If you sell or send items overseas, then you have likely had to fill out a customs form or two. As a company that does this, you might have seen the dreaded phrase “held at customs,” which can cause serious disruption to your business and can prevent clients from getting what they need. Keep reading to get tips on how to prevent this issue. Remember to also check out your mailing options from Square One Business Machines.
These Are the Packages That Will Require a Customs Form
If you send a package to an international destination, you will need to fill out a customs declaration form, otherwise known as a customs postage form. You will also have to do this even if you are sending something to a United States territory or a military base, in some instances. The main exception to this rule is first-class mail that weighs less than one pound – it does not require a customs declaration in most cases.
Understanding the Purpose of a Customs Form
One of the easiest ways to assure you are filing the form out correctly is to fully understand what its purpose is. It is a form that declares what is in the package and its value. It also acknowledges that you, the sender, has followed international shipping laws. This form is attached to the package so that the receiving country can validate it and determine if additional duties or taxes apply.
What to Include on a Customs Form
The goal here is to avoid having anything held up in customs. You will need much of the same information you need when you are sending something domestically: the name and address of the recipient, the weight and dimensions of the package you are sending, the date it is being sent, the invoice number, and payment terms.
However, you will also need to add additional information such as how many items are included, a description of each of them, and the value of each of them.
Common Mistakes on Customs Forms
There are a few issues that are more likely than others to cause a hold at customs. The top reason is an incomplete form, which you can easily avoid by making sure that you are filling out the forms in their entirety. Another common reason involves unpaid duties or taxes. Unless you have prepaid these, the recipient is responsible for paying them, and the amounts will be different from one country to another.
There are also certain items that are prohibited from being sent internationally. You should review the list of items that cannot be shipped internationally, including country-specific restrictions. If you have questions about how to get your mailing center set up, contact Square One Business Machines at (972) 370-3664 for help.
