All About Shipping Goods Abroad, It's Not Complicated!

Shipping goods abroad is a service for delivering documents and packages to other countries that are registered or within the reach of the courier service provider. 

This can certainly help friends who have businesses to expand internationally and have an international business network. Considering that the global market is now very open, and opportunities are increasing by utilizing online sales. 

But before doing so, friends must first understand the regulations and several things that need to be considered to ensure everything runs smoothly without obstacles. 

Things to consider before shipping goods abroad 

Before sending goods, it is advisable for friends to set a specific strategy. For example, starting expansion to neighboring countries first. 

Starting from countries in Southeast Asia, beginning with Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, and Thailand. Why should it be slow and gradual? 

This method allows friends to understand the ways and regulations regarding shipping goods abroad. After that, friends can evaluate from the many shipments, which country is the most complicated for shipping goods. 

Analyze the requirements and regulations that apply. Gather as much information as possible, as there may be some countries that limit the quantity or even prohibit certain types of goods. 

Then check whether the chosen courier can deliver the goods to the destination. This can be checked through the official website of the shipping and document courier service. 

Check prices 

Do not let the process of shipping your goods abroad be hindered by price issues. Friends can see the rates for sending packages from Indonesia to other countries. 

Usually, this can be seen through the official website of the courier service. Some other websites also often provide price checking services with a special "Calculator" to estimate rates based on the weight of the package or document and the shipping date. 

Now regarding the "Check Price" and "Calculator" features, they actually have different functions. The "check price" feature allows friends to see general prices for shipping packages or documents. Meanwhile, the "Calculator" feature can provide more detailed, specific, and accurate information about the costs that need to be paid. 

Once you are confident with your choice of courier service, friends can directly send the goods. No need to bother delivering goods to the courier office or warehouse, as some courier services provide a "Package Pickup" service from your residence. 

Shipping routes for packages abroad 

It is important for friends to know that international package delivery services always use two routes, namely by sea or air. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages. 

1. Shipping via sea 

Sending packages or documents via sea uses large cargo ships. Usually, goods will be sent and stored in large containers on the ship. 

These containers contain goods that will be shipped abroad, and the shipping costs will be much cheaper compared to air freight. Why is that? 

It should be noted that cargo ships will depart to send goods in large quantities, so it takes longer to wait until all goods are collected before the cargo ship departs to deliver goods to the destination country. 

2. Shipping via air 

For shipping packages via air, this uses airplanes to reach abroad. This type of package delivery is suitable for urgent needs. 

This means friends need the goods to arrive at the destination in a short time. Because, air shipping has a limited quantity without having to collect shipments until full. 

For air transport, there are flights every day. So it can go directly to the destination, but the price is certainly much higher. 

However, this shipping route has a drawback, which is that it cannot ship goods if the weight is too heavy. So it is only suitable for documents and lightweight items that are not easily damaged if left for too long. 

Shipping costs 

One question that often arises is "how much does it cost to ship abroad? Is it expensive to send goods abroad?" 

To answer such questions, the shipping costs for goods abroad actually depend on the policies of the courier service. 

Some couriers have interesting shipping service options. For example, there are discounts on shipping costs if using online services, or discounts if making payments via certain transfers or banks. 

Shipping costs also depend on the weight of the goods to be sent and the destination country. Therefore, before sending goods, utilize the "Check Price" feature on the shipping service website. 

Tax or customs fees 

Before sending goods, it is advisable for friends to find out about the regulations for sending goods to the destination country. Because each country has its own rules regarding maximum limits, tax fees, and customs duties on goods that will enter their country. 

However, it is not impossible that there are some goods or destination countries that are not subject to tax at all. It all depends on the goods being sent and the destination country. 

It is important to remember that for tax and customs fees on the goods sent, the recipient will bear the costs. So it is not the sender who will be charged the tax fees. 

Customs

The key to smooth customs handling during the shipping of goods is the accurate and complete filling of the invoice. Customs authorities need this data to assess the potential taxes and duties that will be imposed. 

It must be filled out correctly and according to the facts, so that there are no obstacles or even the goods could be seized and fail to be shipped.  

At least the data needed to fill out the tax and customs invoice includes information about the contents of the package and a description of the goods. 

These two pieces of data will facilitate customs authorities in understanding the goods being shipped. The description of the goods must explain the type of goods, what they are made of, and what they are used for (if applicable). This must be clear and explain all items included in the shipment.

Then there is the tariff code that is useful for classifying goods so that customs authorities know what taxes, duties, and controls may apply.

Then accurately state the value of the shipped goods. Even if the goods are samples, gifts, or returns, they still have a value of at least the production cost. The value must be as accurate as possible. If customs questions the valuation of the goods, it could cause delays or even fines. One further tip, declare the value of the goods in the currency you specify on the invoice.

Then there is the country of origin data. This data explains where the goods were produced. It may differ from the origin of the goods being shipped. 

In certain cases, a Certificate of Origin may be required where the goods were produced. For more information about the Certificate of Origin, friends can contact the "Chamber of Commerce and Industry" in the sending country. 

There is also the need to fill out the correct Incoterms if necessary. Friends must fill out the Sales Terms (Incoterms) on each commercial invoice. 

Incoterms® 2010 is a globally recognized standard established by the International Chamber of Commerce. They allow customs authorities to identify the owner of the shipment at any time during its journey. 

Author: Dinno Baskoro