Customs Documentation Basics for Importers

Customs Documentation Basics for Importers

Customs Documentation Basics for Importers

Customs Documentation Basics for Importers




 




 




 

Customs documentation basics for importers

Usually, as an importer, you do not need to prepare any customs documentation except as a first time importer, you might be asked to complete a Power of Attorney to authorize FedEx to perform customs clearance on your behalf.

While your shipment is travelling, we will screen the paperwork & prepare customs clearance. Only if something is missing or incorrect, will we contact you to get the additional information required. In that case, your prompt reply will support timely clearance & delivery of your shipment.

Good to know: All customs documentation needs to be prepared by the exporter at origin and it is very important that the exporter completes the customs documentation correctly in order to ensure timely & accurate customs clearance

Your role, step by step, in the international shipping process

The role of the exporter

Step 1
Step 1
Step 1
alt
alt
alt

Step 1: The shipper will prepare the customs documentation

If it’s the first time you’re shipping internationally with FedEx: Make sure you have enabled Electronic Trade Documents® (ETD) to upload your documentation electronically. Don’t forget to send us your Power of Attorney (POA) to authorize us to perform customs clearance on your behalf.

If it’s the first time you’re shipping this type of goods: Make sure the goods you’re sending are allowed in the country/territory of destination. Identify the customs documentation that is required based on the destination country/territory and the type of goods being shipped.


Step 2
Step 2
Step 2

Step 2: The shipper will prepare the Air Waybill, schedule a pickup and upload the customs documentation

When preparing your shipment, you need to put a copy of your Air Waybill and three copies of the commercial invoice on the package.

Expert tip: You can save time and paper by uploading your customs documents when using FedEx Ship Manager®.

To upload and transmit your documents electronically (and avoid printing), simply enable ETD within FedEx Ship Manager.


alt
alt
alt
Step 3
Step 3
Step 3

Step 3: The shipper will print Air Waybill, Customs documentation and stick it on your shipment

Have your shipment picked up at your convenience.


The role of FedEx

Step 4
Step 4
Step 4
alt
alt
alt

Step 4: We will take care of Export Customs Clearance

We will guide the shipment through export customs clearance. We will only contact you if there is missing or incomplete paperwork.

Good to Know: It’s rare to encounter any export customs delay.


Step 5
Step 5
Step 5

Step 5: We will take care of your shipment in transit

We will take care of your shipment in transit.


Step 6
Step 6
Step 6

Step 6: We will take care of Import Customs Clearance

We will guide the shipment through import customs clearance.

We will only contact the recipient for the payment of duties & taxes and in the case of missing information (EORI number, Power of Attorney, incomplete product information, etc…).

Expert tip: The recipient needs to respond to any import issues quickly to ensure a timely delivery of the shipment.


The role of the importer

Step 7
Step 7
Step 7

Step 7: You will receive your shipment

The consignee will receive the shipment at the address completed on the Air Waybill.


Step 8
Step 8
Step 8

Step 8: You will need to pay for duties & taxes

Except if agreed differently with you, the consignee will need to pay for duties & taxes advanced by FedEx.

Good to know: Depending on the shipment’s value, the importer may need to pay duties & taxes before he can receive the shipment.


Complex customs clearance needs? We’ve got answers!

You need Other Government Agency Processing?

Certain commodities are regulated and controlled by a separate governmental agency and are subject to specific clearance processes. To accelerate the clearance of these types of shipments, FedEx can provide the necessary documentation to file the required information (paper or electronic) with the respective governmental agency. We will advance payment of charges to external Governmental Agencies on your behalf. The Agency charges and a FedEx processing fee will subsequently be invoiced to the payer.
 

You need In-Bond transit?

If you choose to use your own customs-clearance department or a brokerage company other than FedEx to clear your inbound shipments, we will charge a service fee to prepare the necessary transfer documentation. We will also move your inbound shipment from the point of arrival to a location you specify.

To find out more, discover all our ancillary clearance services or get in touch with your FedEx Sales Executive.
 

You need a Customized solution?

You can rely on our customs clearance specialist expertise to help you build the right solutions to your most complex customs needs.

Additional tips and customs resources

Calculator
Calculator
Calculator

Customs for exporters

See the steps that you and FedEx must take to help your goods clear customs smoothly.


Calculator
Calculator
Calculator

Document preparation

Everything you need to know about the essential documentation required to satisfy customs authorities.


Calculator
Calculator
Calculator

Sign up and save on shipping

Let’s keep your business moving. Whether you’re importing or exporting, sign up for a FedEx account now.