FedEx: What to Know When Sending Gifts Overseas | E-Commerce Must-Read, Issue 4
It’s that time of year again to get ready for Christmas and New Year gifts.
Just like any other export shipment,
sending gifts requires you to understand the regulations and provide the correct documents. Find out what to check before shipping and what information you need to provide.
What should I check before shipping a gift?
- Before sending a gift—or even choosing what to send—be sure to check the regulations in the destination country or region. Some countries or regions only allow goods that meet strict requirements.
- For ordinary goods, such as clothing and shoes, almost any courier service can be used, and the customs clearance risk is relatively low;
- For special-category goods, such as food, cosmetics, and electronic products with built-in batteries, you need to use a special shipping channel or postal service, and there is a chance the shipment will be inspected during customs clearance;
- Flammable or explosive items and prohibited goods such as those containing alcohol are not allowed to be shipped;
- If the gift is fragile, it may break during long-distance transportation, so it’s best to reinforce the packaging before shipping.
Will I have to pay duties?
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We recommend declaring a value below the customs duty threshold.
For example, German customs are known for being strict within the EU, and the likelihood of being charged duties is quite high. Goods with a declared value exceeding 22 euros may be subject to duty.
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Even when you’re sending a gift and the recipient doesn’t have to pay, your goods still have a certain value and must therefore be declared.
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If the declared value appears to be incorrect, or you haven’t provided a value, customs may determine the value for you.
Do I need an invoice to ship a gift?
- An invoice is required even for low-value gifts. You need to provide the actual value, a detailed description, and the reason for export—“gift.” This lets customs know that the shipment is not commercial cargo.
Things to note when shipping internationally:
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Packaging: Before shipping, we recommend sealing items as thoroughly as possible and adding suitable protection, such as foam bags. International courier prices are calculated based on weight and volumetric weight. Making efficient use of space and keeping the package compact can save you a lot of money. Appropriate protection also helps prevent goods from being damaged during long-distance transportation.
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Recipient information: This is very important. If the details are incomplete or incorrect, the courier may be unable to deliver the shipment to the recipient accurately and on time, or it may even be sent to the wrong address. Note: Domestic courier addresses can be written entirely in Chinese, but international courier addresses must be written entirely in English.
