With Easyship, you don't need to worry about preparing shipping documents manually. The system automatically generates all the required documents, which can be found directly on the dashboard. Simply print and attach them to your packages.
In this article:
Required Shipping Documents
Certain documents are mandatory for shipping, as listed below.
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Shipping Label: Shipping labels are required for all shipments. The shipping label will include the destination address, return address, shipment tracking number, and a barcode that will be scanned to update the tracking information on the courier's website.
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Commercial Invoice
A commercial invoice is required for all your international shipments. It is the primary document used for importation control, valuation, and duty determination and identifies all imported goods.
Below are the necessary shipment details shown on a commercial invoice:
- Air waybill number: This is the number you'll find on your courier's shipping label.
- Date of export: Date of your shipment
- Invoice number: Unique number your store uses for billing purposes
- Ref number: In this case, this is the Easyship shipping reference number
- Exporter / Shipper: These are the details for the sender. Includes Company Name, Street Address,Contact Name, Contact Phone or Fax Number, Email Address, and Country from where the shipment is being shipped from
- Ship to / Consignee: These are details for the recipient. Includes Company Name, Street Address, Contact Name, Contact Phone or Fax Number, Email Address, and Country that the shipment is being shipped to
- VAT number / EORI number: Available for UK account - Online merchants must register for VAT in order to collect tax on orders under 135GBP. EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number will be required in order to move goods into the UK. Merchants.
- Items / Qty / Part #: The quantity, rate and amount of the items in the package
- Full description of goods: A clear description of the item which may include model number and style.
- Country of origin: Where the item came from
- Harmonized code: The special code used by the World Customs Organization to classify the item
- Unit value: The amount you sold the item for
- Total value: Total amount of the item(s)
- Total weight: Weight of the package
- Shipment term: How the taxes will be handled. DDU: Deliver Duty Unpaid or DDP: Delivery Duty Paid. Learn what DDU and DDP mean.
- Remark: extra information to be shown for the customs
Optional Shipping Documents
These documents aren't required but are helpful for shipping larger volumes.
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Packing Slip: Although optional, a packing slip is useful for customers to confirm that their shipment includes everything they ordered. It lists all items in the package and can be customized with your branding. Learn more in this guide: Packing Slip Settings.
- Pick List: The pick list shows item information (SKUs, quantities, locations) needed for fulfilling shipments. It can be generated by pick location, shipment, or SKU. For detailed instructions, refer to this article: Pick List.
- Manifest: A manifest, also known as a scan form, contains shipment information and simplifies the handover process by allowing the courier to scan one code instead of multiple individual labels. Easyship currently supports manifest generation for USPS, Australia Post, Royal Mail, and Canada Post. Learn more: What Is a Manifest in Shipping.
FAQs
Q: Do all international shipments need a customs form?
A: Yes, all international shipments require a customs form or commercial invoice. However, some couriers digitally manifest this information, so you may not need to print a physical version.