Category: Logistics News

Disinfectant Products: Essential Classification Guidelines for Smooth Export

Disinfectant products are crucial for health and hygiene, especially in global efforts to combat epidemics. However, improper classification of these products can lead to customs delays, fines, or outright rejection of shipments.

For exporters, especially those dealing with alcohol-based sanitizers, disinfectant wipes, and chlorine solutions, understanding the Harmonized System (HS) Codes is essential to ensure seamless customs clearance and compliance with international regulations.

This guide provides clear, actionable information to help you classify disinfectants accurately and avoid common pitfalls.

Common Types of Disinfectant Products

Exported disinfectants come in various forms, each requiring specific classifications:

• Alcohol-Based Disinfectants: For hand and surface sanitization.
• Chlorine-Based Disinfectants: Sodium hypochlorite (e.g., 84 Disinfectant).
• Peracetic Acid Disinfectants: High-efficiency germicides for medical settings.
• Hand Sanitizers: Alcohol-based, rinse-free solutions.
• Disinfectant Wipes: Fabric wipes soaked in cleaning agents.
• Liquid Soap: For cleaning but not necessarily disinfecting.

Detailed Classification by Product

Exporters must assign the correct HS Code based on product ingredients, packaging, and intended use:

Product Type HS Code Description

Special Rules for Alcohol-Based Disinfectants

Classification of alcohol-based disinfectants depends heavily on packaging type and ethanol concentration:

• Retail packaging (e.g., household use): HS Code 3808.9400
• Non-retail packaging, ≥80% ethanol: HS Code 2207.1000
• Non-retail packaging, <80% ethanol: HS Code 22089090.01

💡 Tip: Always verify the concentration of ethanol and whether the packaging is intended for retail or bulk distribution.

Classification Challenges and Misconceptions

Common pitfalls to avoid:

• Assuming all alcohol-based products fall under HS Code 2207—this applies only to bulk ethanol, not disinfectants.
• Misclassifying hand sanitizers as regular cleaning agents.
• Ignoring the active ingredient—this is critical for classification.

Accurate classification ensures compliance and prevents costly delays or penalties.

International Export Restrictions for Disinfectants

Exporting disinfectants isn’t universally allowed. Certain countries have restrictions on:

• Alcohol-based products (due to flammability)
• Hazardous chemicals like sodium hypochlorite
• Medical-use items requiring additional certification

Always consult local regulations and shipping conditions for your destination market.

GoNest’s Role in Simplifying Disinfectant Export Logistics

At GoNest Consolidated Logistics, we streamline disinfectant exports by providing:

• Transparent pricing: All-inclusive quotes with no hidden fees.
• Classification support: Guidance on HS Codes based on product type.
• Customs assistance: Handling documentation and compliance checks.
• Tailored packaging solutions: Ensuring safe and compliant transport.

Our expertise ensures your disinfectant products reach their destination smoothly and efficiently.

FAQs About Disinfectant Product Classification

Q1: Can alcohol-based sanitizers be exported globally?

A: Not always. Some countries restrict alcohol-based products due to flammability.

Q2: What HS Code applies to disinfectant wipes?

A: If they contain disinfectants, use 3808.9400; if only cleaning agents, use 3401.1990.

Q3: Are retail and non-retail packaging classified differently?

A: Yes. Retail-packaged disinfectants often fall under 3808.9400, while bulk ethanol may use 2207.1000 or 22089090.01.

Q4: How does GoNest ensure compliant shipping?

A: GoNest offers end-to-end logistics services, including HS Code assignment, customs clearance, and packaging.

Conclusion: Accurate Classification is the Key to Success

Exporting disinfectant products demands precision, from selecting the right HS Codes to adhering to packaging and ingredient-specific rules.

By understanding the classification framework and leveraging services like GoNest, you can minimize risks, enhance efficiency, and deliver products swiftly to your global markets.

Navigating Guangzhou to Manila Sea Freight: Your Ultimate Guide

Manila Port, the Philippines’ largest and busiest port, serves as a crucial hub for trade between China and the Philippines. If your business involves the Philippines, or you need to ship goods from Guangzhou to Manila, understanding the nuances of Guangzhou to Manila sea freight is essential. This comprehensive guide will break down shipping times, required documents, customs duties, and other vital information to help you navigate cross-border shipping with ease.

Manila Port Overview: The Gateway to the Philippines

More than just the largest port in the Philippines, Manila Port is a significant engine of the Philippine economy. This bustling port handles nearly four-fifths of the Philippines’ total imports. A vast quantity of goods flows through its terminals daily. Key exports include abaca, sugar, coconut oil, and other distinctive Filipino products, while imports cover machinery, textiles, food, and other goods that meet the Philippines’ domestic demand. Manila Port truly serves as the Philippines’ vital bridge to the world, facilitating global commerce and sea freight to Manila.

Choosing a Shipping Line and Understanding Transit Times for Sea Freight to Manila

When shipping goods from Guangzhou to Manila, you can choose from several reputable shipping lines, including ANTONG, APL, and CNC. These companies offer reliable shipping services. When making your choice, consider factors like price, transit time, and the specific needs of your cargo. Selecting the right partner is critical for efficient Guangzhou to Manila sea freight.

So, how long does sea freight from Guangzhou to Manila take? Typically, sea freight takes approximately 4-6 days. However, the exact time can be affected by factors such as weather and vessel schedules. It is advisable to confirm the precise shipping time with the shipping company or freight forwarder when booking.

Essential Documentation for Manila Customs Clearance: Preparation is Key

To ensure smooth customs clearance, you need to prepare the following documents in advance:

• Commercial Invoice:
  • Number of Copies and Language: Usually requires multiple copies in English.
  • Required Information: Must include detailed information of the exporter, mode of transport (sea freight), invoice date, port of loading (Guangzhou) and port of discharge (Manila), detailed cargo information (including cargo markings, quantity, weight), commodity name, price terms (FOB/CFR/CIF), cargo value, and country of origin.
  • Special Note: The invoice should also include a declaration stating that the contents of the invoice are true and accurate.
• Bill of Lading (Sea Waybill/Air Waybill):
  • The bill of lading must indicate transportation costs and cargo weight.
  • Order bills of lading can be used, but the address of the notifying party must be clearly indicated to ensure timely receipt of cargo notifications.
• Packing List:
  • Multiple copies of the packing list are required.
  • The list needs to be very detailed, preferably a list of individual items, to ensure that customs can clearly understand the specifics of the goods.
  • For chemical products, the exact chemical name must be indicated to avoid unnecessary issues.

Preparing complete and accurate customs documents can significantly improve clearance efficiency and avoid delays for your sea freight to Manila.

Understanding Philippine Import Duties: Planning Your Finances

The Philippines has two main types of import duties:

• 
  Specific Duties: A fixed tariff is levied on specific commodities, such as alcoholic beverages and fireworks, based on quantity.
  
• 
  Ad Valorem Duties: Most commodities are subject to ad valorem duties, with tax rates typically ranging from 10-100%, based on the declared value of the goods.
  

In addition, the Philippines also levies a value-added tax (VAT) at a rate of 12%. However, certain commodities such as agricultural products, seafood, and fertilizers are exempt from VAT. Understanding these costs is crucial for budgeting your Guangzhou to Manila sea freight.

Besides customs duties and VAT, other taxes and fees may be involved, such as documentary stamp tax and import processing fees. For formal invoices exceeding 5,000 pesos in value, an import processing fee of 250 pesos is payable.

Philippine Customs Duty Exemptions

The following items may be eligible for Philippine customs duty exemptions:

• Printed materials, drawings, etc., that are clearly marked as “Samples or Advertising Materials Not for Sale.”
• Samples of commercial value, but with a total value not exceeding USD 1,500.
• Samples not intended for sale or without commercial value, as well as medicinal samples marked with “Healthcare.”

Conclusion and Call to Action for Your Sea Freight Needs

In summary, Guangzhou to Manila sea freight involves multiple steps, requiring a thorough understanding of shipping times, required documents, and customs policies. Generally, sea freight takes about 4-6 days, and you need to prepare customs documents such as commercial invoices, bills of lading, and packing lists, as well as understand Philippine customs policies. Proper planning is vital for success in sea freight to Manila.

If you have any further questions about Guangzhou to Manila sea freight or need professional logistics services, please feel free to consult GoNest Logistics customer service! Our professional team is dedicated to providing you with efficient and convenient logistics solutions to help your goods arrive safely and quickly in Manila. Contact us now to solve your logistics challenges!

Sea Freight Exported to the Wrong Destination Port

Sea freight export, if you’re not careful, you might encounter an upgraded version of “Lost in Translation” – cargo lost at sea! Imagine, the goods you painstakingly prepared, crossing the ocean, only to arrive at a completely wrong destination. It’s enough to make anyone cry. Sea Freight sent to the wrong destination port is indeed a headache. It not only brings economic losses but may also affect customer trust and the company’s reputation.

But if you encounter this situation, don’t panic! This article will teach you how to analyze calmly and respond proactively to minimize losses.

Responsibility: Who is to Blame for “Sea Freight” to the Wrong Destination Port?

First, we need to calm down and figure out who is responsible. This is like solving a case; finding the “real culprit” is the only way to prescribe the right medicine. Generally speaking, the responsibility for Sea Freight to the wrong destination port may fall on the following three parties:

• Shipper (Consignor): If the information on the shipping order is filled in incorrectly, such as deviations in critical information like the destination port code or port name, causing the carrier to ship according to the wrong information, then the responsibility lies with the shipper. The shipper needs to bear all the costs and losses arising therefrom. Therefore, when submitting the shipping order, be sure to double-check to ensure everything is correct.

• Freight Forwarder: As an intermediary, the freight forwarder is responsible for transmitting the shipper’s shipping order information to the shipowner. If the freight forwarder makes a mistake when entering information, or fails to detect errors on the shipper’s shipping order in a timely manner, causing the shipowner to make mistakes as well, then the freight forwarder needs to bear the corresponding responsibility. The freight forwarder has an obligation to verify the accuracy of the shipping order information and maintain close communication with the shipowner to ensure that the goods can accurately reach their destination.

• Shipowner: Although this situation is less likely to occur, if the shipowner makes a mistake during operation, such as loading the goods onto the wrong ship or making a mistake with the port during unloading, causing the goods to be sent to the wrong destination port, then the shipowner needs to bear the corresponding responsibility. At this time, you need to contact the shipowner as soon as possible to negotiate a solution and strive to minimize losses.

Clarifying the attribution of responsibility is crucial because it directly relates to subsequent handling methods and compensation issues for Sea Freight problems.

Emergency Remedial Measures: It’s Never Too Late to Mend

Once the responsible party is found, the next step is to figure out how to remedy the situation. For Sea Freight sent to the wrong destination port, we can try the following strategies:

• Strategy 1: Try to Change the PortIf the goods are still in transit and have not yet arrived at the wrong destination port, then the most ideal solution is to negotiate with the shipowner as soon as possible to see if the destination port can be changed. This requires you to understand the shipowner’s port calls to see if there is an opportunity for transshipment. If a port change is possible, although it may incur some additional costs, it is more cost-effective than transferring the goods after they arrive at the wrong destination port. In addition, timely port changes can avoid long waiting times for customers and maintain customer relationships.

• Strategy 2: Evaluate the Value of the Goods and Decide on a Handling Plan

  If the goods have already arrived at the wrong destination port, then you need to decide on a handling plan based on the value of the goods.

  • For goods with low value, it may be more economical to directly abandon the goods or auction them off locally. After all, the cost of transporting the goods back may be higher than the value of the goods themselves.

  • But if the goods are of high value, then you must find a way to transfer the goods back to the correct port or recover them, no matter what. Although the cost of transshipment may be high, it is still worth it compared to the value of the goods. It should be noted that goods滞留at the port will generate high container rent and cargo storage fees, so you must make a decision as soon as possible to avoid further losses.

Preventive Measures: How to Avoid “Sea Freight” to the Wrong Destination Port?

Rather than remedy the situation afterward, it is better to prevent it from happening in the first place. In the sea freight export process, we can take the following measures to minimize the risk of Sea Freight to the wrong destination port:

• Carefully Check All Document Information Before Shipment: This is the most basic and most important point. Ensure that all information on shipping orders, bills of lading, and other documents is accurate, especially key information such as the destination port code and port name, which must be carefully checked.

• Choose a Reliable Shipping Company and Value Timeliness: Choosing a reputable and attentive shipping company can effectively reduce the risk of problems during transportation. At the same time, pay attention to the timeliness of the shipping company and try to choose a shipping company that can ensure that the goods arrive at their destination on time.

• Sales Staff, Shipowners, and Freight Forwarders Should Enhance Their Sense of Responsibility and Prepare in Advance: Whether it is the sales staff, shipowners, or freight forwarders, they must enhance their sense of responsibility, take every link seriously, and avoid negligence. In terms of delivery dates, customs declaration, etc., prepare in advance to avoid being caught off guard. “Forewarned is forearmed” is always the best strategy.

Conclusion: Prevention is Better Than Cure

Sea Freight to the wrong destination port is a headache, but as long as we take preventive measures in advance and respond calmly and communicate actively when problems arise, we can minimize losses. Remember, prevention is always better than cure. In the sea freight export process, we must always be vigilant, take every link seriously, and ensure that the goods can safely and accurately reach their destination. If the situation of Sea Freight being sent to the wrong destination port really happens, don’t panic, and deal with it calmly according to the following process:

1. Clarify the attribution of responsibility.
2. Look for remedial measures, try to change the port or evaluate the value of the goods.
3. Depending on the value of the goods, decide to transfer, recover, or abandon the goods.

Hopefully, this article can help you go further and more steadily on the road of sea freight export!

The Different Types of Sea Freight Routes

1. Introduction

On the vast and often turbulent ocean, countless ships carry a diverse array of goods, navigating between ports all over the world. The paths they take form complex and crucial sea freight routes, the very lifeblood of international trade, connecting the far corners of the global economy. But how are these various sea freight routes classified? This article will delve into the different ways to categorize shipping lanes, providing a clearer understanding of this vital concept in global trade. Knowing these classifications can greatly aid in planning your international shipping route.

2. What is a Sea Freight Route?

A sea freight route, as the name suggests, is a fixed or unfixed route taken by ships between different ports for the transportation of passengers and goods. Think of it as a “water highway” connecting different ports, cities, and even countries. A sea freight route is a critical link connecting ships, ports, cargo, and trade. Route selection isn’t arbitrary; it necessitates careful consideration of safety, cost, and efficiency, among other factors, to make the best decision. Choosing the appropriate route is crucial for managing ocean freight rates effectively.

3. Main Types of Sea Freight Routes

Sea freight routes can be classified in various ways. Below, we’ll explore several key classification methods in detail:

3.1 Classification by Navigated Water Body

• 3.1.1 Ocean Routes (Transoceanic Routes): These are international shipping routes that cross oceans between countries or regions. For instance, routes connecting China and the United States, or China and Europe, fall under this category. These routes are typically long and require large vessels to complete the transport task.
• 3.1.2 Near Sea Routes: These are shipping routes between a country and its neighboring coastal countries. For example, routes from China to Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asian countries are considered near sea routes.
• 3.1.3 Coastal Routes: These are shipping routes between ports along the coast of a single country. For instance, routes from Shanghai to Dalian or Guangzhou to Qingdao in China are coastal routes, primarily serving domestic trade.
• 3.1.4 Global Routes: These are ultra-long routes connecting the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. They often take months to complete and are a vital component of global trade.

3.2 Classification by Route Validity Period

• 3.2.1 Seasonal Routes: These are routes that are adjusted based on seasonal changes. Adjustments are necessary due to the influence of climate factors like ocean currents and monsoons. For example, the Far East-North America route might be adjusted seasonally to ensure navigation safety and efficiency.
• 3.2.2 Perennial Routes: These are routes that can be used year-round without being affected by seasonal changes. These routes are typically located in areas with relatively stable climates.

3.3 Classification by Capacity, Distance, and Volume

• 3.3.1 Main Routes (Trunk Lines): These are major routes connecting hub ports or central ports. These routes typically use large container ships and connect world-class hub ports, handling significant volumes. For example, the Far East/North America, Far East/Europe, and Europe/North America routes are some of the most important main routes globally.
• 3.3.2 Branch Routes (Feeder Lines): These are routes connecting distribution ports or exchange ports, serving the main routes. These routes typically use smaller vessels to connect regional hub ports, transporting goods from feeder ports to main route ports or distributing goods from main route ports to feeder ports.

3.4 Classification by Organizational Form

• 3.4.1 Direct Routes: These are routes where the port of origin directly reaches the port of destination without calling at any other ports in between. The advantage of direct routes is speed and quick turnaround, saving transport time and costs. Direct routes are commonly used for main routes.
• 3.4.2 Transit Routes: These are routes where the port of origin reaches the port of destination with calls to other ports in between. Transit routes can connect more ports but increase transport time and costs.

3.5 Classification by Departure Time

• 3.5.1 Regular Routes (Liner Routes): These are routes that operate according to a fixed route, fixed ports of call, and a fixed timetable. These are often referred to as “five fixed” routes: fixed sailing schedule, fixed route, fixed freight rate, fixed port, and fixed vessel. The establishment of liner routes requires careful consideration of cargo types, route distance, and port conditions.
• 3.5.2 Irregular Routes (Tramp Routes): These are routes with no fixed sailing schedule or route. Irregular routes primarily follow the source of cargo and are arranged according to charter contracts. They mainly transport bulk cargo, such as grains, oil, and ores.

3.6 Classification by Navigation Technique

• 3.6.1 Great Circle Route: This is the shortest distance between two points on the Earth’s sphere. The characteristic of the great circle route is that the course is constantly changing and requires continuous adjustments.
• 3.6.2 Rhumb Line Route: This is a route where the course remains constant. At low latitudes or when traveling north-south, the difference between a rhumb line route and a great circle route is minimal.
• 3.6.3 Parallel Sailing Route: This is a route that sails along a latitude circle with a track of 90° or 270°. It is suitable for situations where two locations are at the same latitude.
• 3.6.4 Composite Route: This is a route that combines the great circle route and the parallel sailing route to achieve the shortest possible distance. The purpose is to avoid dangerous areas in high-latitude navigation.

3.7 Classification by Climate and Weather Conditions

• 3.7.1 Climatic Routing: This refers to routes that consider the climatic conditions of the sailing season. When selecting a climatic route, it is necessary to refer to route design charts and materials such as “World Ocean Routes.”
• 3.7.2 Weather Routing: This refers to routes recommended based on weather forecasts and vessel conditions. These services are typically provided by professional weather routing companies.
• 3.7.3 Optimum Route: This refers to the route with the least sailing time, the fastest vessel turnaround, and the highest operating efficiency.

4. Factors Influencing the Formation of Sea Freight Routes

The formation of a sea freight route is influenced by several factors, including:

• Safety Factors: Avoiding natural hazards such as waves, reefs, and ensuring safe navigation.
• Cargo Factors: The size of the cargo volume along the route; busier routes are more likely to form.
• Port Factors: Port conditions such as water depth, climate, equipment, inland transportation, and fees.
• Technical Factors: Choosing economical and fast routes to improve transportation efficiency.
• Other Factors: International politics, economic policies, shipping policies, etc.

5. Conclusion

In summary, sea freight routes are diverse, and each classification method reflects the characteristics and laws of sea freight from different perspectives. Understanding the different types of routes is crucial for shipping companies, trading companies, and related professionals. You can use Sea Freight Tracking services to stay informed about the status of your cargo transportation at any time. With the continuous development of global trade and the continuous advancement of technology, future sea freight routes will become more intelligent and efficient, contributing even more to global economic development.

General Process and Key Nodes for FBA Air Freight to Europe

If you want to sell products in Europe, Amazon FBA is definitely an unavoidable choice. However, how to safely and quickly deliver goods to Amazon’s European warehouses has become a headache for many sellers. Although sea freight is cheaper, it takes too long and often misses the peak sales season. At this time, FBA air freight has become the first choice for many sellers. But FBA air freight is not something that can be done by simply finding a logistics company. The process is complex and there are many pitfalls. Today, we will have a good chat about the general process of FBA air freight to Europe and the important nodes in it, hoping to help you avoid the pitfalls and successfully deliver the goods. If you want your products to enter the European market quickly and take full advantage of Amazon FBA, choosing the right air freight strategy is crucial.

What is FBA Air Freight?

FBA stands for Fulfillment by Amazon, which is Amazon’s logistics. Simply put, you hand over the goods to Amazon, and they will help you with warehousing, packaging, shipping, and even after-sales service. FBA air freight is the use of air freight to transport your goods to Amazon’s warehouses in Europe.

Compared with sea freight, the biggest advantage of FBA air freight is its speed. For those products that need to be replenished quickly or have strong seasonality, air freight allows you to enter the European market faster, seize business opportunities, and increase product turnover. Some high-value goods with high timeliness requirements, such as electronic products and light luxury goods, are also very suitable for choosing FBA air freight. Through FBA, you can focus on product sales and marketing, and leave the complexity of logistics to Amazon. Moreover, using FBA can also improve the ranking of your product listing on Amazon.

Detailed Explanation of the General Process of FBA Air Freight to Europe

The process of FBA air freight to Europe is relatively complex, involving multiple links, which requires close cooperation between sellers and freight forwarding companies. Below, we will analyze the entire process step by step in detail:

• Step 1: Power of Attorney

First, you need to provide a power of attorney to your freight forwarding company. The power of attorney is equivalent to an “authorization letter,” authorizing the freight forwarding company to handle subsequent transportation matters for you. The information that needs to be included in the power of attorney is very detailed, including:

• Shipper (your company or personal information)
• Consignee (address information of Amazon’s European warehouse)
• Port of Departure (the airport from which your goods are shipped)
• Port of Destination (the European airport where the goods arrive)
• Cargo Information (product name, quantity, weight, dimensions, etc.)
• Declared Value (the value of the goods, related to insurance and tariffs)
• Special Requirements (such as whether to palletize, whether to use special packaging, etc.)

Be sure to carefully check all the information on the power of attorney to ensure it is accurate. Once there is an error, subsequent customs declaration and clearance will be affected. When using FBA air freight services, ensuring all documents are accurate is critical.

• Step 2: Commodity Inspection

Not all goods require commodity inspection. Generally speaking, some goods involving safety, hygiene, and environmental protection, such as food, cosmetics, and some electronic products, may require commodity inspection. You need to consult your freight forwarding company in advance to confirm whether your goods require commodity inspection. If commodity inspection is required, you need to cooperate with the freight forwarding company to provide relevant materials and samples, and pay the corresponding fees.

• Step 3: Booking

Booking is to reserve space with the airline. The freight forwarding company will select the appropriate route and carrier based on your cargo information, destination, time requirements, etc., and reserve space with the airline. Choosing the right route is very important, which is directly related to transportation time and freight. Different airlines may also have different freight rates and services. Therefore, you need to compare multiple parties to strive for a reasonable freight rate. When considering using FBA air freight, planning ahead can help you find better prices.

When booking, you need to provide detailed cargo information, including product name, quantity, weight, dimensions, etc. This information will be used to calculate freight and arrange space.

• Step 4: Receiving Goods

There are two ways to hand over the goods to the freight forwarding company:

• A: Shipper delivers the goods themselves: If your factory or warehouse is relatively close to the airport, you can choose to deliver the goods yourself. You need to make an appointment with the freight forwarding company in advance for the delivery time, and provide contact person, address, telephone and other information. When delivering the goods, be sure to bring all relevant documents, such as packing list, invoice, etc.
• B: Freight forwarder picks up the goods: If it is not convenient for you to deliver the goods yourself, you can choose to have the freight forwarding company pick up the goods at your door. You need to provide accurate pick-up address, contact person, telephone and other information to ensure that the freight forwarding company can pick up the goods in time.
• Step 5: Goods Enter the Airport

After the goods enter the airport, they will go through a series of operating procedures:

• Tallying: Classifying and sorting goods according to different destinations and flights.
• Weighing: Weighing the actual weight of the goods for calculating freight.
• Printing List: Printing the air waybill.
• Auditing Documents: Auditing the relevant documents of the goods to ensure they meet the requirements.
• Filling in the Waybill: Filling in the air waybill, including cargo information, consignor and consignee information, flight information, etc.
• Receiving Goods: Confirming that the goods are intact.
• Marking and Labeling: Pasting relevant marks and labels on the goods for easy identification and management.

In each link, ensure the safety of the goods to avoid loss or damage.

• Step 6: European Air Freight Export Customs Declaration

Export customs declaration is a necessary link for the legal shipment of goods. The process of export customs declaration is relatively complex, and is generally operated by professional customs brokers. You need to provide relevant customs declaration documents, including:

• Customs Declaration Form
• Packing List
• Invoice
• Contract
• Power of Attorney for Customs Declaration
• Other Required Documents

The customs declaration process mainly includes:

• Computer Pre-entry: Entering customs declaration information into the customs system.
• Stamping the Customs Declaration Seal: Stamping the official seal of the customs declaration unit on the customs declaration form.
• Preparing Customs Declaration Documents: Preparing complete customs declaration documents.
• Declaring to Customs: Submitting customs declaration documents to customs.
• Customs Review: Customs reviews customs declaration documents and verifies cargo information.
• Stamping the Release Seal: After the customs review passes, the customs stamps the release seal on the customs declaration form, allowing the goods to be shipped.

The preparation of customs declaration documents is very important. Once a problem occurs, it may lead to the goods being unable to pass customs smoothly.

• Step 7: Signing the Bill

Signing the bill refers to signing the air waybill after customs release. Signing the bill is the guarantee for the legal shipment of goods.

• Step 8: Handover and Shipment

After the goods complete customs declaration procedures, they can be handed over to the airline for shipment. The handover and shipment process includes:

• Submitting Documents: Submitting relevant documents to the airline.
• Delivering Goods: Delivering the goods to the airline.
• Pasting Cargo Labels: Pasting relevant cargo labels on the goods.
• Counting and Verifying Goods: Counting and verifying the quantity and information of the goods.
• Filling in the Cargo Handover List: Filling in the cargo handover list to record the handover situation.
• Step 9: Flight Tracking

After the goods are shipped, you can use the flight tracking number provided by the airline or freight forwarding company to keep track of the transportation status of the goods at any time.

• Step 10: Arrival

After the goods arrive at the European airport, they need to be cleared through customs. After customs clearance is completed, the goods can be delivered by Amazon’s logistics team, or the consignee can be notified to pick up the goods. Choosing FBA air freight means you need to closely monitor the customs clearance process and ensure all documents meet European standards.

Important Nodes and Precautions for FBA Air Freight to Europe

In the process of FBA air freight to Europe, there are several important nodes that need special attention:

• Customs Clearance Issues: Different countries have different customs clearance policies. You need to understand the customs clearance policies of the target country in advance to avoid problems. Common customs clearance problems include: incomplete documents, false declarations, and goods that do not meet standards.
• Tariff Issues: All European countries have tariffs. You need to understand how tariffs are calculated and reasonably declare the value of the goods to reduce tariff costs.
• Label Issues: FBA labels are very important and must be pasted according to Amazon’s requirements. Unclear labels and incorrect information may lead to the goods being unable to be put into storage.
• Packaging Issues: The packaging should be strong and able to withstand the bumps of long-distance transportation. Amazon also has specific requirements for packaging, such as outer box size and weight.
• Choosing the Right Freight Forwarder: Choosing an experienced freight forwarder familiar with the FBA process is very important. They can help you deal with various problems and ensure that the goods arrive smoothly.

An experienced FBA freight forwarder can help you avoid many potential pitfalls and ensure your goods comply with all relevant regulations. When using FBA air freight services, be sure to carefully check all the details.

How to Choose a Suitable FBA Air Freight Service Provider?

Choosing a reliable FBA air freight service provider can save you a lot of trouble. So, how to choose?

• Qualification Certification: Check whether the service provider has relevant qualification certifications, such as the Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) qualification certificate.
• Service Experience: Understand the service provider’s experience in the field of FBA air freight, and whether there are successful cases.
• Service Network: Confirm whether the service provider has a complete service network covering Europe and can provide door-to-door service.
• Price Transparency: Choose a service provider with open and transparent pricing to avoid hidden costs.
• After-Sales Service: Investigate the quality of the service provider’s after-sales service to ensure that problems can be resolved in a timely manner.

Choosing the right FBA air freight service provider is crucial to ensuring that your goods arrive at Amazon’s European warehouses in a timely and safe manner. A good service provider will provide comprehensive FBA support, including customs clearance, transportation, and warehousing.

Summary

The process of FBA air freight to Europe is indeed relatively complex, but as long as you understand the key links and choose a reliable freight forwarding company, you can successfully send your products to Amazon’s European warehouses and expand your European market. I hope this article can help you better understand FBA air freight and make full preparations. I wish you a prosperous business! When you consider using FBA, remember to plan ahead and choose the service that best suits your business needs.