Essential Documents for International Shipping

Sending an international package from the US requires proper documentation to ensure that the package arrives safely and legally at its destination. The documentation required depends on the destination country, the type of goods being shipped, and the value of the package. In this blog post, we will discuss the documents needed to send an international package from the US.

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Customs Declaration Form

A customs declaration form, also known as a customs form, is required for all international packages. The form provides information about the contents of the package and its value. The form is used by customs officials to determine if any duties or taxes are owed on the package. The form can be filled out online or in-person at the post office.

ShipSaving helps users to fill in the system and automatically generate customs forms, saving time and effort.

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Commercial Invoice

A commercial invoice is required for all international shipments of goods. The invoice provides detailed information about the goods being shipped, including the quantity, value, and description of the goods. The invoice is used by customs officials to determine the value of the package and to assess any duties or taxes that may be owed.

Please note for FedEx, a commercial invoice is required for all international shipments of goods.

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Export License

An export license may be required for certain goods being shipped to specific countries. The license is issued by the US government and is used to regulate the export of certain goods. The license may be required for goods such as firearms, certain chemicals, and some technology products.

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Certificate of Origin

A certificate of origin is required for some goods being shipped to certain countries. The certificate provides information about where the goods were produced and is used by customs officials to determine if any duties or taxes are owed on the package. The certificate may be required for goods such as textiles, electronics, and vehicles.

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Proforma Invoice

A proforma invoice is a preliminary invoice that provides a description of the goods being shipped and their value. The invoice is used by the recipient to determine if they want to accept the shipment and to determine the cost of the shipment. The proforma invoice is not a legal document and does not require payment.

It is important to note that the documents required for international shipments can vary by country and by the type of goods being shipped. It is important to research the specific requirements for the destination country and to consult with a shipping expert to ensure that all necessary documents are included.

Here are some additional resources to help you with your international shipping needs:

• US Postal Service: International Shipping Requirements and Restrictions
• FedEx: International Shipping Documentation Requirements
• UPS: International Shipping Documentation Requirements
• DHL Express: International Shipping Documentation Requirements

It is important to note that the requirements and restrictions for international shipping can vary by country and by the type of goods being shipped. It is important to research the specific requirements for the destination country and to consult with a shipping expert to ensure that all necessary documents are included and that the shipment is compliant with all regulations.

In conclusion, sending an international package from the US requires proper documentation to ensure that the package arrives safely and legally at its destination. The documents required depend on the destination country, the type of goods being shipped, and the value of the package. It is important to research the specific requirements for the destination country and to consult with a shipping expert to ensure that all necessary documents are included.

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