by collecting all relevant customs information during the booking process and providing you with the correct customs documents to print and attach to your package.
Completing Your Customs Declaration Form
When shipping abroad, you must complete a customs declaration form. This form includes:
- A Description of the Goods You’re Sending
- The Value and Quantity of Each Item
- The Purpose of the Shipment
The customs declaration form helps customs officers:
- Determine what’s inside your package.
- Check if any customs duty or tax needs to be applied.
- Decide whether your goods are allowed to enter the destination country.
Providing a Clear Goods Description
During the booking process, we provide a simple form covering all the customs information required, including a description of the goods you’re sending. The goods description is crucial and must accurately describe the item, including what it’s made from and its use.
Example of a Clear and Accurate Goods Description:
Men’s shirt: casual button-down, slim-fit, cotton, wrinkle-free, single-needle construction.
Example of a Poor Goods Description:
Men’s shirt.
Consequences of Providing a Poor Goods Description
If your goods description is vague and lacks relevant details, your parcel is likely to be delayed in customs, as officers won’t have the necessary information to process your shipment efficiently. Providing a clear and accurate description of the items you’re sending is the best way for your package travels through customs smoothly.
Be Descriptive of All Items Inside the Package: Provide an overview of each item, including its use and what it’s made of.
- Provide an Accurate Value for Each Item: Customs will check if you have undervalued an item to avoid fees. They will charge the correct amount and potentially extra handling fees for misdeclared items.
- Print and Attach the Customs Documents: Place these documents on the outside of the package in a clear plastic wallet or envelope marked ‘Customs’.
- Understand Duty Regulations: Listing an item as a gift does not necessarily exempt it from customs duty. Customs officers will still evaluate the value and contents of the parcel and apply any applicable charges.
- Put Accurate Contact Information: This allows customs to contact the recipient to collect any duties owed. All SFL Worldwide shipments are shipped DDU (Delivery Duty Unpaid), meaning the recipient is responsible for paying any duty.
- Complete Additional Forms if Required: For some locations, such as India, you may need to complete a ‘Know Your Customer’ form, which verifies the recipient’s identity to help prevent fraud.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing a Customs Form
Shipping internationally requires you to complete a customs declaration form. This form provides vital information to customs officers about the contents of your package, helping them determine if any duties or taxes apply and whether the items are permitted in the destination country. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you fill out your customs form accurately.
1. Description of Goods
The goods description is the heart of the customs declaration form. Be as detailed as possible about each item. Include the type, material, and purpose. For instance:
Example: If you’re sending a smartwatch, a good description would be “Smartwatch, model XYZ, with silicone strap, touchscreen, includes heart rate monitor and GPS.”
2. Quantity of Each Item
Specify the exact number of each item in the package. This helps customs officers quickly tally up the contents.
Example: If you’re sending three watches, you would write “Quantity: 3.”
3. Value of Each Item
Declare the accurate market value of each item in your shipment. Avoid undervaluing, as customs officers can impose penalties.
Example: If each smartwatch is worth $150, you would write “Value: $150 each.”
4. Purpose of the Shipment
Indicate why you are sending the package. Common purposes include “gift,” “personal belongings,” or “sale of goods.”
Example: If you sold the smartwatches, you would write “Purpose: Sale of goods.”
5. Sender’s Information
Include your contact details and address. Accurate sender information help customs can contact you if there are any issues with the shipment. Write your full name, street address, city, state, postal code, and country. Provide a phone number and email address.
6. Recipient’s Information
Include the recipient’s contact details and address. Write the full name, street address, city, state, postal code, and country of the recipient. Provide a phone number and email address. Accurate recipient information helps in smooth delivery and allows customs to contact the recipient if duties or taxes are due.
7. Harmonized System (HS) Code
The HS code is an international system for classifying goods. HS codes help customs officers quickly identify the goods and apply the correct duties and taxes.
Example: HS Code: 6205.20.20 (Men’s cotton shirt)
8. Country of Origin
Specify where the goods were manufactured. The country of origin can affect the duties and taxes applied and determine if the goods are allowed to enter the destination country.
9. Shipping Cost
Include the cost of shipping the package. The total value declared for customs purposes includes both the value of the goods and the shipping cost.
10. Signature and Date
Sign and date the form to certify that the information provided is accurate.
Additional Customs Form Considerations
After completing the customs form, make it is securely attached to the outside of your package. Use a clear plastic wallet or an envelope marked ‘Customs’ to protect the documents from damage.
When shipping with SFL Worldwide, all shipments are sent as DDU. This means the recipient is responsible for paying any duties or taxes upon arrival. Make sure the recipient is aware of this to avoid surprises and potential delays.
Some countries have additional requirements. For instance, shipments to India may require a ‘Know Your Customer’ form, which the recipient must complete. This form helps verify the recipient’s identity and prevent fraud.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Filling out a customs form accurately is crucial for the smooth processing of your international shipment. Missteps can lead to delays, additional fees, or even the return of your package. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Undervaluing Items: While it might seem tempting to list a lower value to avoid duties, this can lead to fines and delays if customs officers discover the discrepancy.
- Vague Descriptions: Lack of detail in item descriptions can cause delays. Always be as specific as possible.
- Incomplete Forms: Ensure all sections of the customs form are filled out completely and accurately. Missing information can result in your package being held up in customs.
Summing Up
Filling out a customs form for international shipping doesn’t have to be intimidating. By providing clear, accurate, and detailed information about the contents of your package, you can ensure a smooth customs clearance process. Remember to:
- Describe each item thoroughly.
- Provide accurate values and quantities.
- Clearly state the purpose of the shipment.
- Attach the completed customs form to the outside of your package.
- Make sure the recipient is aware of their responsibility for any duties.
Following these steps will help your international shipments move through customs efficiently, avoiding unnecessary delays and additional charges. SFL Worldwide is here to support you throughout this process, ensuring you have all the necessary documents and information to successfully ship your package abroad.
