Customs Information

If you are sending shipments outside of the European Union (EU) which are not documents, they have to be accompanied by a commercial invoice. We have based the following guidelines on the majority of worldwide customs regulations, but these can vary depending on the country, and they can also change without notice. So, if you think there may be a special requirement for the country you’re sending your shipment to, just tell our local Customer Service department and they’ll check it out for you. And, of course, if anything else is unclear, call them – they’re waiting to help!

– Sender’s name and address.
– The word ‘invoice’ (‘Proforma’ invoices are not acceptable).
– Name and address of the importer. (Please note, the receiver may be a different person or company to the importer.)
– Date of invoice.
-Invoice number.

Quantity of each item of goods supplied. Full description of each item of goods supplied. (Catalogue numbers or part numbers will not do as Customs want to know what each item actually is) The total value of goods covered by the invoice. This must at least be the intrinsic value of the goods. Don’t use the terms ‘value for customs purposes only’ or ‘customs invoice’. Make sure you make it clear what currency you’re using when you give the value of the goods. Specify the country of origin (i.e. where the goods were manufactured) of each type of goods being sent. Give gross and net weights of the goods covered by the invoice, together with the number of items consigned for carriage. The packaging material will make up the difference between the gross and net weights Include the following statement: “We certify that this invoice shows the full value of the goods and that no further invoice will be issued”.

How to Choose Provider?

Consider all reputable international mail service providers, whether private companies, foreign or domestic postal authorities

Consider their experience: How long have they been in business? Are they familiar with my industry & type of mail? Can they provide references?

Consider their size & scope: Are they big enough to handle my needs, do they have global coverage, are they a stable company? Will they give my account personal attention?

Consider their reputation: Can they stand behind their service quality, do they have a loyal following of customers, can they provide transit studies, are they recognized by trade organizations & other industry sources?

Consider their knowledge: Do they understand the unique requirements of your industry, business or specific mailing? Do they recommend alternative methods? Do they discuss the handling of undeliverable mail? Are they well informed of foreign postal regulations & matters that can affect delivery, such as foreign address formats/hygiene?

Develop a flexible foreign address database, with sufficient field lengths, multiple address lines, & separate postal code field. Consult industry reference material to meet the individual requirements of largest destination countries utilize the services of companies specializing in foreign address hygiene for file cleansing (generally 10,000 + records)

Country name must appear separately on last line of address, in CAPITAL letters

Postal code field must be alpha and numeric (i.e. Canada, United Kingdom)

Test your foreign address output prior to production in the format to be mailed (label, polywrap, window envelop, carrier sheet, etc.)

Return address should be country of origin or omitted.

Mail Preparation and Sorting:

Ask the international mail service about the impact on price & service, based on item weight. Foreign postal authority weight/rate breaks are mainly metric (i.e. 20, 50, 100 grams) & not ounces.

Consider the foreign market culture & practices Ask the international mail service provider about the impact on price & service, based on item size. Foreign postal authority size restrictions may be different than domestic. Consider the foreign market culture & mailing practices

Ask the international mail service provider about the impact on price & service, if you are able to sort the mailing by individual country, city, or specific postal code. Very often, this can by done at database level with the sort integrity maintained through production & packing.

Ask the international mail service provider about the impact on price & service, if you are able to preprint a permit or indicia on all or a portion of the mail items. Ask the international mail service provider for input regarding the design of your mail piece, including color, language & copy. Global providers can often offer expertise from the foreign market to review & comment

Determine how many parties will be involved in moving your mail from pick up to end destination country or city Determine if the international mail service provider has measures to monitor movement of mail at all stages of the journey, to end destination Determine if the international mail service provider has means for proactive communication of delivery delays & contingency plan for problems

Determine if the international mail service provider has delivery time standards & mechanism for routine checking of performance against standard.

Determine if the international mail service provider is accessible via toll free national Customer Service, web site, email & responsive local representation & management

Determine if the international mail service provider has procedures to ensure service quality

Find out its assistance is available with other elements of direct marketing supply chain:
Media choice, List acquisition, Database management/address hygiene, Ad agency mail piece/catalog
design, Translation/copy Printing/hybrid mail Letter shop and International mailing.

Commodity Information

Call us at +65 65421109