International shipping is the movement of goods or services between different countries, done through air, ocean, or land routes. While it may seem like just sending items from one place to another, it involves complex rules and policies.
Successful import or export requires adhering to specific regulations and paperwork to navigate customs smoothly. This process can be daunting, especially for first-timers, which is why many businesses rely on freight forwarding companies.
Shipping plays a vital role in global trade, with 80% of international trade, totaling 11 billion tonnes annually and worth $1 trillion, conducted via sea routes. Despite its importance, international shipping is not straightforward, involving various processes to transfer goods from one country to another.
Online sellers often offer international shipping to reach a broader audience, but due to the resources involved, it’s typically more costly and chaotic than domestic deliveries. So to make you aware, this guide on how to ship internationally from India to the other countries will help you understand the process and complexities better.
Key Players Involved in International Transactions
In the international shipping process, several key players are involved to ensure smooth transactions and timely delivery of goods:
Importer: The importer, also known as the buyer, plays a crucial role in the process. They are responsible for ensuring that the goods are delivered to the customer at the right time and place. Importers often have specific requirements and expectations regarding the quality and delivery of the goods they purchase.
Exporter: Exporters are the sellers who provide the goods to the importers. They play a vital role in the international trade process by producing or sourcing products and selling them to buyers in different countries. Exporters must adhere to regulations and standards specific to the countries they are shipping to, ensuring compliance with legal and logistical requirements.
Bank: Banks play a significant role in facilitating international trade transactions. They act as financiers by providing various financial services such as loans, letters of credit, and payment processing. Banks help mitigate risks associated with international transactions and ensure the smooth flow of funds between importers and exporters. Additionally, they provide valuable support in managing currency exchange rates and mitigating financial risks associated with cross-border trade.
Also Read: LCL Shipments in Logistics and Shipping : Meaning, Costs and More
International Shipping From India To Other Countries Process
International shipping involves a comprehensive process that ensures goods are transported smoothly from one country to another. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand this intricate process:
Request Freight Quotes: Begin by gathering necessary details such as shipping dates, origin and destination ports, commodity details, and packing specifications. Obtain freight quotes from various freight forwarders or utilize digital platforms to streamline the process.
Choose Freight Forwarders: Evaluate and select the freight forwarder or carrier that best meets your requirements in terms of rates, network coverage, and support. Whether traditional or digital, the chosen forwarder facilitates the shipment process, offering real-time tracking and visibility.
Prepare Necessary Documents: Collect and prepare essential documents required for international shipping. These documents include:
- Performa Invoice: Serves as a preliminary invoice for financing and import licensing.
- Commercial Invoice: Details the transaction between buyer and seller, including merchandise description and terms.
- Packing List: Identifies shipment quantity, weight, and dimensions.
- Certificates of Origin: Confirms the accuracy of shipping country details.
- Shipper’s Letter of Instruction: Provides instructions for moving goods.
- Bills of Lading: Legal document detailing goods being transported.
- Dangerous Goods Form: Required for hazardous goods.
- Bank Draft: Facilitates fund transfer.
Confirm Shipment Details: Double-check and confirm shipment details including origin, B/L number, container type, and reference numbers.
Raise Booking Request/Delivery Order: Book the freight provider by providing necessary details such as origin, destination, and container type. Wait for confirmation and submission of booking to the shipping line.
Track Shipment Activities: Utilize tracking tools to monitor shipment progress in real-time. This includes tracking shipment location, managing invoices, documents, and contracts.
Customs Clearance: The shipment undergoes customs evaluation at the port of entry. Compliance with customs regulations ensures smooth clearance. Any discrepancies may result in delays or holds.
Reimburse Customs Duties and Taxes: Upon clearance, settle any customs duties and taxes directly with the forwarder. Payment methods may vary, and additional charges may apply for inspection services.
Receive Shipment: Once all formalities are completed and payments settled, the shipment is released for delivery. Expect to receive the goods promptly upon arrival at the designated port.
By following these steps meticulously, businesses and individuals can navigate the complexities of international shipping effectively, ensuring seamless transactions and timely delivery of goods across borders.
Essential Tips for International Shipping from India
When shipping internationally from India, here are some things to always remember:
Volumetric Weight
When shipping packages internationally, it’s crucial to consider volumetric weight alongside actual weight. Volumetric weight is determined by the size of the package rather than its actual weight. Essentially, the larger the package, the higher its volumetric weight.
You can calculate volumetric weight by multiplying the parcel’s length, width, and height (in centimeters), then dividing by 5000. Companies like Shoppre offer services to help reduce volumetric weight through consolidation and repackaging.
Be Aware of Prohibited Items
Before sending any package internationally, it’s crucial to be aware of prohibited items. These are goods restricted by a country’s government policies to safeguard the environment, promote social welfare, conserve natural resources, and prevent trade embargoes.
It’s essential to check both the country of origin and destination list of prohibited items, as well as the guidelines provided by shipping carriers. Sending prohibited items can result in confiscation by customs authorities, penalties, or fines for the sender. To ensure smooth and timely delivery without complications, it’s best to avoid shipping these restricted items altogether.
Clearance Processes
When shipping a package overseas, it must pass through two clearance processes: carrier clearance and customs clearance. Carrier clearance involves the package being approved by your chosen shipping carrier, which usually entails adhering to their guidelines found on their websites.
After carrier clearance, the package undergoes customs clearance twice—first in the country of origin and then in the destination country. This ensures compliance with import/export regulations and duties. Understanding and fulfilling these clearance requirements are essential for smooth international shipping.
Duties and Taxes
When your package arrives in a new country, it’s subject to that country’s duties and taxes. Since shipping companies may find it challenging to accurately calculate these fees across different countries, customers often need to cover additional taxes upon delivery.
Additionally, there might be a brokerage fee imposed to facilitate the clearance of your package through local customs. It’s important for recipients to be aware of these potential charges when receiving international shipments to avoid any surprises upon delivery.
Special Items Clearance Charges
Special items such as liquids, semi-liquids, homemade food, medicines, ayurvedic products, and cosmetics like nail polish may incur additional clearance charges due to their nature. These charges are based on the weight of the products being shipped.
It’s important to note that certain items require extra handling and processing by customs, leading to these specialized clearance fees. Recipients should be aware of these potential charges when shipping or receiving such items internationally to ensure smooth clearance and delivery processes.
Shipping Charges
Before finalizing your shipment, it’s essential to review shipping charges through online tools provided by your chosen shipping partner. However, keep in mind that there could be additional fees beyond the base rate. These might include hidden charges like fuel surcharges, remote area fees, taxes, and other surcharges specific to shipping.
To ensure you’re getting the best deal, it’s wise to compare several shipping services. Look beyond just the initial cost and consider any potential extra charges to make an informed decision that aligns with your needs and budget. Taking the time to compare services can help you select the most suitable option for your shipping requirements.
Time in Transit
International packages typically take between 3 to 6 business days for delivery. However, for urgent shipments, express shipping options are available, albeit at a slightly higher cost compared to standard shipping. Opting for express shipping ensures faster delivery, making it ideal for time-sensitive packages.
While standard shipping offers a more economical choice, express shipping provides the advantage of quicker transit times, ensuring your package reaches its destination promptly. Consider your timeline and budget when selecting the shipping method that best suits your needs.
Packaging
When preparing a courier for international shipment, it’s crucial to pack the items meticulously to prevent damage during transit. Ensure ample padding by using materials like newspapers or bubble wrap to cushion the contents effectively. This extra layer of protection helps safeguard the items against any bumps or jostles encountered during handling and transportation.
By taking the time to pack your items securely, you minimize the risk of damage and enhance the chances of them arriving at their destination in pristine condition. Prioritizing careful packaging ensures a smoother shipping process and greater peace of mind for both sender and recipient.
Insurance
Before shipping valuable items overseas, it’s prudent to secure insurance coverage to safeguard against potential loss or damage. Contact your shipping partner to inquire about available insurance options tailored to your needs. Understanding the specifics of your insurance coverage is essential, including what is included and the reimbursement process in the event of damage or loss.
By proactively insuring your package, you provide added protection and peace of mind, ensuring that your valuable items are financially safeguarded throughout their journey. Taking this precautionary step helps mitigate risks and ensures a smoother shipping experience for both sender and recipient.
Tracking
Ensure you have the capability to track your shipment through your shipping partner. Tracking allows you to stay informed about the current location and status of your package, facilitating peace of mind and ensuring timely delivery.
By utilizing tracking services provided by your shipping partner, you can easily monitor the progress of your shipment throughout its journey. This proactive approach enables you to anticipate any potential delays or issues and take appropriate action if necessary. Tracking your shipment provides valuable visibility and transparency, empowering you to stay connected and informed every step of the way.
Also Read: Exploring the Diverse Types of Bill of Lading in Shipping
Final Note
International shipping from India to other countries involves a complex yet essential process that requires careful attention to detail and adherence to various regulations and procedures. Whether you are an importer, exporter, or individual shipper, understanding the key players involved, the steps of the shipping process, and essential tips can help ensure successful and efficient shipments.
From obtaining freight quotes to preparing necessary documents, navigating customs clearance, and tracking shipments, each step plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and timely delivery of goods across borders. Additionally, being aware of factors such as prohibited items, clearance charges for special items, shipping charges, transit times, packaging requirements, insurance options, and tracking capabilities further enhances the shipping experience and minimizes risks.
By following the guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide, businesses and individuals can navigate the complexities of international shipping with confidence, ensuring seamless transactions and the safe delivery of goods to destinations worldwide. Whether you are new to international shipping or a seasoned professional, staying informed and prepared is key to success in the global marketplace.
Also Read: What Are Smaller Sized Shipping Containers? Everything You Need to Know
