International Shipping Process Workflow

Steps

1. 1

   Order Confirmation

   Confirm order details with customer: products, quantities, shipping address, preferred carrier, and Incoterms (FOB, CIF, DDP). Verify HS codes for all products.

   Common Incoterms for diamond tooling:\n- FOB: Buyer pays freight from port\n- CIF: Seller pays freight + insurance to destination port\n- DDP: Seller handles everything to buyers door\n- EXW: Buyer handles everything from factory

2. 2

   Documentation Preparation

   Prepare: commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and any required certifications. Ensure HS codes match destination country requirements.

   Required documents:\n- Commercial Invoice (3 copies)\n- Packing List (weights, dimensions)\n- Certificate of Origin\n- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill\n- Insurance certificate (if CIF)\n- Any product certifications

3. 3

   Carrier Selection

   Compare rates from 3+ carriers based on: cost, transit time, reliability, and tracking capability. Consider sea freight (cheap, slow) vs air freight (fast, expensive).

   Typical transit times (China to US):\n- Sea freight: 25-35 days\n- Air freight: 5-7 days\n- Express (DHL/FedEx): 3-5 days\n- Rail (to EU): 18-22 days

4. 4

   Customs Clearance

   Submit documentation to customs broker or handle directly. Ensure correct HS code classification to avoid delays or extra duties. Pre-clear if possible.

   Pro tip: Wrong HS code = customs hold + penalty. When in doubt, get a binding ruling from customs before shipping.

5. 5

   Shipment Tracking

   Provide customer with tracking number and expected delivery date. Set up automated tracking updates via carrier API or manual check-ins.

6. 6

   Delivery Confirmation

   Confirm delivery with customer. Request feedback on packaging condition. Update order status in system. Trigger review request workflow after 14 days.

Tools Required