Customs clearance

When it comes to shipping internationally, a commercial invoice is one of the most important documents. It provides key information for customs to clear your goods. That's why it's important to fill it in correctly with the right information.

If you’re shipping goods internationally, you’ll need to provide an air waybill. This document acts a contract between the shipper and carrier, so it’s important the information is clear and accurate. Find out what details you need to provide and how to fill it in correctly.

The key to smooth shipping is providing clear and accurate information on every shipping document. This includes detailing the type of goods you’re shipping correctly – follow our guide on how to provide a goods description here.

Customs use the value to clear your goods and determine the duties and taxes. That's why it's important to state it clearly on the paperwork and ensure it's correct.

Also known as a CO, it's an official document that states where a product was produced, manufactured or processed. It’s usually required by a country’s customs authority as part of the clearance process when importing. It’s also used to assess the rates of duty or tax. Find out how to check if you need one and learn about the the different types you can use.

Exporting means sending goods from one country to another – and they pass through customs on the way. For customs to clear your goods, it's vital to have the right shipping documents for export, and to fill them in correctly.

An export license is a document issued by government bodies allowing registered companies or individuals to legally ship goods that are otherwise restricted. Find out what kind of items are restricted and how you can apply for an export license.

HS code is short for Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System. It's a list of numbers used by customs to classify a product. Find out why they're important and where you can get one.

Incoterms® is short for International Commercial Terms and are a set of 11 rules defining who's responsible for what during international transactions.

'EORI number' is short for 'Economic Operators Registration and Identification Number' and is a system of unique identification numbers used by customs authorities throughout the European Union.

CITES stands for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. It’s an international agreement between governments to protect endangered plants and animals – ensuring the trade of them doesn’t threaten their survival.

Whether you're setting up an art show or need to send a shoe sample to a store – temporary import is useful as it allows goods like exhibition items, sports equipment or samples into a country for a short period of time. Learn more about the benefits of temporary import, the different types and how you can apply for it.

If you're sending goods to another country, you need to check its export laws. This means finding out if you can ship there, if there's any restrictions on your goods and if the person or company you're shipping to is reputable.

Shipping internationally may seem complicated, but with this guide you'll find out what a few important terms mean and the type of documents you need to provide.

When it comes to gifts, there's no expectation of payment and it's usually meant to be unreciprocated – but like any other export, you still need to check regulations and provide the right paperwork.

A sample is usually a trial product sent from a seller to buyer, who isn’t usually charged for receiving it. However, many countries will only accept your goods as a sample if they meet strict conditions.

Importing goods means bringing in something from another country – and it passes through the customs clearance process on arrival.

Customs authorities are responsible for collecting any duties and taxes on goods coming into and out of a country.