When shipping to the US, providing the correct details and documents is the best way to clear customs and avoid delays. Regulated goods in particular, such as food or apparel, often have extra requirements – so make sure all your paperwork is in order before sending your package.
The most important documents you need are the commercial invoice and air waybill. If you’re sending regulated goods, such as alcohol, electronics or medical devices, then you and your receiver might need to provide extra documents.
Provide the following details in English:
Make sure you provide a full and accurate description of your goods. Be specific and try to avoid generic descriptions. See ‘How to provide a clear goods description’ for more information.
You can look up an item’s Harmonized System code online using an HS code search tool or on your country’s government website. See ‘What is an HS Code?’ for more information.
You should list the country of origin of your goods. This is where they were manufactured, not where you’re sending them from.
Provide your receiver’s details in case the US customs authorities need to contact them with any questions.
Shipping paperwork can exist in both paper and digital forms. The most convenient format often depends on the sender and receiver’s countries, and what goods are being shipped. While it’s becoming more common to transfer paperwork digitally, there are still many cases where printed copies are needed with the shipment.
Your receiver needs to comply with US regulations, so it’s important to check if they need any authorizations or certificates.
Send a copy of the commercial invoice to your receiver to ensure the details are correct before shipping. They may also need a customs broker (international trade experts who are responsible for preparing and clearing your goods through customs). If they do need a broker, remember to include the broker’s contact details on your invoice.
Finally, before shipping make sure you check the US regulations that apply to your product, as they’re frequently updated.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a government agency that supervises the import of regulated goods into the US such as food, biological substances and medical devices. Each FDA-regulated product needs to be electronically screened before it enters the US.
Shipping regulated goods to the US? See the list below for a detailed guide on what documentation you need to provide.
ANTIQUE DECLARATION
I hereby certify that the items in this shipment imported on Federal Express air waybill number (insert number here) are 100 years old or older. These articles entered herein are being imported for (state whether for sale or personal use). These ethnographic objects are made in the traditional aboriginal style and the other antiques were made prior to 100 years before their date of entry; all the foregoing articles; including such articles that have been repaired or renovated, have not had their original form or character changed.
Manufacture period circa:
(Note: CIRCA represents the era in which the item was manufactured. Some examples of CIRCA are ''1872'' or ''The 1930s')
Signature:
Company name:
Date:
The receiver doesn’t need to provide any additional documentation for customs clearance.
The receiver does not need to provide any additional documentation for customs clearance.
( Sunglasses/Prescription lenses/Spectacle frames/Magnifying spectacles)
The receiver does not need to provide any additional documentation for customs clearance.
The receiver does not need to provide any additional documentation for customs clearance.
The receiver does not need to provide any additional documentation for customs clearance.
The receiver does not need to provide any additional documentation for customs clearance.
BURMESE JADE ACT EXPORTER CERTIFICATION
I, (export company name), certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief, the jadeite and/or ruby gemstones that are the subject of this Exporter Certificate, whether they are exported as loose stones or incorporated in articles of jewelry, have been subjected to a system of verifiable controls from the mine to the place of exportation or final finishing that demonstrate the gemstones were not mined in, or extracted from Burma (Myanmar). I further certify that I have maintained records for all transactions involving the importation and exportation of rubies and jadeite from countries other than Burma (Myanmar) and that such record will be made available to the relevant government authorities upon request.
Name:
Signature:
Company:
Date:
The receiver does not need to provide any additional documentation for customs clearance.
The receiver does not need to provide any additional documentation for customs clearance.
The receiver does not need to provide any additional documentation for customs clearance.
The receiver does not need to provide any additional documentation for customs clearance.
The receiver does not need to provide any additional documentation for customs clearance.
VIDEO FILM DECLARATION
I/we declare that the film(s)/video(s) contains no obscene or immoral matter, nor any matter advocating or urging treason or insurrection against the United States, nor any threat to take the life of or inflict bodily harm upon any person in the United States.
Signed:
Name:
Date:
The receiver does not need to provide any additional documentation for customs clearance.
Please note that shipping requirements and documentation may vary between carriers. The information on this page is based on FedEx shipping requirements. These guidelines are as general as possible, however other carriers may follow different procedures. If you’re unsure of the shipping requirements that apply to you, check with your carrier.
