#Customs&ShippingGuides

Tips for Filling Out Export Paperwork Correctly

Tips for Filling Out Export Paperwork Correctly

In order to ensure that the shipment leaves the country without delays and is released to the recipient quickly and without unnecessary costs, it is necessary to make sure to fill out the bill of lading correctly and completely.

What goods require the issuance of an export license?

• Goods intended for sale 

• Over 20 kg 

• Over $200 (CIF value)

• Any shipment that is required for export legality, such as CIBAT permits, veterinary approval, the Ministry of Agriculture, etc.

Specify the cost of transportation and avoid setting a high CIF value

The charge of customs and VAT in the destination country is determined according to the value of Freight, Insurance, Cost (CIF): the price of goods, insurance and transportation.

The cost of transportation must be stated separately in the calculation, otherwise the customs in the destination country may determine the price of transportation according to its price list, which may be significantly higher than the real cost, and will result in a high tax calculation.

Always specify the cost of transportation according to the price list or quote you received.

Always specify the recipient's customs registration number

• In shipments to the company, the account must include its registration number in customs and not suffice with the company number. Specifying the registration number on the bill will promote the shipment's customs clearance.

• In order to avoid unnecessary delays, the company's company number should also be indicated. If it is a private shipment, indicate the ID number.

• When shipping to Europe, indicate the EORI number, to the USA indicate the IRS or EIN number, to China indicate the CN number, etc.

Always indicate the full contents description and reason for shipment

• A complete and clear description of goods must be provided, so that the classification will be more accurate and will not require contacting the recipient for further information. Professional terms/language that are common between you and the recipient, such as model number/part number only, or a general description such as "electronic equipment", "computer parts", "samples" – are not enough.

• The reason for the shipment (Export for Reason) must be taken into account: sale, repair, samples, for customs purposes only, etc.

Do not withdraw an account with a "zero" value

Even if the contents of the shipment are not intended for sale, such as personal belongings, gifts, souvenirs, etc., and have no monetary value, specify a minimum value (even $1) and do not specify a value of "0". Almost any customs in the world that shows a "zero" value will stop shipping, because every goods have some value.

When exporting temporarily - don't forget to specify a serial number

When shipping a product temporarily for repair purposes, etc., specify a serial number and a detailed description of the contents in order to avoid delays and customs charges when returning it to Israel.

It is imperative to take into account the country of manufacture

Indicating the country of manufacture of the goods is a customs regulation, regardless of the requirement for exemptions for trade agreements. 

Ship To/Bill To: When the delivery address is different from the recipient's 

In such cases, indicate the delivery address on the bill of lading, and indicate in the account both the delivery address (identical to the ATM) and the addressee address, which includes a contact and a customs registration number in the destination country. The recipient must be an entity registered in the destination country (such as a company) and have a physical address.

For a detailed presentation with examples

FAQS

  • How can I make sure that an export declaration will be issued for goods intended for sale in the event of an individual request or is not within the framework of legality?

For any shipment that requires the issuance of an export declaration, and especially goods intended for sale, it is recommended that you forward the paperwork to DHL and indicate under the Reason For Export- SALE field. Early transfer of the paperwork leaves enough time for inquiries and the identification of missing paperwork if necessary, and ensures the issuance of an export declaration. It is recommended to forward the bill of lading and invoice to the email of the Export Customs Department as soon as possible: tlvexcus@dhl.com

  • I sent a shipment to Europe intended for sale with Proforma Invoice and the shipment is delayed at customs, why?

In a shipment intended for sale, do not attach a Proforma Invoice, but only an Invoice or Commercial Invoice.

Our customer service is at your disposal for any questions by phone: 1-700-707-345 and by email: ilcs@dhl.com