Shipping parcels internationally can seem complex for an e-merchant. Between customs formalities, choice of carrier and delivery costs, there’s no shortage of obstacles. However, with the right preparation and a clear understanding of the steps involved, sending parcels abroad can become a strategic asset in developing your business.
- Understanding international parcel shipments
- Preparing your parcels for international shipment
- Customs formalities for international shipments
- Optimize your international delivery costs
- Managing international returns
- Guaranteeing an optimal customer experience
The aim of this article is to guide you through the various stages of international parcel shipping. We’ll provide you with practical advice on preparing your shipments, managing customs formalities, optimizing your costs and ensuring a quality customer experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced e-merchant, find out how to simplify and optimize your international shipments to gain in efficiency and competitiveness.
Understanding international parcel shipments
Before embarking on international shipments, it’s crucial to understand the specifics and challenges of this type of transport. From the definition of international shipments to the logistical challenges involved, every aspect must be taken into account to guarantee successful deliveries.
What is an international shipment?
An international shipment involves transporting a parcel from one country to another. This can include shipments within the European Union or to more distant destinations, such as the USA or Asia. This type of shipment requires compliance with certain customs regulations and the use of specialized carriers.
Benefits and complexities of shipping abroad
International shipments help to broaden the customer base and increase sales. However, they involve additional complexities, such as customs duties, import taxes and transportation risks. Good preparation helps to minimize these challenges and take full advantage of the opportunities offered by foreign markets.
Preparing your parcels for international shipment
The preparation of your parcels plays a decisive role in the success of your shipments. Choosing the right carrier and complying with packaging and labeling standards are essential steps in ensuring the safety of your goods and avoiding delays.
How do you choose the right carrier for your needs?
Choosing the right carrier is a key decision when sending parcels internationally. Factors such as delivery times, destinations served, and services offered (such as parcel tracking) need to be taken into account. International carriers such as UPS, DHL and FedEx offer solutions tailored to the specific needs of e-tailers.
Standard-compliant packaging and labelling techniques
Good packaging protects goods from damage during transit. Use resistant materials and label your parcels correctly to avoid returns or customs refusals. Packages should include clear information on the nature of the goods and full contact details for the recipient.
Customs formalities for international shipments
Customs formalities are often one of the main concerns of e-tailers when it comes to sending packages abroad. Understanding the required documents and applicable taxes is essential to avoid delays and complications.
Documents required: CN22, CN23 and commercial invoices
For international shipments, customs documents play a crucial role. CN22 and CN23 forms are required for small packages, while commercial invoices are essential for B2B transactions. These documents provide customs with the information they need to evaluate and control goods.
Your logistics software needs to facilitate the editing and printing of all customs and shipping documents. Shippingbo offers this feature to its users, facilitating international shipments.
Deciphering import taxes and customs duties
Import taxes and customs duties vary according to the destination country and the nature of the goods. It’s important to understand these costs to avoid unforeseen charges. Companies also need to know how to correctly declare the value of goods for accurate customs valuation.
Optimize your international delivery costs
Reducing shipping costs while guaranteeing quality service is a major challenge for e-tailers. Solutions exist to calculate shipping costs accurately and optimize shipping expenses.
Calculate shipping costs efficiently: volumetric weight and distance
The calculation of shipping costs is based on criteria such as volumetric weight and distance traveled. Understanding these elements can help you avoid additional costs and choose the best option for each type of shipment.
Multi-carrier solutions for lower costs
For international shipments, it is advantageous to use a multi-carrier solution. This strategy enables you to compare rates in real time and select the most economical option according to destination and package type. This facilitates shipment management and reduces shipping costs.
Managing international returns
International parcel returns require specific organization. A clear, well-defined returns policy can improve customer satisfaction and reduce logistical complications.
Drawing up an international returns policy
Returns are an unavoidable aspect of online business, even internationally. It’s essential to establish a returns policy that takes into account the costs, delays and formalities specific to cross-border shipments.
Management of tax and duty refunds
When a product is returned, the reimbursement of taxes and customs duties can represent a significant financial challenge. Effective management of these aspects can reduce costs and simplify return processes.
Guaranteeing an optimal customer experience
The customer experience is a decisive factor in building buyer loyalty, even internationally. Additional services, such as real-time tracking and parcel insurance, help build customer confidence and satisfaction.
Importance of real-time parcel tracking
Parcel tracking is crucial to delivering a positive customer experience. By enabling customers to know where their parcel is at every stage, you reduce delivery anxiety and boost their confidence in your service.
Benefits of insurance for international shipments
International shipments entail additional risks. Taking out insurance for your shipments covers potential loss or damage and secures your transactions. It’s an investment that can protect your business from the unexpected.
| Step | Objective | |
| 1 | Choosing the right carrier | Compare carrier lead times, costs and services (DHL, UPS, FedEx) |
| 2 | Prepare packaging and labelling | Protect products and ensure compliance with shipping standards |
| 3 | Fill in the documents | Complete CN22, CN23 forms and commercial invoice |
| 4 | Calculate shipping costs | Evaluate volumetric weight and distance to estimate costs |
| 5 | Managing taxes and customs duties | Anticipate import taxes to avoid unpleasant surprises |
| 6 | Set up a parcel tracking system | Real-time insurance to improve the customer experience |
| 7 | Optimize management of international returns | Define a clear policy and simplify tax refunds |
To make a success of your international shipments, it’s essential to choose your carriers carefully, to master customs formalities and to keep your logistics costs under control as much as possible, as they can quickly skyrocket internationally. Logistics solutions like Shippingbo enable you to centralize and automate the management of your international shipments, by integrating market-leading carriers such as UPS, DHL and FedEx, and allowing you to generate your documents with a single click.
By adopting these strategies and using the right tools, you can turn your international shipments into a major asset for your e-commerce business. Discover how our solution can transform your logistics and boost your international sales.
