Want a simple, efficient and automated international shipping solution that helps reduce customs delays? Read on.

Have you ever had a shipment get held in customs due to incorrect or missing paperwork? If you ship internationally, you’ll know the challenges of managing customs and trade documents. Getting the right documents is critical for smooth shipping.
 

Shipping solutions to streamline business
Errors or missing information in your shipping documents can be costly to your business because they cause delays, fail to meet your customers’ expectations of delivery and more.

There are some basic steps you can take to ensure everything is sent and received at the correct time. Here’s a quick overview of the important documentation you need 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.