Shipping Education Archives | Preferred Shipping

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Commodity Restrictions
General Shipping Questions
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India Goods & Service Tax

Be advised that The Indian Government has announced a Goods and Services Tax (GST) that will impact import and export clearance, effective July 1, 2017.

What are the most common delays in customs?

To avoid customs holdups it's important to understand the causes of the majority of customers delays. Learn what this DHL study uncovered as the most common causes.

20 US Free Trade Agreements

Consider these 20 Free Trade Agreements when you are looking at where to export your product.

What is the USMCA?

The United States, Mexico, and Canada updated NAFTA to create the new USMCA. The new agreement went into effect July 1, 2020.

Hong Kong: Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 2021 Update

Updates have been made to the Export Administration Regulations for exports to Hong Kong. Learn how this effects your shipments and more.

Neutral Delivery Service (NDS)

Also known as Blind Shipping, NDS is a service DHL offers that keeps the declared value of the shipment hidden from the receiver.

How do I legalize my shipping documents?

Legalized Paperwork is a special type of process that is done for certain types of shipments traveling to specific destinations.

When do I need a Certificate of Origin?

In many cases, a chamberized Certificate of Origin is required when you ship to a country the U.S. has a trade agreement with, and you wish to get reduced or be exempt from duty.

China Customs Regulations

When shipping to China, you must include the CR Number and the HS Code.

Dubai Customs Regulations

This outlines the mandatory information needed for all Dubai shipments.

Australia U.S. Free Trade Agreement

Whether you ship to and from Australia exclusively – or to other regions, as well – Preferred Shipping and DHL Express have you covered with speed, support and unparalleled international expertise.

What is an EEI, and when do I need to file one?

The Electronic Export Identifier, or EEI, is the replacement for the no-longer-accepted manual filing process known as the shipper’s export declaration or SED form.

How do I calculate dimensional weight for DHL?

Dimensional weight (commonly called “dim weight”) is used in shipping to determine the cubic space a package occupies in a plane.

What is the difference between a commercial and pro forma invoice?

A commercial invoice is the most common part of your shipping documentation, and is required for most shipments.

When do I need a USMCA Certificate of Origin?

When shipping between Mexico, Canada and the United States, companies seeking the benefit of reduced or eliminated rates of customs duty through USMCA, can do so with the proper paperwork.

Regulatory Forms for International Shipments

Whether you are shipping exports or imports internationally, there are a variety of documents you may need.

When do I need to chamberize my shipping documents?

Any shipment that requires a Certificates of Origin, or if your consignee requests one, must be chamberized by a U.S. chapter of the Chamber of Commerce to be valid.

How to Become IATA-Certified in Handling Dangerous Goods

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), working with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), has set regulations for shipping Dangerous Goods (DG) on airplanes.

When do I need to legalize my shipping documents?

Legalization of your Certificate of Origin, and other paperwork, is required when sending to some countries such as Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, the United Kingdom and Singapore, or when your consignee requests it.

Are medical samples allowed on DHL Express?

Medical shipments vary by country. This article includes many of the forms you will need based on local regualtions.

How do I estimate my duties & taxes and check for Restricted Parties?

DHL's Trade Automation Services tool provides the information you need to ensure complete and accurate customs paperwork, landed cost estimates including customs duty and taxes, and efficient transit of your goods.

What commodities are prohibited on DHL Express?

There are some things DHL Express won't transport in general, though individual countries may have stricter policies.

What is the DHL Capabilities Tool?

DHL's Capability Tool is used to determine origin pickup ready time availability, as well as to calculate the shipment's estimated transit time.

What is the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS)?

The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) is an internationally standardized system of names and number for classifying traded products.

Can I ship weapons or ammunitions internationally?

Using DHL Express, the shipment of arms, weapons and/or ammunition is prohibited. This includes antique firearms.

These 5 Packing Tips Can Save Money on Shipping

Packing your goods correctly minimizes waste, save money, and protects your shipment. Here are 5 tips to help you streamline your packaging.

Can I ship live animals, hatchlings or eggs?

DHL Express prohibits shipments with any kind of live animals including: insects, pupae, worms, tortoises, frogs, crabs, lobster, crawfish, fish, hatchling eggs or birds.

How to Ship Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries need to be properly labeled and require certain paperwork. We walk through all the steps in depth to make sure your shipment goes smoothly.

How do I chamberize my shipping documents?

When making shipments to countries the U.S. has trade agreements with, or when the shipment's consignee requests it, you may need to provide a chamberized Certificate of Origin with your shipping documents.

How to avoid customs duties and taxes on repair, replacement, & warranty returns

Many return, repairs, and warranty shipments do not require customs and duties. Here's an overview to make sure you file your paperwork correctly.

India Customs Requirement

All shipments sent from or received into India need KYC documents (Government recognized Identity and Address proof) to be presented to Customs during shipment clearance.