Resources

YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESSFUL SHIPPING

Welcome to our Resources page – your go-to destination for expert information and best practices that make your deliveries easier.

Ten tips for Smooth Customs Clearance

Navigating customs can be challenging, but with the right preparation, you can avoid delays, surcharges, and other challenges when shipping internationally. Understanding the customs regulations of your destination country is crucial, but there are also universal guidelines that can help streamline the process.

Here are our ten essential tips for smooth customs clearance:

Our ten tips

Ensure your shipment includes a fully completed waybill with all necessary information.
Provide an invoice that accurately declares the origin of your goods to avoid discrepancies.
Never place required documents such as invoices, certificates, or bills of lading inside the shipment itself.
Clearly note on the consignment all the certificates and documents that are included.
For international shipments, confirm if your consignment needs to pass through customs. If so, include at least four copies of a commercial invoice in English.
Research and include any additional documentation required for customs clearance in the destination country.
Include a health certificate when shipping perishable goods to ensure compliance with health regulations.
Verify if the receiver needs to complete any import registration before the goods can be cleared.
Use a temporary export document if your shipment is intended to be abroad temporarily.
Provide your invoice with the tax identity number (such as SSN or EIN) of the receiving party to facilitate smooth processing.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of customs-related delays and ensure your shipments reach their destination efficiently. Stay informed and prepared to keep your international shipping hassle-free.

Accurate Product Descriptions

A precise product description is crucial for efficient and accurate customs processing, whether for imports or exports. A clear description enables customs officials to understand, at a glance, what the product is, leading to faster processing times and minimising delays or additional inspections. Your product description should meet certain key criteria to ensure smooth handling.

Key Elements of an Effective Product Description

Specific and Detailed: Describe the product’s nature precisely (e.g., "Men’s cotton T-shirt, size L" instead of just "clothing").
Material and Purpose: Indicate the material and intended use of the product.
Brand or Model: When applicable, include the brand name and model.
Avoid General Terms: Words like "parts," "sample," or "accessories" are too vague to be useful.

Acceptable and Unacceptable Product Descriptions

Below is a table that highlights examples of both acceptable and unacceptable product descriptions. These examples demonstrate how specific, detailed descriptions contribute to faster and more efficient customs processing.

Product Description	Acceptable	Unacceptable
Clothing	Men’s cotton T-shirt, size L	Clothing
Electronics	Sony Bluetooth headset, model WH-1000XM4	Accessories, electronics
Toys	Children’s plastic building set, 150 pcs	Toys
Medical Equipment	Digital blood pressure monitor, brand Omron	Medical equipment
Machine Parts	Steel gear for car, 20 cm diameter	Parts, Spare Parts

Tips for an Accurate Product Description

Be as precise as possible: Add specific details like material, size, and model.
Avoid abbreviations and vague terms: Avoid abbreviations and ensure the description is clear and complete.
Check for consistency: Ensure the description matches information on invoices and other documents.
Use recognisable product names: Mention brands and models when possible to aid customs recognition.
Book shipments with Select Courier: When booking international shipments, the system will notify you if a description is acceptable, allowing you to focus on other matters.

A clear, accurate product description helps customs process goods efficiently and minimises the risk of delays and additional costs.

Can we help you with anything?

If you’d like to confirm that your product descriptions are accurate enough, feel free to reach out! We are here to provide tailored advice and information for the smoothest possible shipping process.

Ensure Safe Transit for Your Goods

In the realm of international transport, machines and automatic distribution systems predominantly handle shipments. These systems aren’t always gentle, making robust packaging essential. Good and sturdy packaging not only shields your consignment from damage but also prevents unwanted delays. Want to ensure your goods travel safely? Follow our packaging guidelines.

Our Packaging Tips:

Ensure you fix the consignment note in the appropriate location on your shipment.
Clear away old shipping labels or consignments to avoid confusion.
Secure and make the consignment note clearly visible on your package.
Use packaging that suits the content of your shipment.
Provide quality shock-absorbing materials to protect your goods.
Check the thickness of the cardboard packaging used for sturdiness.
Use ample cushioning material to safeguard against impacts.
Use corrugated (waved) cardboard correctly for added protection.
Seal the container properly to prevent tampering or leakage.
Place fragile goods in the center of the packaging to minimize damage risk.
Protect edges and pointy ends to avoid damage.
Use good stuffing material to protect sensitive data, image, and audio materials.
Place shipments weighing more than 30 kg on a pallet for stability.
Wrap rolled goods, like carpets, in foil for added protection.
Pack liquid goods in leak-proof containers to prevent spills.
Use hard fiberboard boxes for packing powder materials and fine grains.
Use separating (cardboard) walls when shipping fragile goods to prevent contact.
Wrap oily and fragrant liquids in greaseproof paper to prevent leakage and odor.
Wrap your consignment in one piece for cohesive protection.

Believe it or not, the list of packaging tips goes on and on. If you need more or specific advice concerning your consignment, please don’t hesitate to contact us! Ensuring the safe transit of your goods is our priority.

Master the Art of Logistics with Our Practical Shipping Tips

To help you navigate the logistics landscape as smoothly as possible, we’ve put together eight practical tips for easy shipping. Whether you’re a first-time shipper or a seasoned logistics professional, these guidelines are essential for ensuring a worry-free shipping experience.

Our eight shipping tips

Ensure it is permissible to ship your goods to the destination.
Familiarise yourself with the customs regulations of the destination country to avoid delays and complications.
Make sure the receiving party is aware of import regulations and duties to prevent unexpected charges.
Package your goods correctly to protect them during transit and comply with shipping standards.
Provide accurate information about the weight and dimensions of your packages to avoid surcharges and ensure proper handling.
Include complete and correct address details, along with the receiver's phone number and name. Attach a waybill and any other necessary documents such as invoices.
Ensure the pickup driver signs a copy of the manifest, and keep this document for your records.
Take a photo of your shipment before handing it over to the driver to document its condition.

By following these eight practical advices, you can significantly enhance the efficiency and reliability of your shipping process. Stay informed and prepared to enjoy a seamless shipping experience.

Know What You Can and Cannot Ship

Is it possible to send everything? Frankly, no—you cannot. There are specific goods prohibited from (international) transport due to safety concerns, health risks, or trade embargoes. Each carrier has its own policies for processing dangerous substances and goods, so we provide you with a general breakdown.

We highly dissuade sending these goods. However, if you must, please be aware that you may encounter surcharges, delays, or even confiscation by authorities. This list applies to all means and modes of transport.

Prohibited Goods

Animal skin, fur, animal organs and parts, ivory and ivory products
Goods with particularly high value (e.g., artworks, antiques, precious stones, gold, and silver)
Dangerous goods, hazardous goods, fireworks
Fluids such as adhesives and paint
Firearms, swords, knives, weapons
Live animals
Money, keys, transferable securities, payment
Perishable goods
Personal belongings
Plants and seeds
Pornographic material
Tobacco and tobacco products, drugs, medications, alcohol
White goods (refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, washing machines, dishwashers, etc.)
Fire extinguishers

Dangerous Goods

To meet the stringent requirements regarding the transport of dangerous goods and to ensure safety, Select Courier does not accept substances classified as dangerous according to the most recent edition of the Civil Aviation Organisation Technical Instructions. If you have questions or doubts regarding the transport possibilities of your goods, don’t hesitate to contact us.

There are nine classes of hazardous substances. Select Courier does not accept materials and products that fit into any of these classes.

Restricted Goods

Limited liability applies when sending these types of goods. This means we do not accept claims for damage or breakage regarding restricted goods. Only claims for loss are considered, provided the packaging of these goods meets our packaging guidelines.

Furniture (except when flat-packed)
Engines, generators, and/or components containing oil—unless rinsed
Batteries (except dry batteries)
Glass, ceramics, porcelain, marble, resin, stone, or any product containing these materials
Computers, laptops, monitors, TFT screens
Televisions, LCD screens, plasma screens, projectors, etc.

Musical instruments should be packed in appropriate hard cases with quilted lining. To further protect the instrument, pack it into an extra box.

Questions?

If you have any doubts or questions regarding the possibilities of shipping your consignment, please contact us! We provide advice concerning any potential restrictions, which can save you frustration and unnecessary financial trouble.

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Resources

YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESSFUL SHIPPING

Ten tips for Smooth Customs Clearance

Our ten tips

Accurate Product Descriptions

Key Elements of an Effective Product Description

Acceptable and Unacceptable Product Descriptions

Tips for an Accurate Product Description

Can we help you with anything?

Ensure Safe Transit for Your Goods

Our Packaging Tips:

Master the Art of Logistics with Our Practical Shipping Tips

Our eight shipping tips

Know What You Can and Cannot Ship

Prohibited Goods

Dangerous Goods

Restricted Goods

SCHEDULE A FREE DEMO

DISCOVER WHAT SELECT COURIER CAN DO FOR YOU

SCHEDULE A FREE DEMO

DISCOVER WHAT SELECT COURIER CAN DO FOR YOU

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