Introduction

E-commerce today has become a powerful tool for business development, allowing companies and people to offer their goods and services worldwide, not limited to local markets. Selling overseas means expanding your potential audience, increasing brand awareness, and reducing your dependence on local economic factors.  Of course, to do this you will need to follow certain actions and steps, including searching for the best international shipping. This article discusses the important aspects that you need to learn to establish trade.

Market analysis and research

This process allows you to assess the potential demand for your products, and identify the most promising countries for sales to avoid unnecessary costs and risks. At this stage, familiarize yourself with local similar counterparts if available, this will help to research and compare your marketed product with competitors. It should be better at the same price including shipping or be more affordable. If your products are no better than others, you will probably not be popular.

Research the legal requirements

Each country has its unique regulations and restrictions on importing certain categories of goods, and it is important to take this into account when planning to export. Imports may be regulated due to safety requirements, protection of local producers, environmental regulations, or cultural and religious sensitivities. To avoid potential trouble, research the country’s laws in advance and make sure your goods meet local requirements. Such items are usually divided into two categories: prohibited and restricted.

Prohibited goods

These are products that are strictly prohibited by law from entering the country. Such goods include narcotic substances, certain types of weapons, various currencies, alcohol and cigarettes, and the like. The prohibition on the importation of these goods is related to the need to protect public safety, the health of citizens, and national interests. Sometimes it is also because such items may not survive the long delivery process. Attempting to import prohibited goods can lead to serious legal consequences, including confiscation of cargo and fines, so it is important to make sure in advance that your goods do not fall into this category, so as not to find additional problems for yourself and your buyer.

Restricted goods

Restricted goods, unlike prohibited goods, can be brought into the country, but only if certain conditions are met. This may require a special permit, a license, or a certificate confirming that the goods comply with local regulations or transportation conditions, such as special containers and so on. Restricted goods often include medicines, foodstuffs, chemicals, or items with hazardous properties.

Choosing an international delivery service

Once you have identified suitable countries for export and made sure you comply with local laws, the next step is to choose an international courier. This is not an easy task, because the delivery market is saturated with a large number of companies – from large corporations to small logistics firms, each of which offers its unique terms and services. To choose the best company for international shipping, you should pay attention to several key factors. You can focus on the aspects that are most important to you, or you can find a one-size-fits-all solution that covers all the parameters you need.

Shipping costs

Of course, shipping is an important aspect as it affects the final cost of your products to the buyer. If shipping costs are too high, it can make your products less competitive in your chosen market, discouraging potential customers. If price is an important criterion, use small carriers. They can’t offer a huge range of options, but they perform their main task with quality.

Additional options

There are cases when choosing the cheapest international shipping is not what the buyer needs. For example, for urgent orders, delivery of fragile goods, or expensive products, customers may prefer to pay more for additional services such as express delivery, cargo insurance, or real-time tracking of the shipment. This gives a sense of security and peace of mind to the customer and provides some assurance that in case of emergencies, they will be able to get paid for their goods.

 Pricing Guarantees.

For customers and sellers, having clear price guarantees creates certainty and helps to avoid unexpected costs. Shipping charges are negotiated at the time of shipment and should not change during this period because the customer may not have counted on it. On expensive purchases, this will not be so noticeable, but if you are considering goods priced up to 500 dollars, in this case, the customer may lose any benefit of buying from you and next time will consider other variants.

Delivery time

Customers expect goods to be delivered as soon as possible, and delays can lead to loss of loyalty and reputation. Flexibility in timing, including standard and expedited options, allows us to meet everyone’s needs.

Necessary documents when shipping abroad

Commercial invoice

This document is often used for international shipping, especially in non-European Union countries, to complete the customs declaration. The invoice contains details of the goods, including description, quantity, and price. It also identifies the consignor and consignee, which helps customs authorities to correctly classify the goods and calculate taxes and duties.

CN22 and CN23 forms

The CN22 and CN23 forms are customs declarations that must be attached to parcels. These two forms are used for different categories: CN22 for small parcels up to 2 kg and valued up to 425 euros and CN23 for large weighing up to 20 kg and valued over 425 euros. They are required to declare the contents of the parcel at customs.

Bill of Lading

A Bill of Lading (B/L) is an important legal document that confirms the acceptance of goods for transportation and serves as a contract between the shipper and the carrier. It performs several functions: it confirms the fact of transportation, serves as proof of ownership of the goods, and regulates the terms of delivery. It is issued to the shipper immediately after he has handed over the parcel for shipment.

Insurance Certificate

This certificate guarantees that in case of damage, loss, or other unforeseen circumstances related to the goods, its cost will be covered by the insurance company by the terms of the contract. It is not a mandatory document. It is issued only when an additional insurance option is purchased.

Certificate of Origin

This is an official document that certifies the country of origin of goods. Competent authorities usually issue this document, to chambers of commerce or other accredited institutions, and may be mandatory for exporting goods to certain countries.