International shipping involves navigating a complex web of regional customs regulations. Unexpected taxes and duties can significantly impact the final cost of your order. This guide explains how LoongBuy partners with you to handle customs declarations, documentation, and strategies for a smoother, more cost-effective delivery experience.
Understanding Customs Fundamentals
Customs authorities assess import fees based on the declared value, the type of goods, and the destination country's tariff codes. These fees are the responsibility of the recipient. LoongBuy provides the tools and transparency to help you manage this process.
How LoongBuy Manages Your Shipment's Customs Process
1. Accurate Declared Value
LoongBuy declares the actual amount you paid for the items
2. Professional Commercial Invoice
We automatically generate a detailed, customs-ready commercial invoice for every international package. This document includes:
- Accurate item descriptions and quantities
- Individual item values and total declared value
- Proper Harmonized System (HS) code suggestions*
- Seller and buyer information
*While we provide suggestions, the final HS code classification is determined by your local customs authority.
3. Clear Shipping Cost Breakdown
Your shipping invoice clearly separates item costshipping fees. This clarity helps some customs regimes that calculate duties solely on the value of the goods.
Legal Strategies to Reduce Import Fees
While compliance is mandatory, here are effective strategies LoongBuy supports to potentially lower your fees:
Split Shipments
For large orders, consider splitting them into multiple parcels. This can help keep individual declared values below your country's duty-free threshold
Understand Your Country's De Minimis Value
Research your local de minimis
Choose the Right Shipping Method
Some couriers (e.g., DHL, FedEx) handle customs clearance efficiently but may include handling fees. Standard post might be slower but can sometimes attract different fee structures. Consider your priorities between speed and cost.
Be the Importer of Record
As the recipient, you are the official "Importer of Record." You can often pre-register with couriers or use their online portals to pre-pay estimated duties, avoiding surprise charges and delivery delays.
The Importance of Compliance
Attempting to evade customs duties by requesting under-declaration is illegal and strongly discouraged. It risks:
- Package confiscation
- Significant delays and administrative penalties.
- Loss of buyer protection and permanent account suspension
Our transparent process protects both you and our community, ensuring reliable and sustainable cross-border shopping.