How to Ship Packages Internationally

Navigating how to ship internationally as a business can be tricky, with almost every individual country having unique importing laws and regulations. Here, we detail the legalities around how to ship a package internationally, with information about customs and taxes, commonly restricted and prohibited items and what to factor into your budget.

What to Consider When Shipping Internationally

1.      Timing and Target Demographics

There are many reasons for expanding your eCommerce, B2B, or any other business overseas but it is vital that you make sure the time is right. A few signs exist that can provide you with added confidence that now is an appropriate time to offer international shipping:

• Untapped markets: If the domestic market has become crowded, finding an untapped one that is a lot sparser can mean now is the best time to enter it. First-mover advantage avoids the threat of competition.
• Climate advantages: There could be a real increase for your sector in a particular region that provides a great climate for entering the international market. Plus, certain countries may even encourage international business through government grants, lower taxes, and more.
• Increasing brand awareness: Success on a domestic level will create greater brand awareness both at home and abroad. This can drive demand overseas and make moving into a market abroad much easier, just try and gauge how many requests you’re receiving online from other countries.

2.      Customs Clearance

Firstly, check the customs requirements of the country where you want to send goods. This can highlight any legal obligations as well as preferential arrangements where you can benefit from reduced or nil rates of duty. With many of these, you may have to prove the origin of the goods, with the correct paperwork that legally shows customs authorities in the destination country that goods can be imported there under preference.

Whenever a UK company is exporting goods to a country outside of the EU, it needs an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number. This was introduced to improve the speed and security of customs clearance for both importing from and exporting to non-EU countries. This is usually GB followed by your nine-digit VAT number and 000. Or you can apply for an EORI number online.

Commodity codes are also a requirement for commercial shipments to and from countries outside of the EU. These inform customs authorities of the exact contents of any shipment, so they can check for any restricted or prohibited items.

3.      International Restrictions

Depending on what your business is exporting, there could be barriers when it comes to shipping internationally to certain countries. There are obvious restrictions on selling items like ammunition and pharmaceuticals abroad, but some countries may have bans, limits, or restrictions on importing other products.

Exporting from the UK has certain requirements in place, whether working in a B2B sector or in eCommerce. The countries that are under sanctions, embargoes and restrictions for exports changes all the time. The same is true for individuals and organisations, so it’s always best to check first with the receiving party or country whether any are currently in place. Often a licence is required to legally go ahead with any such exports.

The majority of items that are banned from being sent internationally are dangerous and illegal goods, such as firearms, narcotics, medical waste and more. Yet certain countries do have bans on the import of some more common items you may think are safe to send. This includes everything from the prohibition on exporting maize (corn) to Argentina, to all live animals except bees, leeches and silkworms into Sweden.

See our full list of restricted items

4.      Budget for Shipping Costs and More

It’s not just the cost of shipping itself; you need to consider everything from products being sent and picked up from distribution centres and delivery at the other end. Some couriers will offer international fulfilment options to cover this, whereas with others you will have to arrange delivery in the other country separately.

It’s important to consider your budgets when planning how to ship packages internationally, as these costs will be much higher than domestically. However, you also need to make sure that costs are affordable and attractive to potential customers in the new market.

This can be done through a range of international shipping strategies. Whichever strategy you choose, make sure it’s worked into and covered by your budget.

5.      Marketing

You need to effectively market the fact that your eCommerce or B2B company is now offering cross-border shipping, otherwise, you could find the uptake of orders from overseas countries is a lot lower than expected. Online marketing provides a cost-effective solution through social media, blog posts, and email; just remember to target the specific countries or regions you’re aiming to expand into.

6.      Optional Extras

Another strategy for a strong start to expanding your eCommerce or B2B company overseas is to offer extras, such as loyalty bonuses for returning customers, charging what you get charged by couriers for a transparent service, or providing a range of tailored options with appropriate prices such as international parcel tracking can ensure a streamlined and simple service.

Start Sending Parcels Internationally with Whistl

One of the easiest ways to send parcels internationally in a legal manner is to get started with Whistl. We provide efficient and safe international parcel delivery management solutions that can meet your individual needs for shipping overseas. From collecting your parcels to transporting, sorting, handing over to our international delivery partner, customs clearance and the final delivery to your customer, we take care of everything.