FedEx: E-commerce Export Essentials | Issue 1
E-commerce shipping regulations
E-Commerce
When your international shipment crosses borders, it must undergo customs clearance. In addition to general import and export regulations, some countries have requirements for specific products. Since many e-commerce products are regulated, you need to confirm whether your goods fall into this category.
What are the most common regulated goods?
This list is by no means exhaustive, but these are the most commonly regulated goods:
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Animals and biological materials
- Animal products (raw hides, fur)
- Clothing
- Children’s toys
- Controlled substances and medicines
- Coins
- Dairy products
- Diamonds and gemstones
- Electronics containing lithium batteries (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, e-bikes)
- Fireworks
- Food
- Copyright-infringing goods
- Pornographic or obscene materials
- Plastic materials (kitchen utensils, toys, etc.)
- Soil
- Sunglasses
- Watches
- Weapons, weapon parts, and imitations
- Wood and wood packaging
Q1: What are regulated goods?
The sale and purchase of certain goods are generally regulated by the authorities in the countries from which the goods are exported or into which they are imported – regulations typically vary by region. Some products may be sold without any restrictions in one country, while being strictly regulated or even prohibited in another.
Regulated products are not limited to what are traditionally considered dangerous goods; silk, glazed ceramics, books, and beauty products may also appear on lists of regulated goods.
Q2: How can I find out whether my goods are regulated?
Whether you are launching a new product in your online store or shipping existing goods to a new region, we recommend that you:
- Check whether the product or its components are regulated in the destination country
For example, if you are selling an alarm clock that runs on lithium batteries, you must consider the batteries separately. - Find out which regulatory authority is responsible
Ask your carrier or check with the customs authorities in the destination country.
For example, all food and medicines imported into the United States are regulated by the FDA, while Health Canada is the regulatory authority for these goods in Canada. - Learn about the requirements for the specific product
Requirements vary by country and product. Check whether you need to register as an e-retailer or obtain specific product licenses and permits. - Gather documents proving compliance
Remember that if you need to provide original or certified documents, you should collect and prepare them in advance, as obtaining them may take some time. - Check the export regulations in the country/region from which you are shipping
Your goods will undergo customs clearance twice on their way to the customer. When preparing the paperwork, remember that the export regulations in your country/region may differ from the import regulations in the destination country/region.
For example, many countries have strict regulations on exporting goods considered part of their cultural heritage. If you are shipping Buddha statues from Cambodia, silk from India, or icons from Russia, you need to comply with the export regulations for these goods.
6. Ask your carrier whether they can ship the goods
Some products, such as fresh food or live plants, require special care during shipping. Other products, such as e-cigarettes, are strictly regulated in many countries. Remember to check in advance whether your carrier can ship your goods.
Q3: Do I need to register as an e-retailer?
If you trade internationally, some countries/regions require you to register with their authorities.
For example, e-commerce businesses operating in the EU should have an EORI number for each European country/region in which they operate.
In some countries/regions, selling certain products requires e-retailer registration.
Suppose you want to ship network equipment to South Africa; you need to register with the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS).
Q4: What is a Certificate of Conformity (COC)?
A Certificate of Conformity (COC) is issued by the manufacturer or an independent authorized laboratory. It certifies that the product has been tested and meets technical and safety requirements. The CE mark is one example of a COC.
The COC must be visible on the product itself or, in certain special cases, on the packaging or accompanying manual. Keep in mind that COC requirements for exports and imports may vary from country to country, and some products may require multiple certificates.
Q5: How do I submit customs clearance documents?
If you submit customs documents electronically, some uploaded documents (such as EORI registration) can be used for multiple shipments. Contact your carrier to see if this applies to your shipments.
