Things To Consider When Sending A Parcel For International Shipping

Sending a parcel via delivery and courier services is a great and convenient way to make things reach destinations that are far away. A lot of service providers offer delivery and courier services internationally. Such services make the task easy for the sender and receiver by ensuring timely and safe delivery of items. Whether for the professional or personal reason, all parcels are included in these services. However, before packing and sending the item you wish to send to someone, you should check for country particular rules and regulations. For example, Africa parcel delivery services are subject to many rules that are not prevalent in other places. Here are the most common considerations that should not be overlooked when shipping parcels internationally:

• Check for paperwork

Sending parcels internationally requires a lot of detailed paperwork. It is important that your documentation is in order when you send the parcel abroad. Depending on the item being sent, these may include custom-clearance forms, tax declaration forms, total goods value, details on the duty paid, a complete list of packed items etc. An omission of any of the required document might lead to delays or rejection of the parcel at international borders or custom clearance offices. Therefore, you should pay special attention to this aspect.

• Check for the official list of prohibited items

Depending on where lied, where you want to send the parcel and which mode of transport will be used, different rules and regulations may apply to the items you send. Therefore, it is prudent to check for the official list of prohibited items. While explosives and flammable objects are not authorised in almost every country, certain countries serviced by Africa parcel delivery services also prohibit parcels containing prison-made goods, local currencies and stamp collections.

• Check for gifting regulations

It is a great idea to send a token of love or remembrance to your special friends or family members. However, it is advisable that you check the details regarding various rules and regulations that govern gifts in specific countries. Apparently simple things might be a problem for international shipping. For example, perfumes are very commonly given as gifts but they won’t be accepted for international shipping because they are flammable. Similarly, you might not feel that a box of special cookies poses any danger but it might be screened for biosafety and biohazards at some places.

Another thing to be kept in mind is that depending on the value of the gift you send, it may be eligible for tax-free status or reduction in duty. In many countries that are covered under Africa parcel delivery services, a gift exemption per shipment is applicable. You should check such details with the delivery company.

International shipping seems to be a daunting task because of the detailed paperwork and a lot of rules and regulations related with it. However, by keeping some important points in mind, the process can be made convenient and hassle-free. Choosing a trusted delivery company that has enough experience in international shipping, is of utmost importance.