Despite the fact that we live in the 21st century, our technologies still do not allow us to master teleportation. No matter how sad it sounds. And therefore, every order that a person on the other side of the planet should receive must be sent by post. Of course, we hope that soon everyone will be able to send papers, gifts to loved ones and other parcels in just one instant. However, at the moment, while this ability is not available, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the list of papers that you must have to send international parcels by post.
Papers and Rules That Guarantee the Safety of Delivery
Probably everyone has used the services of such companies like FedEx, DHL, and USPS at least once. These mail services deliver parcels worldwide and are one of the most popular companies in the global logistics market. Therefore, if you have a branch of these companies in your city and you decide to use it, it is best to learn about the list of necessary documents on their website in addition to this article.
It is necessary to realize that the following list of papers is basic, but, each delivery service can independently make changes to it. In addition, there are a lot of different legislative rules, tax norms and customs requirements, both from the country of the sender and the country of the recipient, which must also be taken into account.
By the way, it is often necessary to provide documents in English as well as in the language of the country you are sending your shipping to. The best way to avoid mistakes and do it quickly is to use business translation services, for example, PickWriters. In a case all your documents are properly designed and translated, you will never have problems with customs and the likelihood of delays will be decreased significantly.
The Necessary Papers to Send a Commodity by Shipping
A Certificate of Order Completion
Such a document is necessary so that the delivery service clearly understands all the nuances of the package. This paper contains the following information:
- Data about the sender and receiver;
- Characteristics of the shipped cargo;
- Cost of a commodity.
This document confirms the validity of the purchase and sale operation and is issued at checkout.
Invoice
This document displays all the monetary characteristics of the goods sent – its value, as well as data about who pays for the product itself. The invoice is a confirmation of the value of the commodity and is also necessary for the recipient as confirmation of costs and their inclusion in the tax base. And payment for the commodity is made directly according to this paper. The invoice includes such data as:
- Order number;
- Cost of a commodity;
- Seller’s personal data;
- Buyer’s personal information;
- Cost (if included) of shipping.
Packing List
This paper is necessary both for shipping within the country and abroad. Therefore, the form of the list can be familiar to you. However, that paper contains a little more information that is necessary for shipping in another country. This paper is necessary for a quick check of goods, as well as in order to avoid problems at customs. Also, this paper is necessary for a clear understanding of the location of a particular product in the package. This greatly facilitates the task during checkup shipping and unscheduled inspections. The list contains data about each item that was packaged in this parcel. This paper indicates the total weight of the parcel, the size of each product, as well as its weight. This is necessary for a quick check both in the United States and abroad.
Delivery Note
This document enables the forwarding service to understand all the features of the package. Thanks to the delivery note, the service will know the necessary conditions for the maintenance and transportation of the parcel. The delivery note records the presence of any dangerous components in the product. For example, it can be the presence of highly inflammable substances in the composition of the product. The delivery note contains basic contact data (about the addressee and recipient) as well. You have to know that the delivery note may differ depending on the type of carriage of the commodity.
Credit Letter (Guarantee Letter)
This document is a guarantee for the supplier and is issued by the bank. It obliges the customer to pay the amount after the parcel has been received (or on any other conditions that were agreed in writing prior to shipment) that was set in advance. In case of a violation of the agreement, this letter is a guarantor of receiving money for a commodity from the bank that issued this guarantee.
Product Document
To make a shipping company accept a cargo of own production, it will most likely be necessary to provide a decision of The International Chamber of Commerce. This is necessary to confirm safety during transportation, as well as during customs clearance. The certificate must meet the conditions of the country in which the delivery is made. Otherwise, in the absence of a document, the goods may be returned back to the sender. Properly prepare and indicate all the nuances of the product, make it unbeatable, as well as make sure to localize your product before sending it to a foreign country.
Compound Delivery Note
This document is necessary if several different types of transport will be involved in the shipment of goods (for example, starting from the air delivery, and then transferring the parcel by the railway to the end destination). This document will contain all the same data as a regular delivery note (weight, size, product specification, data of the sender and recipient), but also there should be the data on how to carry and send this product by different of transport, in order to adjust the operation of services.
Summing Up
So, sending parcels around the world is a rather troublesome task. Of course, when it becomes a habit and you are already well versed in compiling all types of invoices and other important papers for sending goods, it becomes much easier. We kindly advise you to always double-check all the important information!
