Required Documents

What holds up a shipment most is not distance but a missing paper. This page brings together what you will be asked for, before it surprises you at the crossing or the port.

Personal shipments and furniture

A copy of the sender’s national ID or residence permit.
A copy of the consignee’s passport or ID in the destination country.
A detailed contents list — do not write “household items”; list the items and their number.
Proof of residence or a visa in the destination country, where requested.
A full delivery address, with a local mobile number for the consignee.

Commercial shipments

The commercial invoice, with the true value of the goods.
The packing list, with weights, dimensions and number of packages.
The certificate of origin, where requested.
The importer’s commercial registration and tax number.
Any certificates of conformity or permits specific to the type of goods.

Procedures before departure

Reviewing the description of the goods and matching it to the actual contents.
Making sure the shipment contains no prohibited items.
Numbering the boxes and matching them to the list.
Photographing the contents before closing.

Procedures on arrival

Submitting the customs declaration, then inspection if requested, then payment of the charges due in the destination country, then release and delivery. Charges are paid in the destination country and vary with the type and value of the goods and each country’s rules.

Mistakes that recur

A vague general description in the contents list.
A consignee name in the documents that differs from the name on their ID.
Including items that need approvals in a personal shipment.
Declaring a value below the true one in the belief that it lowers the charges — which is what usually holds the shipment up.