Are you an importer or you just have a hobby of buying goods from overseas? If so, then you need to see this tips.

When you ship by sea, you are required to have a set of documents based on the origin and your final destination. For example, if you are shipping a 20’ or 40’ container, you will need a packing list. You may be asked to provide the packing list in one or more languages. For example, when shipping to Europe, you should have a detailed inventory with one copy in English and the other, the specified European language.
Worldwide Shipping?
Before You Ship by Sea, Inquire More About Necessary Documents You Need
For a lot of countries, simply listing “misc.” on a box is not enough detail for customs officials. Typically giving more detailed packing list helps your shipment through the customs process fast. For example, when you ship by sea to Asia and plan to pack appliances, you will provide information that indicates date purchased and itemized with brand, model, and serial numbers.

When you ship by sea, you will also be asked to put down the quantity and value of your items. If you are asked to provide a declared value inventory, you need to list all of the items that you want to protect, with the replacement value for every of the item.

In addition, as your packages are ready for shipment, it is helpful to place any items that will be of interest to customs officials in a place that is reachable. For example, countries have strict policies about printed materials, electronic goods, or weapons. If these goods are allowed into the country where you are shipping, it is better if they are in a location that is readily available for officials during the inspection process.

In order to qualify for duty free shipments are sometimes allowed on used household goods and used personal items, it is sometimes important to give documentation that renders evidence of employment or residence in the country that you are shipping from or the country which you are planning on moving to. You may also be asked to provide a letter from your present or future employer, a contract of employment, renting contract, utility bill or letter explaining why you are returning to a country if you are a citizen who has been gone for a year or a longer period of time. As written above, depending on your location and final destination, the needed documents when you ship by sea may vary.

Aside from customs forms that are always country specific, some of the documentation that is often needed includes the following:

Passport
Visa (if applicable)
Residency Card or Provisional Residency Card (if applicable)
Bill of Lading or Airway Bill – which is gibing by a carrier to a shipper to recognize the receipt of a shipment for delivery


If you are going overseas or returning after having been away for a long period of time, you may have to give some tax related identification. For example, if you are moving to Europe and you are already a European resident, you can use your European Community Card information for tax purposes.

For more importation secrets and tips. visit http://www.shippinghub.co.uk/

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