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Shipping inventory internationally requires careful attention to customs requirements and import regulations. Understanding your responsibilities as an importer and following proper documentation procedures ensures smooth cross-border receiving and avoids costly delays or returns.

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Understanding Shipping Terms

The shipping terms you use determine who pays import duties and who handles customs clearance. Choosing the correct terms is critical for international shipments.
Shipping TermDefinitionUse This?
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
  • You (the shipper) pay all duties and taxes
  • Goods arrive cleared through customs
  • No additional fees for recipient
YES - Required for Jetpack shipments
DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid)
  • Recipient pays duties and taxes on arrival
  • Can cause shipment holds and delays
  • Creates unexpected costs for recipient
NO - Not accepted
All international inventory shipments to Jetpack must use DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping terms. DDU shipments will not be accepted and may be returned at your expense.

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Importer of Record Requirements

When shipping inventory internationally, you must understand your role as the Importer of Record. This is a legal responsibility that cannot be transferred to Jetpack.

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Who is the Importer of Record?

The Importer of Record is the legal entity responsible for:
  • Paying all import duties, taxes, and fees
  • Ensuring compliance with import regulations
  • Maintaining accurate customs documentation
  • Handling any customs issues or penalties
Commercial invoice with Importer of Record section highlighted showing company name, address, city, and country fields

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Jetpack’s Policy

Jetpack never acts as Importer of Record for merchant inventory shipments. Your company must always be listed as both:
  • Sold-To Party on customs documentation
  • Importer of Record on the commercial invoice
If Jetpack is incorrectly listed as the Sold-To Party or Importer of Record, your shipment will be returned to origin at your expense. All associated costs, plus a 15% administrative fee, will be charged to your account.

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Required Documentation for International Shipments

Proper documentation is essential for smooth customs clearance. Follow these requirements for all international inventory shipments:

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Commercial Invoice Requirements

Your commercial invoice must include complete and accurate merchant information:
Required InformationDetails
Merchant Name
  • Full legal business name
  • Must match business registration documents
Merchant Address
  • Complete business address
  • Include country and postal code
Contact Person
  • Full name of authorized contact
  • Person responsible for customs issues
Phone Number
  • Direct contact number with country code
  • Must be reachable during business hours
Email Address
  • Business email for customs communications
  • Monitored regularly for urgent inquiries
Commercial invoice example showing merchant information fields and Bill To/Importer of Record section

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Palletized Freight and Container Documentation

For palletized freight or container shipments, additional requirements apply: Local Customs Broker: You must engage a local customs broker in the destination country and list them on your commercial invoice. The broker handles:
  • Customs clearance procedures
  • Import duty calculations and payment
  • Regulatory compliance verification
  • Communication with local customs authorities
Palletized and container shipments involve complex customs procedures. A local broker ensures compliance with destination country regulations and speeds up clearance times.

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Bill-Back Policy for Incorrect Invoicing

Jetpack enforces a strict bill-back policy when merchant shipping errors result in charges to Jetpack:

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When Bill-Backs Apply

If a carrier sends an invoice to Jetpack for duties, taxes, or fees due to incorrect shipping documentation, you will be charged:
  • Full amount of the carrier invoice
  • Plus 15% administrative fee for processing the bill-back
Additional fees invoice example showing international duties charges and per pick fees with total amount

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Common Causes of Bill-Backs

IssueWhy It Causes Bill-Backs
DDU Instead of DDP
  • Duties remain unpaid on arrival
  • Carrier invoices Jetpack for payment
Jetpack Listed as Sold-To Party
  • Makes Jetpack appear responsible for duties
  • Carrier attempts to collect from Jetpack
Missing Customs Broker
  • Delays customs clearance
  • May result in storage fees invoiced to Jetpack
Always verify your commercial invoice lists your company as Sold-To Party and Importer of Record, uses DDP shipping terms, and includes complete contact information before shipping internationally.

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Compliance Responsibilities

As the merchant shipping inventory internationally, you are responsible for full compliance with all import and export regulations:

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Merchant Compliance Obligations

ResponsibilityDetails
Regulatory Compliance
  • Ensure products meet destination country regulations
  • Verify products are not restricted or prohibited
  • Obtain necessary permits or certifications
Restricted Products
  • Research destination country restrictions before shipping
  • Understand prohibited goods lists
  • Check for special licensing requirements
Penalties and Fines
  • You are responsible for all fees related to non-compliance
  • Includes fines, penalties, and storage charges
  • Plus 15% administrative fee for Jetpack processing

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Jetpack’s Liability Limitations

Jetpack is not liable for:
  • Delays caused by incomplete or incorrect customs documentation
  • Non-fulfillment of orders due to customs holds on inventory
  • Fines or penalties related to restricted or prohibited products
  • Additional costs resulting from merchant non-compliance with international regulations
Start researching destination country import requirements weeks before shipping. Customs issues can delay receiving by days or weeks, affecting your ability to fulfill customer orders.

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Regional Considerations

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UK Shipments (Non-UK Businesses)

If your business is not based in the UK and you’re shipping inventory to UK fulfillment centers: CDS Form Requirement: Email your CDS (Customs Declaration Service) form to appointments@shipbob.com before shipping. File Naming Format: [Company]-[WRO#]-[Date MM-DD-YY] Example: AcmeCorpLtd-WRO12345-11-03-25.pdf

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Australia Shipments

For shipments to Australia fulfillment centers, remember:
  • DDP shipping terms required
  • 48-hour advance dock appointment booking for containers and pallets
  • All customs documentation must be complete before arrival
See Sending Pallets and Sending Floor Loaded Containers for region-specific requirements.

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Let’s Dive Deeper

Sending Inventory Overview

Back to the main guide on our receiving process

Creating a WRO

Create Warehouse Receiving Orders for international inventory

Sending Pallets

Pallet requirements for international freight shipments

Sending Floor Loaded Containers

Container shipping guidance and customs requirements

Dangerous Goods + Hazmat

Special requirements for shipping regulated products

Booking Dock Appointments

Schedule appointments for international freight deliveries
Jetpack

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Questions? Contact Jetpack Care.

If you have any questions or run into issues, you can always contact Jetpack Care for help. Our team is always here to assist via Slack, phone, or email!