Customs & Import/Export Information

Customs Thresholds (De Minimis)

Most countries have a de minimis threshold—a shipment value below which duties and taxes are not charged. This threshold exists because processing small shipments costs more in administrative effort than the revenue collected.

These thresholds vary significantly by country. The United States has one of the highest thresholds at $800. The European Union's threshold is much lower, typically around €150. Some countries have no de minimis threshold at all, meaning every shipment is subject to duties and taxes regardless of value.

The threshold applies to the total shipment value, not individual items. If you're shipping multiple items worth $50 each, but the total shipment value exceeds the threshold, duties apply to the entire shipment.

Understanding de minimis thresholds helps you estimate costs and decide whether to consolidate or split shipments. Learn more about de minimis values by country →

Business & Tax Identifiers

Customs authorities require business and tax identification numbers to track shipments, verify compliance, and process duties. Different countries use different systems, and the same business may need multiple identifiers depending on where they're shipping.

The European Union uses EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) numbers for businesses involved in import/export activities. The United States uses EIN (Employer Identification Number) for tax purposes, though customs may also require other identifiers. VAT (Value Added Tax) numbers are used in many countries for tax collection and customs verification.

These identifiers must appear on your commercial invoice. Missing or incorrect numbers cause customs holds. Some countries require the shipper's identifier, others require the consignee's, and some require both.

The requirements depend on shipment value, destination country, and whether you're shipping as a business or individual. Compare EORI, EIN, and VAT numbers →

Restricted & Prohibited Items

Every country maintains lists of items that are restricted or prohibited from import. Restricted items may be allowed with permits, licenses, or special documentation. Prohibited items cannot be imported under any circumstances.

Common restricted categories include alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, food products, plants and seeds, electronics with encryption, weapons, and certain chemicals. The specific restrictions vary by country. What's allowed in one country may be restricted in another.

Some restrictions are based on quantity. For example, you might be able to ship a small amount of alcohol as a gift, but larger quantities require permits. Other restrictions are absolute—certain items cannot be imported regardless of quantity or purpose.

Shipping restricted items without proper documentation results in customs holds, confiscation, or penalties. The carrier may also refuse to transport certain items, even if customs would allow them with proper documentation.

Always check destination country regulations before shipping. Carrier websites typically provide general guidance, but for specific items, consult the destination country's customs authority directly.

How This Affects Your Invoice

Customs regulations directly affect what information must appear on your commercial invoice. The invoice serves as the primary document customs uses to classify goods, calculate duties, and verify compliance.

If your shipment value exceeds the de minimis threshold, customs needs accurate product descriptions, HS codes, and values to calculate duties. Missing or incorrect information causes delays while customs requests clarification.

Business identifiers must be accurate. Customs uses these numbers to verify your business registration, track shipments, and process tax obligations. Incorrect numbers trigger verification processes that delay clearance.

For restricted items, the invoice must include any required permits, licenses, or certifications. The product description should match the documentation exactly. Discrepancies between the invoice and supporting documents cause holds.

A complete, accurate commercial invoice helps customs process your shipment quickly. Incomplete or incorrect invoices result in delays, additional fees, or shipment holds. Understanding these requirements before creating your invoice reduces the risk of problems.