How Moving Companies Help With Customs Clearance for International Relocations
Moving companies, like IMS Relocation, can be invaluable when it comes to international moves and relocations. We have mastered the ins and outs including the complicated process of clearing customs. Let’s consider how moving companies can help with customs clearance for international relocations.
Understanding Customs and Local Regulations is Paramount
As we all know, different countries have different rules about what can and cannot be brought across their borders. These rules vary greatly. For example, there can be regulations that directly address electronics and clothing to alcohol and even specific food items. It can be considered nitpicky and annoying, but the regulations are there for a reason and must be enforced. International moving companies know to stay updated on these regulations and can help you properly assess and then ensure that your possessions will not be delayed or confiscated.
Get Hung Up on the Details Because They Are Important
It’s important to properly classify your possessions when you are bringing them across an international border. International moving companies will know how to properly categorize and then classify your goods so that they can move more easily through customs. This might not seem an important issue but these details are relevant.
Proper classification helps customs agents to more effectively determine if any taxes or duties are or should be attached to each item. In other words, it’s about the money and when it’s about money those details become very relevant to the customs process. If your possessions are not properly classified then this could lead to delays and possibly unnecessary fees.
Helping You to Prep for Paperwork
Details and classifying items typically involve paperwork and when it comes to international customs, paperwork is king. The customs process will require specific documents such as a packing list for every package, proof of identity, such as a passport as well as any customs declarations and import permits or certificates.
Yes, it sounds like a hassle and for the uninitiated, it can be. That’s why you should consult with an international moving company that can guarantee a full-service international move. A well-reputed mover can show you how to prepare those documents and make sure that your paperwork is properly filled out and in compliance with the law as it regards both your country of origin and your destination country.
The Shipping and Handling Process
An experienced international moving company will know how to handle the involved logistics of shipping. It’s not as easy as taping a label on a box of possessions. Movers can help coordinate with freight and shipping companies to ensure that your packages are safely packed and labeled for easy identification. This helps to keep the customs process smooth and fluid. Otherwise, your packages could be flagged by a customs agent and this could slow down the process considerably.
The Perks of Updates and Tracking Your Packages
Once your possessions are boxed and shipped you need to make sure you are able to track where they are during the shipping process. This will help keep you up to date with any potential delays as those packages start to clear customs. You will also be promptly notified when your possessions clear customs and are on their way to your new destination. It might seem like a small thing, but when it comes to a big international relocation, peace of mind is the biggest gift you can give yourself.
Custom Brokers and Agents
International moving companies know how to work with customs agents who specialize in international shipments. This can help to prevent a lot of international relocation headaches. The right moving company will be more able to communicate with authorities to make sure that your shipments clear customs smoothly and without incident.
Those Sticky Duty and Tax Payments
There’s a chance that you will owe duties or taxes on your inbound belongings. This is where having an international moving company on your side can really help. A moving company can either handle those payments directly or at the very least advise you on how to make those payments yourself. You can also ask if an international moving company might offer turnkey services. This would mean that those companies would take care of everything for a simple fee, which might include clearing customs on your behalf.
What About Restricted or Prohibited Items?
Some of your inbound possessions might send up a red flag. This means that a particular item might be restricted or prohibited by your destination country. Often this includes firearms, materials that could be deemed hazardous and food products. You should be able to rely on an international moving company to help you identify and possibly remove these items or to arrange for special permits as needed.
Insurance and Risk Management are All Part of the Deal
Clearing customs can often lead to delays or problems that might interfere with your moving schedule or plans. This is why many international moving companies often provide options for moving insurance. These insurance policies would cover goods that might be damaged during your move or delayed because of the customs process. If you have a time-sensitive possession that needs to arrive quickly then an insurance option should be available and even considered.
Clear Customs Quickly with the Right Moving Company
Are you preparing for a big international move? Do you still have questions regarding customs and what to expect from your destination country? IMS Relocation is an international moving company in Dallas, Texas that can help. Get your free international moving quote today.