When you send a parcel anywhere outside the UK, including the EU from January 1st 2021 (find out more about Brexit here), you will need to provide some documentation that will allow your item to be cleared by customs when it arrives in its destination country.
To make this process as simple as possible we’ve put together the following guide to help you understand customs declarations, customs charges and what you can do to help your package clear customs without delays.
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Customs is an authority which controls what is shipped in and out of a country. They ensure no illegal or prohibited goods get through and also ensure the government they represent receive the correct tax and duty owed on goods that are liable for charges.
Each country has a different set of rules regarding items which are prohibited or restricted from import, so it’s always advisable to check with the customs authority in the destination country before you post your parcel overseas.
Whether you're a private individual or a business, all international parcels will require a customs declaration. This is a document that provides customs with information about the item(s) you’re sending. It includes:
Item description e.g. 1 red t-shirt, 2 pairs of blue socks
The value of each item sent
HS Code or Commodity Code for each item (this applies to shipments to the EU)
Businesses will also need to provide:
UK EORI number
EORI number for the importer (if shipping to another business)
The information you provide on the customs declaration form helps customs work out what fees need to be applied so it’s essential that the information you have provided is accurate.
That’s simple. When you send an international parcel through Parcel Monkey, we do all the paperwork for you.
During the booking process, we’ll ask you some questions about the items you’re shipping and provide you with a completed customs declaration which we'll email to you at the same time as your shipping labels.
Print 4 copies of the complete customs declaration and include one within the package. The other three should be put inside a plastic wallet (or envelope marked ‘customs’) and attached to the outside of your parcel along with the shipping label.
Completing the customs declaration correctly is essential to avoid delays. Here are our top tips to help your parcel clear customs as quickly as possible:
Avoid using generic terms like ‘clothing’, ‘personal belongings’ or ‘gifts’.
List every item, e.g. 1 x red t-shirt, 2 x blue jumpers, 1 x pair of Nike trainers.
Be honest about the value of the item you’re sending. Customs may check the market value.
Make sure you provide accurate contact details for the recipient. If the recipient can not be contacted by customs the parcel may be returned to you.
Ensure you provide an HS code for every item (especially if shipping to the EU after January 1st). If you can’t find an exact match for the item you’re sending, get it as close as possible.
Some countries require the tax ID of the recipient or their passport number. These countries include South Africa, Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Argentina
For locations such as India, you may need to complete a 'Know Your Customer' form. This will be provided by customs for the recipient to complete. It checks the recipient is who they say they are and helps prevent fraud.
International parcels may have customs duties and taxes applied. The cost of these fees will vary depending on the item you’re sending, the value and the country you’re sending to.
All parcels sent through Parcel Monkey are sent Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) which means the duty will need to be paid by the recipient when it arrives in the destination country.
Customs will contact the recipient to collect payment before the parcel can be delivered. It’s important that the recipient is aware that they may be required to pay customs fees and that you provide accurate contact information for them during the booking process.
If on the tracking you see that your parcel has been held in customs, contact the recipient to ensure they have been contacted by customs and if they haven't, get in touch with Parcel Monkey and we can contact the courier to resolve this.
Unfortunately, delays can occur in customs and there is sometimes nothing that can be done until they have taken the time to clear the goods for you. Parcel Monkey has no control over this and neither does the sender, so do let the recipient know that delays are possible.
As a courier reseller service, we do not have direct contact with customs, we liaise with the courier you booked through our quote engine to resolve any issues.
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