When sending goods abroad, let us help you reduce time at the border.
Variations in regulations mean that exporting can differ from country to country. Ensure that you are fully aware of licensing, special provisions and restricted and prohibited goods in the country you are shipping to.
Getting the required documents in advance is vital if you want to avoid hold-ups at the border. Be sure to include all necessary information on your commercial invoice, since this is how customs authorities will classify and process your shipment.
International shipments are often liable to import duties and taxes but that doesn’t mean you have to be caught out by them. Since these vary according to the destination and the shipment value, make sure you are fully aware of what you or the receiver will have to pay.
Customs usually need to verify the origin and destination of your shipment. Our database automatically validates addresses, meaning you know in advance if it will be possible for your goods to reach their final destination.
A complete and comprehensive commercial invoice is vital if you want to pass through customs smoothly. Creating a digital commercial invoice on myTNT or downloading a template from our site will speed up the process.
Your shipment doesn’t disappear once it leaves the country so you should still be able to see where it is at all times. Track & Trace lets you locate your shipment worldwide and informs you of when we expect it to arrive at its destination.
Shipping to certain countries is affected by export controls based on the type of goods. Don't get caught out.
Hold-ups at customs can cause delays to your shipment and cost you money. Use our local expertise to limit the risk.
We do not accept consignments to or from individuals or organisations listed as a denied party. Check to see who is a denied party before shipping.
Our import services take the hassle out of bringing shipments from abroad as an importer.
Learn what is required in terms of export controls, international sanctions or safety and security concerns before you ship.
International freight is liable for fuel surcharges based on the origin and destination country of each shipment.
Incoterms are a globally recognised standard that let customs authorities identify the owner of a shipment at every moment of its journey. Find out more
Take advantage of our local knowledge and up to the minute expertise, so your shipments never get unnecessarily delayed.
Due to new customs regulations, starting August 25th 2016, a company's VAT/TAX ID number (CUIT or CUIL or CDI in Argentina) will be required for clearance of goods into Argentina.
Please ensure the receiver VAT/TAX ID number is included on the connote or commercial invoice in order to clear courier shipments from Argentina Customs. Shipments without this information will not be cleared by Customs, and held until the correct paperwork is received and may incur surcharges. Any shipment not cleared will be returned to origin, with the sender incurring further surcharges.
Mandatory Requirement for Receiver's Tax ID
The requirement of a valid TAX ID is mandatory in Brazil for inbound shipments subject to Simplified Clearance (Express/Courier). Lack of this information will result in Brazilian Customs requesting the shipment to be returned to origin automatically.
TAX ID in Brazil is called CNPJ (for companies) and CPF (for individuals) and should be shown on all relevant paperwork. In addition to the TAX ID, it is important that the receiver's contact information is provided:
- Contact name
- Telephone number / fax number
- Email address
Requirements for Rubber Band Imports
Customs regulations state that rubber bands/toys (HS tariff code: 95030095) must be labelled with CE certification and a safety data sheet provided. Non-compliant consignments will to be returned to origin.
Lithium Batteries Customs Clearance Restrictions for Private Individuals
Due to restrictions on lithium batteries or items containing lithium batteries (e.g. laptops, mobile phones), these items are classed under "General Cargo" instead of "Express" which results in the clearance taking place at the cargo terminal.
Consignments cleared in the cargo terminal attract costs and delays not generally associated with an express clearance.
Private individuals must have an Import Export Code (IEC) to facilitate customs clearance in the cargo terminal.
Requirements for Customs Know Your Customer (KYC) Process
Import customs clearance will require the importer to provide Know Your Customer (KYC) documents and authorization (POA). KYC are documents required for establishing the identity of the consignee. Import clearance will not be able to proceed until all these documents have been obtained.
Radiation Screening on Goods from India
It is now mandatory for all shipments originating from or manufactured in India to undergo radiation screening at Beirut Airport. These new screening processes will continue until further notice and could result in increased transit times.
Customs Update
Customs clearance must be complete within 20 working days from arrival. Shipments not cleared after this time will be considered as abandoned by customs.
Shipments must be accompanied with an original consignment note and commercial invoice, no digital images or copies are allowed. The commercial invoice must be signed in blue ink.
Shipments are not permitted to be returned to origin.
The importation of food, beverages, medicines and cosmetics will only be allowed when the consignee has applied for permission from the Ministry of Public Health.
The importation of shipments containing items of animal or vegetable origin will only be allowed when the consignee has applied for permission from the Ministry of Agriculture. The original Phytosanitary certificate must accompany the shipment.
The importation of cell phones and accessories, SIM cards, GPS devices and any other device transmitting micro waves will only be allowed when the consignee has applied for permission from the Coordinator Institute of the Telecommunications (TELCOR)
Shipments sent as documents must only contain documents. If the shipment contains anything else, for example brochures, magazines, catalogues, compact discs, USB memory, pre-printed forms etc., then a commercial invoice must accompany the goods to enable customs clearance.
Document Requirements
The following changes have been made to customs regulations in Oman:
The HS code and country of origin of the goods must be stated on the commercial invoice. A penalty is imposed if this information is missing, based on the value of the invoice or EUR 500 (whichever is greater).
* The value threshold that the invoice and certificate of origin are required to be legalised by the relevant authorities in the country of origin is now USD 2600. Alternatively a penalty fee of USD 65 can be paid if the shipper cannot legalise the documents.
Import Accreditation
Importers in the Philippines receiving more than 2 shipments a year with an invoice value greater than US$500 must have a valid iCARE/AMO accreditation with the Bureau of Internal Revenue. If importers do not hold a valid accreditation then consignments will be held until they have received their accreditation which may take up to 2 months.
Customs Requirements for Import Shipments.
Russian customs require the following information to be included on invoices:
* Manufacturer name
* Country of origin
* Indication of trademarks
Invoices without this information could be delayed due to customs inspections.
When you are exporting to or importing from Vietnam please include the VAT number of the sender (exports) and receiver (imports) on any customs paperwork including bills and invoices to avoid any clearance delays. If you’re booking online, please also add this into the TNT system you are booking through.