Customs regulations can vary greatly from country to country and include more than just standard documents such as customs invoices and declarations of origin. Products such as food, medicines, and electronic devices may require specific regulations and approvals.

CMR or Bill of Lading/Label
Include a fully completed CMR or bill of lading/label with each shipment. Make sure all information is filled in correctly and completely to avoid misunderstandings.

Correct declaration of origin
Always state the correct origin of the goods on the invoice. This refers to the country where the goods were produced; not the country of dispatch. You can recognise this by the label “made in …….” Indicating this is important to avoid any undue import duties and to comply with customs requirements. However, it is usually not mandatory to include a declaration of origin, unless specifically required by your customer or the regulations of the destination.

Keep documents outside the shipment
Do not place essential documents such as invoices, certificates, declarations, and the bill of lading in the shipment itself. Give them directly to the driver to avoid delays due to missing paperwork.

Include certificates and declarations on the consignment note
Clearly state on the consignment note which certificates and declarations are included with the shipment, so that the carriers and customs are well-informed about the contents and requirements of the shipment.

English commercial invoice for outside the EU
For shipments outside the EU, it is important to include an English commercial invoice in at least five copies. Make sure that each copy contains an original signature, in blue ink.

Customs documents for special regions
Even within Europe, certain areas, such as the Canary Islands, Cyprus, and Gibraltar, may require specific customs documents. Make sure that these are prepared correctly to avoid problems.

Transport costs for ex-works shipments
For shipments to the Netherlands on an ex-works basis (receiver pays), import duties may also apply to the transport costs, in addition to the standard import duties. You can easily request the expected import duties in advance via the duty calculator in our platform.

Health Declaration for Perishable Goods
When shipping perishable goods, such as food, flowers, or seeds, a health declaration is required. This can be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture or Health. You always ship this at your own risk.

Import permits for certain countries
Some countries require an import permit for certain types of goods. It is the responsibility of the recipient to obtain these permits. Inquire about this in advance to avoid difficulties.

Use of temporary import
If you want to ship goods abroad temporarily, you can use a temporary import to avoid import duties. Make sure that your carrier draws up an ED69 document and that you state “Temporary Export” on the invoice.

It is important to know that customs regulations can change regularly. If in doubt or for the most up-to-date information, you can always contact our customer service team. We will be happy to advise you to ensure that your shipments meet all requirements and reach their destination without any problems.

That is why it is also vital for our team to always be well-informed about these rules and to be prepared for any changes. This expertise allows us to support customers with up-to-date information and in preparing the right documents for their specific shipments. Our experience in international logistics allows us to respond quickly to changes, so that your shipments pass through customs as smoothly as possible.