Here’s how simple, efficient and automated international shipping solutions make it possible to reduce customs delays.

Have you ever had a shipment get held in customs due to incorrect or missing paperwork?
 

Delivery delays because of this, is more common than you think, and is costly for small and medium businesses like yours because it hinders your ability to meet customers' need for hyper-convenience. This then impacts their shipping experience and business loyalty.

But fret not, there are ways you can ensure everything is sent and received at the right time. Firstly, it’s knowing what are the important documentations needed for General Declaration when shipping internationally:

Commercial invoices
Your commercial invoice is one of the most important documents. You need this invoice to send products internationally as the document details who you are selling to or buying from and the commercial value. Avoid possible errors due to legibility of physical writings and transmit your customs documentation electronically ahead of your shipment with FedEx^® Electronic Trade Documents.

Packing List
Your Packing List typically accompanies your commercial invoice and provides a clear document stating which products are packed and how they’re packed. This saves time in customs during the inspection process.

Other important documentation

Your Packing Declaration and your Certificate of Origin are other basic documents to keep in mind along with your General Declarations.

Send ahead to avoid headaches
There’s an easier way. Thanks to FedEx Electronic Trade Documents, you can enjoy a faster and simpler customs clearance process that doesn’t rely on physical documents.

Here’s why digitized customs processes make sense:

1. Uploading the documents electronically allows time for preclearance assistance if needed
   
   
2. Avoiding delays at customs improves your shipping reliability and reputation
   
   
3. Digital forms take less time to fill and organize, leaving more headroom to focus on other tasks
   
   
4. There’s no more physical invoice attached to shipments that might reveal what's inside, meaning less risk of theft.
   
   

Streamlined imports and exports
When you submit your trade documents electronically, they are received much earlier than paper documents. This means that if you accidentally miss any information, you’ll be notified much earlier, reducing the chance of delays to your shipment’s arrival.

Anyone can get comfortable with FedEx Electronic Trade Documents: simply upload your own documents or use FedEx generated trade documents. You can even customize the paperwork on your documents by uploading your company letterhead and signature image.

Smarter shipping solutions
Get ahead of the customs game with step-by-step instructions on using FedEx Electronic Trade Documents. It seamlessly integrates with FedEx Ship Manager^TM at fedex.com. Find out how you can streamline your shipping in enabling electronic upload today.