SME's first international shipment
A small business sends its first commercial parcel abroad: HS code, Incoterm, commercial invoice, packing list, and where to find a customs broker.
Checklist
- 01
Classify your product under the correct HS heading (use the /tools/landed-cost calculator + /importing/hs-codes finder).
- 02
Pick an Incoterm — DAP (Delivered at Place) shifts duty/VAT burden to the buyer; DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) keeps it with you. Most SME first-shipments use DAP.
- 03
Issue a commercial invoice with: seller + buyer details, HS code per line, country of origin per line, FOB/CIF value, Incoterm, currency. Sign + date.
- 04
Issue a packing list with per-carton weight + dimensions + carton count.
- 05
Engage a customs broker at the destination if shipment value exceeds the destination's formal-entry threshold (~USD 800 for US, EUR 150 for EU IOSS).
- 06
Choose carrier: DHL Express / FedEx / UPS for under 30kg parcels; LCL (Less than Container Load) sea freight for 50+ kg pallets; FCL (Full Container Load) for 1+ pallets to a single destination.