If you're sending an item internationally, inputting the right information when filling out your customs form is crucial. If you don't, your package may not make it through your destination country's customs department, and your recipient won't receive it 😅
To help you avoid that situation, we've put together some best practices for filling out customs forms below.
Be as detailed as possible in your description
Details Matter: If your customs form isn't detailed enough, your destination country's customs department may return the package to you. So, the more detailed you can make your customs form, the better off you'll be!
For instance, if you're sending a pair of shoes, don't just enter "Shoes" in the customs field. Instead, enter "Size 12 Nike Air Jordan 1 Mid sneakers" 😉
Examples of unacceptable vs acceptable descriptions
For some examples of unacceptable (generic) descriptions of items versus acceptable (specific) descriptions, see this table:
Unacceptable Description | Acceptable Description |
Appliances | Stainless steel 4-slice toaster |
Book | Robinson Crusoe hardcover book |
Clothes | 100% cotton men's medium T-shirt |
Musical instruments | Dreadnought six-string acoustic guitar |
Toys | Packaged superhero plastic action figure |
Add a separate line item for each item in the shipment
Different Lines for Different Items: Every item in your package needs to have its separate line item in your customs form. This way, you don't combine any items in a single description field.
For instance, if you're sending a pair of socks along with the Air Jordan shoes we mentioned above, you'll need a line item for the shoes and a separate one for the socks.
Here's where to add a line item:
Enter a Harmonization # for your product(s)
Harmonization Numbers: Countries use harmonization codes to classify products and assign import duties and tariffs. You can find your item's harmonization number by clicking on this button and following the prompts on the website it leads to:
Harmonization Codes are Required Sometimes: Some countries require these codes, and others don't. While entering a Harmonization code isn't necessary for shipping to every overseas destination, it's good to get in the habit of including one so that other countries' customs departments have as much information as possible when receiving your shipments 👍
Include a purchase invoice in your package
Purchase Invoices: One last way to provide sufficient information to customs departments is to include a purchase invoice for the products inside your package, that way they can take an immediate look into what kind of product was shipped.
While it's technically not required to include a purchase invoice, it's encouraged to help remove any questions from the customs process and speed up processing times 💪
A good (and bad) example of a customs forms
Below are two examples of customs forms for sending a men's t-shirt that is 100% cotton, weighs 5 ounces, and is valued at $10.
Example 1: Correct
Detailed Description: In this example, notice how we entered a detailed description of the type of shirt we are sending. We offered as much information as we could, including the kind of material used, as well as the gender specified (a men's t-shirt).
Example 2: Incorrect
Lack of Detail: The difference in this example is that we simply entered "Shirt" in the item description field, instead of providing a detailed description of the item. We also failed to include a Harmonization number.
Contact ARRrrr Support Crew if ye need a helping hook
Any questions about filling out customs forms, Matey? Click the blue chat button to get in touch with our Support Crew or email us at support@pirateship.com - we're here for ya 😃