Customs

✅ Why this step prevents shipment delays, fines, and surprise fees

Your product may be ready to ship—but is it ready to cross borders?

Customs and tariffs affect how your product is classified, taxed, and allowed into each destination country. This step ensures you’ve prepared the right documentation, codes, and declarations to avoid delays, seizures, or costly duties. It’s essential for global fulfilment—especially when shipping at scale or using third-party logistics.

📘 What you’ll prepare

  • Harmonised System (HS) code for your product
  • Country-specific import tariffs, fees, and duty classifications
  • Required export/import paperwork (e.g. commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin)
  • Licensing or compliance restrictions in certain regions
  • Handling of taxes like VAT, GST, or customs processing fees

🛠️ Tools and methods

  • HS Code Lookup

    Use national or international databases to classify your product correctly.

  • Country Import Rules Review

    Check if your destination country has restrictions, certifications, or banned materials.

  • Tariff & Duty Calculator

    Estimate landed cost using origin country, HS code, declared value, and incoterms.

  • Export Documentation Package

    Include commercial invoice, harmonised code, origin statement, and product description.

  • Broker or 3PL Coordination

    Work with customs brokers or freight providers to pre-clear shipments.

⚠️ What to watch for

  • Incorrect HS codes. Misclassification can lead to overpayment or seized goods.
  • Unclear declared value. Undervaluing may trigger penalties—overvaluing increases duties.
  • Missing compliance papers. Products with CE, FCC, or restricted materials may need extra documents.
  • No tax handling plan. Know who pays VAT or GST on arrival—especially for D2C orders.

💡 From international shipping teams

“We were hit with a 20% tariff on launch because our product was misclassified. Once we corrected the HS code, we saved over £15,000 in landed costs.”

– Fulfilment & Export Manager, Smart Devices Startup

💡 Tariff codes affect everything from price to speed. Review them with a customs advisor—not just Google.

🔗 Helpful links & resources

✍️ Quick self-check

  • Do we have an accurate HS code for every product and variant?
  • Have we checked tariffs, VAT, and destination fees for our top markets?
  • Are all export documents ready, complete, and accurate?
  • Is someone in our team or 3PL responsible for customs compliance?

🎨 Visual concept (optional)

Illustration: A customs shipment folder with key documents: “Commercial Invoice”, “HS Code 8471.60”, “Country of Origin: UK”. A map highlights tariff zones and import fees. A team member checks a customs dashboard with alerts: “AU – Certificate of Origin required”, “US – 3.1% duty”.

Visual shows how customs and tariffs directly impact shipping time, cost, and compliance—and why getting it right prevents costly delays.
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