Prepare To Ship Your IT Equipment Seamlessly

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By Jacob Maslow

Those who regularly ship internationally know the pains that can come with cross-border transactions. Shipping IT equipment has extra challenges because these items have special regulations placed on them. Every nation has its own rules and these periodically change. If you have, or plan to have, clients and buyers in multiple foreign destinations, keeping up-to-date and in compliance with these requirements is a headache. Preparing and sending shipments that will clear customs easily is a top priority. There are a few things you can do to make sure your goods arrive in great time to keep clients satisfied.

It may seem obvious, but improperly packed equipment can be stopped by customs agents. Be sure the equipment is placed in static-free packaging and safely packed in double-walled, corrugated containers or boxes. It’s worth the extra cost for custom housing for all of the parts to keep them snugly in-place. Packaging companies can design and create these for you if you don’t want to produce these materials in-house or use generic pieces that aren’t a great fit. Pallets also need to be arranged properly to avoid crushing boxes as well as be securely wrapped.

International cross-border transactions often require an Importer of Record (IOR) to ensure proper customs compliance and make logistical arrangements for shipments. Partnering with an experienced IOR that has a global reach to take care of your associated paperwork and documents is smart. You may not think you need help importing IT equipment but your shipments can be stopped at the border if anything is incomplete, missing, or simply appears off. The IOR takes on any risks associated with importing the goods, not the seller. They’ll take care of accounting documents, permits, licenses, paying duties and taxes, rectifying any errors in classification, place of origin, or valuation. TecEx is an IOR that specializes in shipping IT equipment, offering door-to-door service. They also double as tax recovery specialists, so they can recover indirect taxes incurred in foreign destinations for extra savings.

The designated importer will have several steps to follow. Depending on the nation, these may include:

  • Arrange for import/export business number
  • Identify the classification of the goods
  • Determine country of origin of the goods
  • Review the regulations of the relevant nations and any trade agreements in place
  • Determine if the shipment has any restrictions placed on it
  • Ensure shipments are properly marked and labelled
  • Calculate associated rate of duty, taxes, fees, etc.
  • Fill out the proper paperwork, including permits, licenses, tax forms, certificates, etc.
  • Make arrangements with a courier and discuss cross-border requirements
  • Pay duties and taxes owing to release goods
  • Deal with any problems that might arise if a shipment is stopped at the border
  • Make local delivery arrangements

Individual nations will often provide checklists to help with importing goods within their borders. The best way to ensure that all steps and intricacies are followed to the letter is to partner with an experienced IOR. Receiving a tax refund will also satisfy clients.

Shipping IT equipment can be a streamlined process if proper preparations and procedures are followed. Enlisting the help of a custom packaging company and an Importer of Record means you can focus on your primary business and your clients won’t have to deal with any hassles associated with international business partnerships.

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