Occasionally receives online shop orders from overseas? Shipping goods from Hong Kong to international destinations can be a daunting task, but fear not! ePlus is here to share 5 essential international logistics tips for global shipping. They are shipping cost caculation, commercial invoice handling, custom clearance & tax handling, additional shipping items and prohibited items. From navigating complex logistics procedures to ensuring smooth delivery to your overseas customers, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to expand your business and reach customers worldwide!
International Logistics: 1. Shipping Cost Calculation
Logistics companies generally use every 0.5kg as a billing weight unit. The decimal portion will be rounded up to the nearest 0.5kg. For example, if a package weighs 0.6kg, the billing weight will be 1kg. The first weight and subsequent weight are based on a first weight of 0.5kg (or a minimum weight), with each additional 0.5kg being considered a subsequent weight. If the goods weigh less than 0.5kg, they will still be charged as 0.5kg. The cost of the initial weight is usually higher than that of the subsequent weight. Online store owners should note that logistics companies usually calculate shipping costs based on the actual weight or volumetric weight of the package (whichever is larger). The volumetric weight calculation method for international parcels is: (Length x Width x Height) in centimeters ÷ 5000.
International Logistics: 2. Commercial Invoice
For all non-document shipments, such as goods with commercial value or taxable items, a commercial invoice must be provided. The invoice should include the name of the goods, unit price, quantity, and order total value, etc., so that overseas buyers can receive the goods, pay taxes and duties according to the information on the commercial invoice. Providing a complete invoice can ensure a smoother customs clearance process and minimize the risk of delay in delivery to the destination.
International Logistics: 3. Customs Clearance and Taxes
Custom clearance is a common term in international shipping, which refers to the procedures required by the local customs when goods are transported to another country, such as inspection, declaration, examination, and duty collection. Customs usually determine the amount of taxes and clearance procedures required based on the shipping location, the value, purpose, type, and quantity of the goods. For example, shipping sensitive goods (such as battery products, food, etc.) requires more rigorous inspections, and the custom clearance time is longer. Therefore, online shop owners need to pay attention to the shipping status of their packages and inform overseas customers of the expected delivery time of their orders. As for taxes, all taxes derived from mail, unless specified to be paid by the sender, are generally the responsibility of the recipient to pay.
International Logistics: 4. Additional Fees
International shipments involve higher shipping costs than local ones. In addition to the basic shipping fee, logistics companies may also charge fuel surcharges (adjusted periodically based on the US Gulf Coast (USGC) Jet Fuel Price Index), remote area delivery fees, specific pickup time fees, address correction fees, etc. Since each company has different additional charges, the items subject to additional fees are also wide-ranging. Online store owners should include the required additional fees in their calculations before sending their packages to avoid going over budget.
International Logistics: 5. Prohibited Items for International Shipping
Besides custom clearance , we will need to be aware of international express delivery prohibits items such as dangerous goods, flammable goods, liquids, cash, etc. Some countries also prohibit or restrict the transportation of other items, so senders should check the regulations of the destination before shipping.
Courier company policies and fees are frequently revised. Online store owners must understand the details and fees of different services before sending their packages. For shop owners who choose e+Solutions’ one-stop e-commerce logistics service, they can specify their preferred courier company and service for each shipping order. Our logistics assistants will arrange and follow up on your behalf to ensure that your goods are safely delivered to your overseas customers, saving you time and effort in handling international logistics!
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Encountering any e-Commerce logistics troubles? e+Solutions can help you! From goods storage and management, handling and packaging, to arranging last-mile, we can meet all your logistics needs while allowing you to operate an online store easily!
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