With the ongoing pandemic and restrictions on traveling across countries, international shipping has become one of the most sought-after services globally. Many people use this service to send and receive items that are not domestically available or give gifts to friends and family living in other countries.

Compared to domestic postage, the procedure involved in international shipping is significantly more complex, and even the slightest error could result in your items being seized by authorities or delayed in a port. To help you ensure that your items can be delivered successfully, we will look at this service and examine how it works.

What is international shipping?

It is the term coined for the process of importing and exporting goods between various countries. It is a complex procedure that involves moving freight across borders through the ocean, air, or road. And there are many regulations in place to ensure that the safety and laws of all countries involved will not be compromised. To successfully send and receive items, you need to follow all the relevant international shipping policies and compile the necessary paperwork so that customs can clear the shipment.

Unlike shipments transported within one’s country, international shipping tends to be complex because each country that the load passes through has its laws and regulations. Some can be more lenient with their rules, while others can completely prohibit certain products. For instance, if you wish to send jewelry to Spain from the UAE, it can be seized or given heavy penalties when the shipment arrives.

Furthermore, taxes and tariffs can also differ. This is why, before sending any item, you need to know the policies or employ the help of a shipping company in Dubai. At Extra Space, as we know the process thoroughly, we will ensure your freight matches the criteria and will be delivered safely.

How does international shipping work?

If you feel overwhelmed by the international shipping process, we will break it down into more manageable parts so that it will be easier for you.

Have a list of all the items you need to ship.

You need to have a list of all the items you are planning to ship. Depending on the type of shipment, its contents, and weight, the whole process can change. Having a list will give you an idea of what needs to be done or what documents are required for you to complete.

Check if your items are allowed for import and export.

Once you know what you are shipping, you need to make sure that they are allowed to be dispatched from your country and received by the other. To do this, you need to find a list of prohibited items and ensure that none of yours are included. If you are unsure about an object, you can contact us to properly advise you. The general rule of thumb is that if the regulations applicable to your items seem vague, then it is better not to ship them. If customs seize the shipment, the process of getting them to clear it can be challenging.

Decide on the shipping method.

Depending on the contents of your shipment, you need to decide on the most suitable shipping method. While air is ideal for items that need to arrive at their destination swiftly, it also tends to be the most expensive method. If you plan to ship packages to a country that shares a land border with yours, then road or rail can be better options. On the other hand, if you need to cross an expanse of water, ocean transport can be a great choice.

Collect and fill all the necessary documentation

You must gather all available information about your shipment and declare it on your documentation. Also, make sure you pay all the applicable tariffs and charges without delay. When these are done, attach the required customs documents to your shipment. Everything must be filled meticulously to avoid any chance of rejection. While we can help you with specific documentation, however, some applications might need to be done by you alone.

Customs clearance

To clear customs, you will need to enlist the help of professionals who have experience arranging international freight.At Extra Space, we will gather all the paperwork and execute the clearance process properly. Therefore, you can relax while your goods are approved and dispatched safely to the relevant country.

Track the shipment

Tracking is crucial to ensure you know what stage your shipment is in and where it is. It will also keep your worries at bay if there is a delay. Therefore, you can check your shipment status through our transparent real-time tracking until it arrives at its destination.

If you follow the above and do the necessary research, you will find that global shipping is not complicated or overwhelming; rather manageable with the help of shipping companies. All you should do is be well-informed of the relevant rules, regulations, and policies and ensure that you follow them and complete all your documentation accurately. If you need any assistance or more information, make sure to contact us, and we will be more than happy to assist you.