How to make sure your parcels get where they're going

Whether it's urgent business documents, important visa documentation or a lovingly crafted gift box from your Grandma, it's always a terrible thing when a package doesn't arrive as it should. International shipping can feel a bit intimidating when you're just getting started, but with a little guidance, you can be confident your items will arrive quickly and in top condition.

Understanding shipping restrictions

Every logistics service provider will tell you that this depends on the country. Be sure to check any restrictions for both the sending and receiving countries before you send out your package.

Besides the rules that vary by country, there are some items that are always prohibited or restricted from shipping, mainly because they can pose a fire risk. Prohibited items include:

• Loose batteries
• Power banks
• Aerosols
• Electronic devices combined with liquids or gels, like an electric toothbrush alongside toothpaste 

Other items are restricted, including:

• Perishable goods. These are typically meat and dairy products, but the definition can also depend on the country
• Jewellery (up to a certain value)
• Electronic devices (especially those with lithium batteries)

These shipping restrictions are particularly important to know for gifts and souvenirs that you might be sending around the world. Sending stroopwafels is one thing, but cheese is another. Don't let your gift basket get stopped at the border because of a restricted item.

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Proper packaging

While delivery companies always ship your package with care, some types of parcels are better suited for long-distance travel than others. To ensure that your shipment arrives quickly and in the best possible condition, here are some practical tips for packing your shipment correctly.

• Pack the goods in sturdy packaging with appropriate dimensions.
• Keep the space between the contents and the packaging as small as possible and fill the space with sufficient filling material. Packages with too little filling may collapse, and an overfilled package may burst.
• If the box is very large, cut the sides to match the size of the content and additional filling material, and fold them shut. This makes for sturdier packaging. 

Clearing customs made easy

The word "customs" might sound a bit daunting if you’re new to shipping. When does a shipment go through customs? And when does the sender or receiver need to pay duties or taxes, and how much will that be? Thankfully, it’s much simpler than it sounds.

In general, goods are subject to customs duty, while documents are exempt. But this can vary depending on the country. For example, in the Bahamas, a photo is a document and not liable to duty, but the same photo will incur duties in Argentina. 

The European Union, duties and taxes 

Shipping within the European Union means that customs is typically not involved. But when you’re shipping goods to or from destinations outside the EU (such as the UK, Switzerland or Norway), duties and/or taxes might apply.

This depends on various factors, such as the country, the value and the type of goods. Normally, it’s the receiver who pays duties and/or taxes, unless the shipper has offered to pay these costs. But you don’t need a crash course in customs. Make sure you are clear and honest with your logistics service provider about what you are shipping and its value, and their expertise will ensure you can ship hassle-free.