Whether you're a jewellery retailer expanding into international markets or a watch dealer serving collectors worldwide, shipping luxury goods comes with high stakes. Not only are they fragile and vulnerable to damage, but they are also attractive targets for theft. Add complex customs regulations, varying insurance requirements across borders, and the general unpredictability of international logistics, and it's clear why many hesitate before sending these high-value items abroad.
But this doesn’t mean your business growth doesn't have to stop at New Zealand's borders. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can confidently expand your reach to customers around the globe. This guide will walk you through the essential steps on how to ship luxury watches and jewellery internationally, from professional packing techniques and insurance considerations to navigating customs documentation. You'll discover exactly how to protect your precious cargo while ensuring it reaches its destination securely.
The first step: Valuation and insurance
Let's start with the foundation of any international luxury shipment: knowing exactly what your items are worth. Getting an up-to-date professional valuation isn't just good practice – it's your safety net. This valuation becomes the basis for both your insurance coverage and customs declarations, ensuring you're properly protected if anything goes wrong.
When it comes to insurance, this is one area where you simply can't afford to cut corners. Standard shipping insurance often comes with caps and limitations that don’t come close to covering the full value of high-end timepieces or fine jewellery, meaning you're essentially gambling with your investment.
That's where specialized protection makes all the difference. DHL Express offers shipping insurance designed for shipping valuables, with enhanced coverage that matches the full declared value of your luxury items. With decades of experience moving high-value shipments across borders, DHL knows the risks involved and has built protection plans that give you genuine peace of mind throughout the journey.
Essential packing for security and protection
Proper packing can make the difference between a successful delivery and a costly disaster. The goal is to protect your valuables from physical damage while maintaining discretion to reduce theft risk. Here are some tips on how to package luxury watches and expensive jewellery for shipping.
General guidelines
Think of your packaging as a disguise protecting the valuable goods inside. Choose sturdy, plain outer boxes that don't draw attention to your shipment's contents, and leave those branded boxes out of the equation. They immediately signal to anyone handling your shipment that high-value items are inside, making them a target for theft.
Additionally, ensure your item remains in its original protective box or secure inner case whenever possible. Original packaging is specifically designed to protect these valuable pieces and provides the best defense against bumps during transit. Fill any empty space with high-quality cushioning materials, such as foam inserts, bubble wrap, or specialized packing paper. The item should sit snugly in the center of the box, with no room to move around, no matter which way the package gets turned.
Jewellery-specific packing
When it comes to jewellery, each piece deserves individual care to prevent scratching, tangling, or damage to delicate settings.
Start by wrapping each item in soft, lint-free jewellery cloth or tissue paper, then tuck it into a small jewellery box or padded pouch. This simple step keeps pieces from rubbing against each other as they travel.
For pieces with multiple components, like necklaces or bracelets, ensure clasps are secured and chains are laid flat to avoid kinking. Place each wrapped item in its own small compartment within the main package, creating separate compartments that act like protective cells, adding another layer of defense against movement and impact.
Watch-specific packing
Luxury timepieces also require a bit of extra care, but it's straightforward once you know the steps. Keep the watch secure in its original box using the cushion or holder it came with. This setup is the way to go to protect the crystal, bezel, and delicate internal movement from knocks and bumps.
Here's an important tip: if you're shipping a mechanical watch, make sure it's not wound or running. The constant motion during transit can actually damage the intricate mechanisms inside.
The double box method is your best bet for shipping expensive watches. Take the watch box and nestle it inside a larger, plain outer box, surrounding it with at least 5-7 centimeters of cushioning on all sides. This acts as a buffer zone that absorbs any shocks during handling, while the discreet outer layer keeps the valuable contents out of sight and out of mind.
Navigating customs and documentation
When shipping luxury items internationally, proper documentation is critical for smooth customs clearance and protecting your interests.
Here are the key shipping documents you'll need to ensure your package through without delays and complications.
Commercial invoice: This is your most important customs document, serving as an official record of what you're shipping. Your commercial invoice should thus include a detailed description of the item. For example, specify "18-karat white gold diamond ring" instead of simply "jewellery", declare its value, and provide the correct Harmonized System (HS) code. These classify products for customs purposes, and using the correct code is essential for proper duty assessment and clearance.
For luxury watches and jewellery, these codes typically fall under Chapter 71 (jewellery) or Chapter 91 (clocks and watches) of the HS system.
Certificate of authenticity and origin: These documents verify the legitimacy of your items and help customs officials quickly assess their value and origin. This can determine how quickly your shipment clears customs and reduces the likelihood of detailed inspections or questions.
Packing list: When exporting from New Zealand, a detailed packing list is typically required for customs clearance. This document should itemize everything in your shipment, including quantities, weights, and dimensions.
Prohibited and restricted items: Here's where things can get a bit tricky. Some destinations have specific regulations around precious metals, gemstones, or certain materials, making it essential to check the import regulations for your destination country before you ship. DHL Express can help guide you through country-specific requirements, so you don't have to navigate these complexities alone.
New Zealand export requirements: When exporting high-value goods from New Zealand, you may need to complete an export entry through the New Zealand Customs Service, depending on the item's value and destination. While New Zealand generally has straightforward export procedures for personal items, commercial exports of luxury goods may require additional declarations and compliance with export regulations.
Security and customs: The DHL advantage
Navigating international customs regulations, especially for high-value goods, can be daunting, but partnering with an experienced logistics provider makes all the difference. DHL Express has spent decades mastering the ins and outs of international shipping regulations and customs procedures, running a tightly secured logistics network with controlled handling processes at every stage.
Your luxury watches and jewellery are tracked from the moment of pickup in New Zealand until final delivery, passing through secure facilities where access is strictly controlled and monitored. Plus, with a global network that reaches over 220 countries and territories, your business can access virtually any market, backed by reliable shipping routes that balance speed with security.
Lastly, DHL Express’s real-time shipment tracking provides crucial peace of mind when shipping high-value items. DHL's advanced tracking capabilities allow you to monitor your package at every stage of its journey. You'll know exactly where your valuables are at any given moment, and your recipient can prepare for delivery, reducing the risk of missed deliveries or packages left unattended.
Ship with confidence, grow without limits
Successfully shipping luxury watches and jewellery internationally comes down to four key elements: careful planning, proper packing, accurate documentation, and choosing the right logistics partner, such as DHL Express. With a secure network, customs expertise, global reach, and a deep understanding of what it takes to safely deliver luxury goods anywhere in the world, DHL Express helps create a solid foundation for international success.
Ready to take your jewellery or watch business beyond New Zealand? Open a DHL Express business account today and take your first step toward confident international shipping.
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