How to ship internationally?

Envíos internacionales

International shipments are by definition more complicated than domestic shipments: they involve a greater number of risks and face stricter regulations and customs control.

 

Everything you need to know about shipping internationally

 

These are the most important aspects to consider when shipping internationally from Spain:

  • Shipping costs. Sending your parcels abroad entails higher costs, but with smart planning and hiring the right carrier, it will be cost-effective.
  • Bureaucracy. The paperwork required for an international shipment requires more preparation time. More on this in the next section.
  • Insurance. International shipments have a greater chance of loss or damage to the goods, so it may be worthwhile to insure them above a certain value of the order.
  • The right carrier. This is the most important factor to make the whole process as easy as possible and guarantee on-time delivery to the end customer. With Noatum Logistics’ Global Trade Management services you can improve the efficiency of your operations and cash flow by optimising the entire international trade lifecycle.

International shipping and customs

 

The documentation required for international shipments can be extremely confusing. The decision of the customs authorities regarding import duties on the goods being shipped depends to a large extent on the completion of these documents.

 

The following documents are required for your shipments outside the European Union.

 

Forms CN22 and CN23

 

Customs forms CN22 and CN23 contain detailed information such as what items are included in the shipment, what their value is, who the sender and recipient are…

  • The CN22 is used for parcels up to 2 kg and up to 425€ in value.
  • The CN23 is required for parcels between 2 and 20 kg with a value of 425€ or above.

 

Commercial Invoice

 

Only required for shipments outside the European Union. The Commercial Invoice is a mandatory customs document that includes information about the contents of the package and the agreed terms, such as Incoterms.

 

Incoterms are a set of standardised international agreements for the carriage of goods that serve as a contract between the seller and the buyer and describe all the tasks, risks and costs associated with commercial transactions:

  • Who is responsible for shipping costs, insurance, import and customs costs.
  • Who is responsible for transport and to where.
  • At what point the risks and costs of delivery pass from the seller to the buyer.

 

It is generally required to enclose three copies of the commercial invoice, one for the country you are exporting from, one for the country you are shipping to and one for the consignee.

 

HS Code (HS Code)

 

HS tariff codes will help your package avoid problems and delays at customs. This harmonised system uses codes composed of at least six digits that are internationally recognised in most countries of the world.

Their function is to describe the contents of the package: whether it is food, furs, medicines, etc.

 

EORI number

 

The EORI or Economic Operators Registration and Identification number is used to track and record customs information. This code must be requested from the Tax Agency, and identifies the EU company importing or exporting to countries outside the EU. The EORI is usually attached to the commercial invoice, and sometimes to the CN22 and CN23 forms.