Before sending an international express delivery, you’ll need to prepare the item itself, various documents, and packaging materials. The specific requirements vary depending on the type of goods, the regulations of the destination country, and the courier company’s requirements.
Weefreight will provide detailed instructions below, hoping it will be helpful.
- Basic Required Documents
Sender/Recipient Information
Sender: Name, phone number, detailed address (including province/city/district/street number), email address (optional, for receiving logistics notifications).
Recipient: Name, phone number (must be available to facilitate local delivery contact), detailed address (must be accurate to the street and house number; some countries, such as the US, require the postal code; some European countries require the postal code and city code), tax ID number (for example, Switzerland and some EU countries require the recipient’s tax ID; failure to provide this information may affect customs clearance).
Item Information
Detailed information about the items in the package must be provided, including the name, quantity, material, purpose, unit price, and total price (the declared value must be accurate to avoid customs clearance delays or fines due to under- or over-declaration).
For branded goods (such as clothing, bags, or electronics), the brand name must be indicated; second-hand items must be marked “Used.”
II. Special Documents Depending on the Type of Goods
Different items may require additional documentation, especially sensitive, regulated, or high-value goods:
General Goods (such as clothing, daily necessities, and small, non-branded items): Typically, only the basic information above plus a commercial invoice (a pro forma invoice is sufficient; some courier companies provide templates).
Sensitive Goods (such as food, medicine, cosmetics, and electronics):
Food: An ingredient list, certificate of origin, and health and quarantine certificate are required (some countries, such as Switzerland and the EU, have strict requirements).
Medications: Prescription medications require a doctor’s prescription and import authorization from the relevant authorities in the destination country, such as the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). Over-the-counter medications must include ingredients and instructions for use. Electronic products (including lithium batteries): UN38.3 certification (certifying lithium battery safety) is required. Batteries must be individually packaged and labeled with capacity.
High-value items (such as jewelry, watches, and luxury goods, with a value exceeding the destination’s duty-free allowance, e.g., ≥ CHF 1,000 in Switzerland): Certificate of origin and brand authorization letter are required to mitigate copyright infringement risks.
Commercial goods/bulk shipments: Export licenses, packing lists, and contracts may be required (depending on the regulations of Chinese Customs and the destination country).
III. Packaging Materials
Select appropriate packaging based on the characteristics of the item to ensure safe transportation and meet the courier’s requirements:
Basic packaging: Cardboard (five-layer cardboard is recommended to prevent breakage), bubble wrap, foam padding, and tape (yellow tape is prohibited for international express delivery; transparent tape is recommended).
Specialty item packaging: Liquids must be sealed to prevent leaks; fragile items (such as glass and ceramics) require multiple layers of cushioning; lithium batteries require insulated packaging. Loose batteries are prohibited.
IV. Other Notes
Confirm Prohibited Items: Check the destination country’s embargo regulations in advance (e.g., Switzerland prohibits meat, eggs, and other animal products, pornographic materials, and dangerous goods) to avoid having your items detained or destroyed due to non-compliant shipments.
Choosing a Courier: Documentation requirements vary slightly between courier companies (e.g., DHL and FedEx may require online electronic declaration forms, while EMS can streamline the process through the postal system). Please contact customer service in advance to confirm details.
Retain Receipts: After shipping, save the waybill number and invoice copy to facilitate tracking or handling customs clearance issues.
In short, the key is to ensure that the items are compliant, the information is accurate, and the documentation is complete. Advance preparation can significantly reduce the risk of customs delays.
If you have any international logistics service needs, please contact us by clicking the floating chat icon in the lower right corner or using other contact information in the lower right corner of the page!
