About Us

Shipping From Outside the US

  1. 1. Provide a list of shipment contents; such as the type of products (e.g. jeans, coats), approximate value in USD and country of origin.
    1. Country of origin: there could be multiple countries of origin, list them all.

    2. Product value will affect which U.S. Tariff Act or rules to be applied, for example:
    3. A donation value under $200.00 – applied for Section 321 to release the shipment
    4. A donation value over $200.00 – applied for Code of Federal Regulations: CFR10.107 to release the freight
    5. Type of product (e.g. type of shoes can help customs identify the correct Harmonized Code)
  2. 2. Work with carriers
    1. Know where the clothes are shipped from – origin address (Your address)
    2. Contact Unishippers for help with your shipment.
    3. Ask for routing guide from carrier –which “Port of Entry” will be at the U.S. border
  3. 3. Contact the U.S. customs inspector at the office at “Port of Entry”
    1. Contact information can be searched from U.S. CBP website http://www.cbp.gov/
    2. Explain to the officer about the donation and ask what type of paperwork that needs to be put together in order to get relief from paying any duties and taxes
  4. 4. Prepare the paperwork; here is the list of possible paperwork required:
    1. Request a letter from the donor to U.S. Customs to exempt duties and taxes
    2. Request a statement from the receiver/charity organization to U.S. Customs as proof for the donation
  5. 5. Admission of donation from U.S. Customs (usually takes 48 hours)
  6. 6. Prepare shipping documents
    1. Carrier bill of lading
    2. Packing list
    3. Invoice (may be required, depending on the release act applied)
    4. Letter of approval from U.S. Customs
  7. 7. Notify:
    1. U.S. “Port of Entry” customs officer: estimated time of arrival of the shipment
    2. Carrier – whom to contact in case of issues arising at the border
  8. 8. Shipment crossed the border and released at customs – going to final destination.