International shipping

To make it easier for your letters and parcels to pass through customs, you must provide Ciblex the correct freight bill. However, the regulations differ depending on the kind of shipment and its destination: 

How do I send documents internationally?

Documents are generally considered to be paper materials with no commercial value, so there are no specific elements to provide us. But, regulations in effect in some destination countries sometimes require an unpaid freight bill, also called Pro Forma 

Download our Pro Forma template 

NB: magazines, slides, photos and CDs are not considered documents and require a freight bill.

How do I send a parcel internationally?

Inside the European Union 

There are no specific requirements: the Commercial invoice or the Pro Forma bill is not mandatory. 

NB: exceptions: Canary Islands ands Andorra do require a freight bill.

Outside the European Union 

If the merchandise is intended for sales, each parcel must have its own commercial invoice and meet certain requirements: 

• It must be written on corporate letterhead with your full address and Siret number
• There must be 5 copies
• It must accurately describe the merchandise, its origin, destination and value

If the shipment has no commercial value (for example, a sample or a return for repairs or destruction), your parcel must be accompanied by 5 copies of a signed, stamped Pro Forma bill—even if the merchandise has no commercial value, a customs declaration will be made for it in the destination country. 

Download our Commercial Invoice template 

How do I prepare my first international shipment?

Every country has its own regulations on imports: before ordering your shipment, find out the regulations from the authorities representing the country you are shipping to. 

Commercial invoice or Pro Forma invoice 

• The invoice/bill must be written in English, French and sometimes in the national language of non-French-speaking countries.
• It is advisable to provide clear details on the invoice/bill on the nature of your shipment: description of merchandise, origin and destination, pre-tax value and currency used, etc.
• Never make out an invoice for “0 euros” – your shipment will be retained by customs to estimate a taxable value.
• For the French Overseas Territories and Departments (DOM-TOM) and local administrations, a Commercial invoice or Pro Forma is required.

Should my consignee pay the customs and excise duties?

• Yes, the onus is on the consignee to pay the custom and excise duties, which vary according to the country of destination and the products exported (see list of products on the French Customs website)
• For the DOM (French Overseas Departments) the consignee pays the duties and taxes (VAT + local taxes + additional rights on the local taxes)

What are the Incoterms?

The Incoterms or International Commercial Terms are standard trade definitions most commonly used in international sales contracts and are designed to be an integral part of the sales contracts, regulating the obligations between seller and buyer. They must appear on all commercial invoices. 

The Incoterm characteristic in the express sector and used by Ciblex is the DDU or ‘Delivery duty unpaid. With the DDU, the shipper is in charge of the transport costs (excepting customs and excise fees and other charges payable upon import attributed to the consignee).  

Are my international shipments insured?

Ciblex Ad Valorem Insurance covers all of your shipments, in France and internationally. 

For more information: 

http://edouane.com/glossaire/index.php
http://europa.eu/abc/european_countries/index_fr.htm