The 10 most difficult shipping countries to ship merchandise to and how to overcome the challenges

Shipping and delivery of merchandise internationally can be a complex and challenging process, especially when dealing with countries that have stringent customs regulations, high import taxes, and detailed documentation requirements throughout the supply chain. At Sunday, we’ve successfully shipped merchandise all over the globe—including Europe, Dubai, Canada, Argentina, Japan, Australia, and more. From our extensive experience, we’ve identified the 10 most challenging countries to ship to, based on the unique obstacles they present.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the 10 most difficult countries to ship merchandise to and provide you with the key requirements and tips to navigate the complexities. And remember, if the process seems overwhelming, Sunday offers specialized services to manage all aspects of your international shipments, including packaging, so you can focus on what matters most—growing your brand.

1. Brazil

Brazil is notorious for its complex customs procedures and high import taxes. Shipments often face delays due to thorough inspections, and the documentation requirements are stringent. Here’s what you need to know:

• Local broker needed: Engaging a local customs broker is mandatory. They will act as your intermediary, ensuring that all procedures are followed correctly.
• Commercial invoice: Must include price, country of origin, MID code, HS code, and UN/LOCODE.
• Origin declaration statement: Required to certify the country where the goods were produced.
• Predeclaration: Submit a predeclaration before the goods arrive to facilitate customs clearance.
• Documentation on the outside of the box: All necessary documentation must be clearly attached to the outside of the shipment box.
• Digital version added to shipment: Include a digital version of all required documentation.
• Local contact person: Essential for communicating with customs officials and your customs broker.

2. India

Shipping merchandise to India involves a detailed and often lengthy process due to high customs duties and extensive documentation requirements. Here’s how to navigate the process:

• Local broker needed: A local customs broker is critical for navigating India’s customs process.
• Declare as “gifting”: Declaring goods as “gifting” may help clarify that these goods are not meant to be sold on the local market.
• Commercial invoice: Must include price, country of origin, MID code, HS code, UN/LOCODE, and a legal invoice.
• KYC form: Standard requirement that includes detailed information about the shipper and receiver.
• Power of attorney (POA) document: Authorizes your customs broker to act on your behalf.
• Passport copies of shipper & receiver: Required as part of the documentation.
• Origin declaration statement: Certifying the country of production is required.
• Predeclaration: Submit before the goods arrive in India.
• Documentation on the outside of the box: Attach all necessary documentation securely to the outside of the box.
• Digital version added to shipment: Include a digital version of all required paperwork for efficient tracking.
• Local contact person: Necessary for communication with customs officials.

3. Singapore

Singapore is a major global trade hub, but it has strict customs regulations and logistics challenges related to freight and transport that can complicate shipping, highlighting the need for efficient logistics solutions. Here’s what you need to know:

• Local broker needed: A local broker is crucial for ensuring smooth customs clearance.
• Commercial invoice: Must include price, country of origin, MID code, HS code, and UN/LOCODE.
• REX: Certification of origin required for certain goods.
• Max 1000kg per shipment: Ensure shipments do not exceed this weight limit.
• Origin declaration statement: Certifying the country of production is required.
• Predeclaration: Submit before the goods arrive to streamline customs processing.
• Documentation on the outside of the box: Attach all necessary documentation to the shipment.
• Digital version added to shipment: Include a digital version of all required paperwork.
• Local contact person: Needed for communication with customs officials and the broker.

4. United Kingdom

Post-Brexit, the United Kingdom has introduced new customs regulations that can complicate freight shipping, leading to delivery problems. Since Brexit shipping merchandise to the UK became a whole expertise in itself. Here’s how to manage the process:

• Commercial invoice: Must include price, country of origin, MID code, HS code, and UN/LOCODE.
• REX: Certification of origin required for certain goods.
• EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification): An EORI number is mandatory for customs clearance in the customs territory of the UK.
• Origin declaration statement: Certifying the country of production is necessary.
• Predeclaration: Submit before the goods arrive in the UK.
• Documentation on the outside of the box: Attach all necessary documents to the shipment.
• Digital version added to shipment: Include a digital version of all required paperwork.

5. South Africa

South Africa’s customs process is known for being slow and unpredictable. Here’s what you need to prepare for:

• Local broker needed: A local customs broker is essential for navigating the complex customs process.
• Commercial invoice: Must include price, country of origin, MID code, HS code, and UN/LOCODE.
• Origin declaration statement: Required to certify the country of production.
• Predeclaration: Submit before the goods arrive to expedite customs clearance.
• Documentation on the outside of the box: Attach all necessary documents to the shipment.
• Digital version added to shipment: Include a digital version of all required paperwork.
• Local contact person: Needed for communication with customs officials and the broker.

6. Guatemala

Shipping merchandise to Guatemala can be challenging due to detailed customs procedures. Here’s what you need to know:

• Local broker needed: A local customs broker is essential for navigating the complex customs process.
• Commercial invoice: Must include price, country of origin, MID code, HS code, and UN/LOCODE.
• Origin declaration statement: Required to certify the country of production.
• Predeclaration: Submit before the goods arrive to expedite customs clearance.
• Documentation on the outside of the box: Attach all necessary documents to the shipment.
• Digital version added to shipment: Include a digital version of all required paperwork.
• Local contact person: Needed for communication with customs officials and the broker.

7. The Philippines

The Philippines has complex customs regulations and high import duties, making the supply chain and logistics costs involved in shipping challenging. Here’s what you need to prepare:

• Local broker needed: A local customs broker is essential for navigating the complex customs process.
• Commercial invoice: Must include price, country of origin, MID code, HS code, and UN/LOCODE.
• Origin declaration statement: Required to certify the country of production.
• Predeclaration: Submit before the goods arrive to expedite customs clearance.
• Documentation on the outside of the box: Attach all necessary documents to the shipment.
• Digital version added to shipment: Include a digital version of all required paperwork.
• Local contact person: Needed for communication with customs officials and the broker.
• Very difficult, long & expensive: Due to the challenging process, it’s strongly advised to bring the merchandise in a suitcase if possible.

8. Turkey

Turkey’s customs procedures can be unpredictable. Here’s how to manage the process:

• Declare as gifting: This clarifies that the goods are not going to be sold on the local protected market.
• Commercial invoice: Must include price, country of origin, MID code, HS code, and UN/LOCODE.
• Origin declaration statement: Required to certify the country of production.
• Predeclaration: Submit before the goods arrive to expedite customs clearance.
• Documentation on the outside of the box: Attach all necessary documents to the shipment.
• Digital version added to shipment: Include a digital version of all required paperwork.
• Local contact person: Needed for communication with customs officials and the broker.

9. Indonesia

Indonesia has strict import regulations and lengthy customs clearance processes. Here’s what you need to prepare:

• Local broker needed: A local customs broker is crucial for navigating the process.
• Commercial invoice: Must include price, country of origin, MID code, HS code, and UN/LOCODE.
• Origin declaration statement: Required to certify the country of production.
• Predeclaration: Submit before the goods arrive to expedite customs clearance.
• Documentation on the outside of the box: Attach all necessary documents to the shipment.
• Digital version added to shipment: Include a digital version of all required paperwork.
• Local contact person: Needed for communication with customs officials and the broker.

10. Mexico

Shipping merchandise to Mexico presents unique challenges, particularly for textiles and bulk shipments. As a major textile production country, Mexico has specific regulations aimed at protecting its local industry, which can complicate the import process. Here’s what you need to know:

• Textile production country: Mexico is a significant producer of textiles, which means that importing textile products, especially in bulk, is highly regulated.
• No bulk import: Mexico does not accept bulk imports of more than 10 pieces or goods valued over $1,000 in a single shipment. This can be a significant hurdle if you plan to ship large quantities of apparel or other textile-based merchandise.
• Solution—gadgets instead of textiles: To avoid issues with bulk textile imports, consider shifting your merchandise strategy towards non-textile items, such as branded gadgets or tech accessories. These items are typically easier to import in larger quantities without facing the same restrictions.
• B2C shipments: For business-to-consumer (B2C) shipments, Mexico allows a maximum of 9 pieces per shipment. This rule is particularly important if you’re planning direct shipments to customers or clients in Mexico.
• China produced goods are heavily taxed: Mexico has an extremely high tax towards goods imported from China, if you want to send merchandise to Mexico look for a supplier that doesn’t produce there.

Conclusion

Navigating the complexities of international freight shipping can be daunting, especially when dealing with countries that have stringent customs regulations, shipping issues, high import taxes, and unforeseen costs. However, by understanding the specific requirements for each country, tracking shipments carefully, and preparing thoroughly, you can minimize delays and ensure your merchandise arrives safely and on time.

If managing these complexities feels overwhelming, consider partnering with Sunday. Our global shipping services handle all aspects of international shipments, from documentation to customs clearance, so you can focus on making your global strategy a success.

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