If you are thinking of shipping a parcel to Asia, you are likely to encounter various challenges. For instance, your package could be damaged or get lost in transit. To avoid these and similar issues, you need to choose a reliable courier service. That being said, let's delve into the important things to consider when shipping your stuff to Asia.
Package and label your products correctly
First and foremost, you should choose appropriate packaging for your products. Use a bag or box, and make sure you provide extra cushioning for fragile items such as paintings and other pieces. Additionally, you'll need to ensure that you label your packages correctly. You also need to provide a valid address if you wish to avoid delays or additional costs which are all but guaranteed if the package has to be returned.
Choose an affordable shipping service
Try to get an affordable service to ship your parcel to Asia. Different factors determine the cost of shipping parcels such as their weight and the courier service you choose. Find the cheapest way to ship to Asia here and compare the prices. Using a shipping calculator is an excellent way to find the best prices for courier services. Remember also that if you select any form of priority shipment, you'll most likely have to pay more money. The service provider you choose also determines the total amount you will pay. Established, well-reputed entities will often have higher rates than up-and-coming businesses seeking to secure a customer base with affordable prices.
Shipping time
You'll need to consider the time it can take to ship a parcel to Asia. Certain reputable companies are known for their quick delivery services, and this makes them particularly popular since no one enjoys the frustration brought on by delayed shipments. Fast delivery services that take between one and three days will cost you a pretty penny. If your budget doesn't allow for that, you can opt for a longer delivery time which may be up to 15 days depending on the shipping company.
Customs and duties
Tax laws, customs, and shipping legislations will all vary from territory to territory. Therefore, you should become familiar with the shipping requirements for various packages in the country you wish to ship to or are shipping from. Ensure you're aware of the applicable taxes for imported goods in these countries since they are likely to affect the total shipping price. You don't want any surprises when you receive your final invoice, so you must have this information beforehand.
Shipping restrictions to Asia
There are certain items you cannot ship to the Asian continent, so do your research first so that you do not violate the shipping laws of the respective countries. The following are some of the prohibited items you should know.
- Alcohol
- Drugs and medications
- Tobacco
- Firearms or dangerous weapons
- Chewing gum
- Obscene articles including videos, software, and publications
- Firecrackers
- Treasonous materials
- Articles protected by copyright laws
When you ship something to Asia, you should provide a customs declaration stating the items you are shipping and the total value. The value of shipment helps determine if you are eligible for tax exemption or not.
Photo by Andre Benz on Unsplash
When shipping your stuff to Asia, you need to choose a reliable and efficient service provider. The ideal entity to engage will offer quick delivery options at competitive prices. Be sure to get quotes from prospective providers before settling on one. Finally, ensure that you budget for any applicable customs and duties and that you consider any existing shipping restrictions that will limit what you can include in your shipment.