First-time exporter: shipping samples to Asia
Sending product samples to a first prospective Asian distributor or trade-show partner. Covers HS classification, sample-marking rules, value declaration, and how to avoid the customs holding-fee trap.
Checklist
- 01
Identify the correct HS classification for each sample using your home-country's tariff schedule (US HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff). Get the chapter right — chapter mismatches are the #1 cause of customs-clearance delays at the destination.
- 02
Mark each sample physically: 'SAMPLE — NOT FOR RESALE' or 'NO COMMERCIAL VALUE' on the packaging AND in the commercial invoice. Many destinations (China, Japan, Korea, India) recognize this declaration and waive duty on samples up to a per-shipment value cap.
- 03
Use a courier with a customs-clearance partner at the destination (DHL, FedEx, UPS) rather than postal mail. Courier customs handle sample-import procedures faster and won't sit on the parcel for 30 days at a sorting office.
- 04
Declare a realistic 'trade value' on the commercial invoice (the cost-plus-margin price you'd actually charge). Declaring 'USD 1' for a USD 100 product triggers customs valuation review and adds 5-10 days to clearance plus a higher final duty assessment.
- 05
Include a Certificate of Origin (CO) if your home country has an FTA with the destination — saves 5-15% duty on most product categories. CO is issued by your home-country chamber of commerce in 1-2 days.
- 06
If shipping multiple samples regularly, apply for a temporary admission carnet (ATA Carnet) — issued by your home chamber, valid 12 months, and lets samples enter and leave the destination without paying duty as long as they don't get sold.