International express delivery has specific requirements, covering multiple aspects, including item compliance, declaration specifications, packaging standards, and information entry.
Below, Weefreight will provide detailed information, hoping it will be helpful.
- Item Scope Requirements: Illegal items are strictly prohibited and must comply with destination regulations.
Globally Prohibited Items
Items prohibited from transport in all countries include:
Dangerous Goods: Flammable and explosive items (such as lighters and alcohol), corrosive substances (such as sulfuric acid), and radioactive materials;
Prohibited Items: Drugs, weapons, controlled knives, pornographic materials, and counterfeit and infringing goods (imitation brand bags, pirated electronic products, etc.);
Living Organisms: Live poultry, pets, and plants (some countries allow this, but require special quarantine certificates, which are extremely complex).
Special Restrictions in Destination Countries
Different countries have additional regulations for items, for example:
Switzerland: Meat, eggs, and other animal-derived foods are prohibited (unless they have an import permit); prescription drugs require Swiss official approval; and lithium batteries require UN38.3 certification.
EU: Electronic products require CE certification, and food must be labeled with ingredients and expiration dates.
US: Some health supplements and pharmaceuticals require FDA certification, and wooden packaging requires the IPPC fumigation mark.
Tip: If you are unsure whether an item complies with regulations, be sure to consult the courier or the destination customs website in advance.
II. Declaration Information Requirements: Be truthful and detailed to avoid customs clearance issues.
Declaration information must be complete and accurate.
The following must be clearly marked on the waybill or commercial invoice:
Item Information: Name (must be specific, such as “cotton T-shirt” rather than “clothing”), quantity, material, and intended use (personal use/commercial sale);
Value Information: Unit price, total price (must be declared truthfully; under-reporting may result in customs fines, and over-reporting may result in high taxes and fees);
Origin: Indicate the country of manufacture of the item (e.g., “Made in China”).
Complete Documents
Ordinary Items: A pro forma invoice is required (some express delivery companies provide templates);
Sensitive Items: Food requires an ingredient list and quarantine certificate; medications require a prescription; electronic products (including batteries) require safety certification;
High-value/commercial items: An export license, packing list, contract, etc. may be required.
III. Packaging Requirements: Safe and secure, meeting transportation standards
Basic Packaging Specifications
Material: Use sturdy cardboard (five-layer cardboard is recommended) to prevent damage.
Padding: Fill the interior with bubble wrap and foam padding to prevent movement (fragile items require multiple layers of cushioning).
Sealing: Use transparent tape (yellow tape is prohibited) to seal the box, and reinforce the seams.
Special Item Packaging
Liquids: Seal the bottle, wrap it in a plastic bag, and then place it in a pressure-resistant container.
Lithium Batteries: Individually insulated packaging (to prevent short circuits) and label the outer packaging “Lithium Battery.”
Large/Heavy Items: Use wooden pallets (for wooden packaging, please confirm whether the destination requires fumigation marking).
IV. Information Requirements: Clear and standardized for easy delivery
Address Information
Write in English or the official language of the destination (e.g., German, French, or Italian are acceptable for Switzerland);
Include the recipient’s name, phone number (must be available), street number, city, and postal code (the postal code is crucial in some countries, such as the US).
Tax ID Requirements
Some countries (such as the EU and Switzerland) require the recipient’s tax ID number. Failure to do so may affect customs clearance, so please confirm this with the recipient in advance.
V. Other Requirements
Weight and Size Limits
Different courier companies have different standards. For example, DHL generally limits single-piece weight to 70kg and dimensions (length + width + height) to 300cm. Exceeding these limits will incur an additional charge.
Duties and Taxes
It’s important to understand the destination’s customs policy (e.g., the duty-free allowance in Switzerland is CHF 60). Taxes are generally paid by the recipient, but a “tax prepayment” service is also available (negotiate with the courier in advance).
Insurance and Liability
It’s recommended that high-value items be insured (at rates of approximately 1%-3%). If not, loss/damage compensation may only be a multiple of the shipping cost (usually with a lower cap).
In short, the core requirements for international express delivery are “compliance, accuracy, and safety”: ensuring that the item can enter the country legally, that the declared information is true and complete, that the packaging can withstand transportation damage, and that the recipient actively cooperates with customs clearance can effectively avoid delays or losses.
If you have any international logistics service needs, please contact us directly by clicking the floating chat icon in the lower right corner or using the other contact information in the lower right corner of the page!
