Norway

Please be advised that due to the adverse weather in Norway (heavy snow fall) there will be a delay in deliveries

Estonia

Please be aware that there is a Bank Holiday in Estonia Wednesday 24th February

New Customs Clearance Information for Turkey
New customs regulations in Turkey mean the process for returning shipment to the sender have changed. The process is different for Air Express shipments (which are classed as courier) and DPD Classic shipments.

Air Express Returns Process
It is not possible for any shipment to be returned to the sender from Turkey through the Air Express network. If the shipment needs to be returned the consignee and their customs broker must arrange the return themselves.

DPD Classic Returns Process
Shipments can only be returned from Turkey to the sender if the consignee provides Power of Attorney to their customs broker.
Additional costs should be expected.

If the consignee is not able to provide Power of Attorney it will not be possible to return the shipment and it will be destroyed by Turkish Customs.

It is recommended that customers contact their consignee before exporting any shipments to Turkey to ensure they are able to accept the goods.


Gaza
Please be reminded that deliveries to Gaza are suspended due to the political situation.


Brazil
For B2B deliveries - the receiver’s VAT number (known as CNPJ) must indicated on the invoice
For B2C deliveries – the receiver’s Tax ID (known as CPF) must be indicated on the invoice


COUNTRY INFORMATION
China, Japan & Australia


Applicable to all customers who use the Air Express service to China, Japan & Australia

China
Customs clearance procedures for China can vary dependent on the value of goods, whether the consignee requests formal clearance and whether the goods require an import license.

High value shipments (over $48 USD)
The consignee will be contacted before export to determine whether they have the correct paperwork/permit to receive the goods and if they require a formal clearance to take place.
If the consignee does not have the correct paperwork or trade license, the goods will be returned to our customer in the UK.

This process should prevent issues arising in customs and additional costs.

Expected transit time for high value shipments is 5-7 days.

The consignee’s telephone number should always be provided on the invoice.

Import Licenses
Please be aware the following goods require an import permit or China Compulsory Certification (CCC), regardless of value. It is recommended these goods are not exported to China:

• Appliances for home or similar usage
• Audio/video devices
• Books (can only be cleared by authorized companies)
• Electric tools
• Electric welding machines
• Electric wires and cables
• Information technology devices
• Lighting devices
• Low power electric motors
• Low voltage electric apparatuses
• Motor vehicle and safety accessories
• Motor vehicle tires
• Safety glass
• Telecommunication terminal devices


Japan
There are special stipulations on the following commodities when shipping to Japan, please ensure your customers are aware of the following in order to avoid delivery delays and problems in customs:

Clothes - provide an accurate description and the type of material. For example: Polyester Sports Trousers or Cotton Skirt

Cosmetics - following conditions must be met:
If consignee is an individual, shipment should not exceed 24 pieces per item.
If consignee is a company, import license and sales license are required prior to import. As samples, up to 36 pieces per item may be imported. As commercial, there is no limit on quantity.

Discs - The invoice must include the consignee's telephone number, disc titles, quantity and intended use (educational, personal, commercial, entertainment or instructional). The consignee will be contacted to verify this information

Films - The invoice must include the consignee's telephone number, the title of the film, the type of film (e.g. VHS), and the quantity. Used films may require censorship. For 355mm film, expect at least one month delay for censorship.

Food - Commercial shipments require import notification and inspection by the Health Ministry. Personal shipments under 10 kgs are exempt from notification and inspection by the Health Ministry.

Shoes - Materials of sole and upper and its intended use are required in the commercial invoice. For example, sports shoes, leather (upper), rubber (sole).

Textiles - provide an accurate description and the type of material. For example: Polyester Sports Trousers or Cotton Skirt

Toys - Commercial shipments of baby toys need import notification and inspection by the Health Ministry. Personal shipments up to 10 kgs are exempt.

Videos/DVDs - The consignee will be contacted to verify the content and purpose for the import of videotapes. All video shipments must contain the following information on the commercial invoice:
Title of the video
Type of video format, such as VHS, DVD or other
Quantity of videos
Use of the video, such as educational, personal, commercial, entertainment, or instructional

The consignee’s telephone number should always be provided on the invoice.


Australia
The Australian Customs Service randomly holds 5% of all formal entry shipments for a documentary and physical examination of the goods. This process can cause delays of 24 to 72 hours.

The Australian Quarantine & Inspection Service screens all goods that are imported into Australia.

Incomplete invoices are charged an inspection fee. Using the following words to describe a shipment will incur Quarantine inspections and fees:

Sample, gift, present, sporting goods and used goods.

Quarantine inspections delay Customs clearance.

Clothing - All clothing must contain labels. The labels must state the material composition and country of origin. The label must be sewn into the garment, where the customer can see the markings, if the garments are packaged. If the packaging is not transparent, the markings must also be on the packaging.

CDs - Subject to censorship for objectionable material
Cosmetics - containing more than 250mg/kg of lead require approval from the Ministry of Justice and Customs, excludes those designed for hair treatments

Food - any food will quarantined and inspected. Delivery delays and additional charges will be applicable

Samples- the invoice must state the material composition of the sample

Shoes - Under Trade Marking requirements shoes must be individually marked in a permanent manner with the country of origin and their material content

Telephones - portable telephones require an Import Permit

Watches - The Department of Commerce requires that the watch, the watch housing and the watch's movement be individually labelled with the country of origin if they are all not made in the same country. If each item is made in the same country only the case needs to be marked.

For some goods an import license is required and has to be obtained in advance from the Australian High Commission or the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service