Most international parcels that get held, delayed or rejected have the same three problems: a vague item declaration, weak packaging, or missing documents. All three can be fixed before the parcel leaves your hands.
International shipments go through more checks than domestic ones. The courier inspects the parcel, and customs at both ends needs to know exactly what is inside. When the details are unclear, the parcel stops moving until someone sorts it out.
This guide covers the three best practices every ParcelDaily sender should follow before handing over an international shipment, plus answers to the questions we hear most often.
1. Declare your items accurately
Every declaration should state three things clearly: the brand name, the product description and the quantity.
A generic description such as “Contact Lens” does not tell the courier or customs what the item really is. A specific one does.
| Declaration | |
|---|---|
| Incorrect | Contact Lens |
| Correct | Acuvue Oasys 1-Day Contact Lenses, 2 boxes (30 pieces each) |
A simple way to check your declaration: could someone who has never seen your parcel know exactly what is inside, and how many, just by reading it? If not, add more detail.
2. Pack your parcel properly
Use a courier flyer whenever possible. Flyers are the preferred packaging for international shipments.
If your item needs a box, make sure the box is securely wrapped with transparent plastic. The wrap holds the box together during the longer journey, and the transparent material keeps the box and its labels visible for inspection.
International parcels are handled many more times than domestic ones, so packaging that is fine for a local delivery may not survive an overseas trip.
3. Attach supporting documents
For supplements and liquid products, attach the relevant documents to the parcel so the courier can inspect them:
- MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), which lists what the product contains and confirms it is safe to transport
- Invoice, which shows what the item is, the quantity and its value
- Other supporting documents related to the product
Attach the documents to the parcel itself. If the courier cannot find them during inspection, the parcel may be treated as if it has no documents at all.
What happens if you skip these steps
Generic or inaccurate declarations and improper packaging can cause your shipment to be:
- Held for further checks
- Delayed on the way to your customer
- Rejected by the courier
- Confiscated
Serious non-compliance may also lead to account suspension and penalties. Any penalties are borne by the sender.
Quick checklist before handover
Run through this list before you hand your international parcel to the courier:
- The declaration states the brand name, product description and quantity.
- The item is packed in a courier flyer, or in a box securely wrapped with transparent plastic.
- For supplements and liquids, the MSDS, invoice or supporting documents are attached to the parcel.
- The declaration matches what is actually inside the parcel.
Ship overseas with confidence
A clear declaration, proper packaging and the right documents take a few extra minutes, and they keep your parcel moving all the way to your customer.
Please follow these guidelines before handing over your shipments. Ready to send your next international parcel? Log in to the ParcelDaily platform at parceldaily.com to book your shipment.
