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CUSTOMS
Five Key Documents for Shipping Cargo Between the US and Europe
Most customs delays have nothing to do with the cargo itself. They happen because a document is missing, incomplete, or does not match the shipment. Whether you are sending goods from Europe to the United States or the other way around, preparing the right paperwork before pickup is the best way to protect your delivery date. Getting it right the first time saves days at the border and avoids storage fees at the port. Here are the five documents that matter most.
The core documents
Commercial invoice and packing list: the invoice states what the goods are worth and who is buying them, while the packing list describes every box, weight, and quantity. Customs officers compare the two, so they must match exactly.
Bill of lading or air waybill: this is the contract of carriage and proof that the carrier received your cargo. Without the original or an approved release, goods cannot be collected at the destination.
Documents that depend on your cargo
Certificate of origin: some products qualify for lower duties if you can prove where they were made. Licenses and permits: regulated goods such as food, electronics, chemicals, and medical items often need approval before they can cross a border, and the rules differ between the US and the EU.
Our customs team checks every document before your cargo moves, so errors are fixed early instead of at the port.
Most customs delays have nothing to do with the cargo itself. They happen because a document is missing, incomplete, or does not match the shipment. Whether you are sending goods from Europe to the United States or the other way around, preparing the right paperwork before pickup is the best way to protect your delivery date. Getting it right the first time saves days at the border and avoids storage fees at the port. Here are the five documents that matter most.
The core documents
Commercial invoice and packing list: the invoice states what the goods are worth and who is buying them, while the packing list describes every box, weight, and quantity. Customs officers compare the two, so they must match exactly.
Bill of lading or air waybill: this is the contract of carriage and proof that the carrier received your cargo. Without the original or an approved release, goods cannot be collected at the destination.
Documents that depend on your cargo
Certificate of origin: some products qualify for lower duties if you can prove where they were made. Licenses and permits: regulated goods such as food, electronics, chemicals, and medical items often need approval before they can cross a border, and the rules differ between the US and the EU.
Our customs team checks every document before your cargo moves, so errors are fixed early instead of at the port.
