&Open is excited to deliver your special gift! This document outlines the process for international shipments that might require customs clearance in your country.
For shipments going to Brazil, India or China, additional guidance is required so in addition to this page, please consult the relevant article on each of those regions.
De-Minimis Value:
Many countries have a de-minimis value, which is the threshold below which imported goods are generally exempt from customs duties and taxes. This means shipments with a declared value below the de-minimis value are much less likely to encounter any customs issues. However, exceeding the de-minimis value increases the chance of customs involvement.
Understanding the Process:
Incoterms: These are internationally recognised trade terms that define responsibilities between the shipper (&Open) and the importer (you) for things like costs and risks during transport. &Open always uses Delivered Duty Paid (DDP), which means &Open take on the risk and cost until the gift arrives at your doorstep. However, customs clearance might involve additional fees that &Open will cover.
Importer of Record: Since &Open and their clients typically don't have legal entities in most of the 160+ countries they ship to, you will act as the importer of record for customs purposes. This does not mean you'll be financially responsible for import duties or taxes, as &Open uses DDP.
Customs Clearance:
Carrier and Letter of Attorney (LOA): In some cases, the carrier (UPS/DHL) might request a Letter of Authority from you to allow them to clear the goods on your behalf. This is usually required for higher value shipments. This is a standard procedure to facilitate customs clearance, not a sign of an issue. However, a timely response is important to avoid delays. &Open will provide the LOA if necessary.
Carrier or Customs Contact: Especially for higher value shipments, carriers or local customs authorities reaching out is a matter of common occurrence and not a cause for concern. As the recipient, if you can provide this information, please do so in a timely manner as this will greatly increase the chances of a quick and successful delivery. If you require assistance for any of the information requested, please contact &Open immediately.
Additional Information Requests: If the carrier or customs authorities contact you directly requesting more information about the gift, please reach out to &Open for assistance via support@andopen.co. We can help you understand what information is needed and ensure a smooth clearance process.
Important Notes:
While this is a gift, it's technically being sent from a company (&Open's client). Therefore, standard gift exemptions for individual-to-individual shipments typically don't apply.
Please note that once goods are under control of local customs authorities, the process is out of the direct control of the shipper (&Open), the carrier, and the importer of record (the receiver). While &Open endeavour to provide all necessary information up-front, to ensure a successful delivery, the ultimate decision on whether goods can enter a country lies with the local customs authorities, who are government organisations, in each of the 160+ countries we ship to.
&Open covers all import duties and taxes: Since &Open ship using the DDP incoterm, you should never be asked to pay duties and taxes by customs or the carrier. If you are contacted for payment of these, please contact &Open immediately.
Third-Party Brokers: If you choose to involve a third-party broker to assist with customs clearance, &Open cannot be held responsible for any charges they incur. It's always best to consult with &Open before engaging any third-party services.
By understanding these points, you'll be well-prepared to receive your &Open gift smoothly through customs!