Neighborhood Parcel came up with the top 5 worst international shipping destinations. The list was compiled based on actual consumer experience and a survey of local clients that ship to these destinations on a regular basis. While we understand that there may be exceptions to the rules, this list is not all-inclusive and based on general public perception. The International shipping difficulties came in a variety of ways from having unclear import tax policies, delayed clearance processes, heavy bureaucracy, and local corruption. But nondutiable shipments such as letters, documents, and blueprints will ship without issues because there are often nontaxable worldwide.

Shipping To Brazil

VAT or EIN Tax Id numbers are now required when shipping to Brazil. They are making #imports to their country very hard. We have been in the international shipping industry for decades and we know a few things about shipping overseas. This destination is hard to ship to because of its vague import tax policies, bureaucracy, corruption, and slow clearance process. Consumers who like to ship gifts urgently needed over-the-counter medicine for their loved ones, and vitamins are often shocked when they hear that shipment is taxed at record levels or simply disappeared from the Brazilian Postal Service. In addition to the excessive cost they have to pay for mailing the goods, they will have to dish out more tax money for taxes or bribery based on feedback we are getting from actual customers.


Shipping To Russia

The current political situation with Russia is not making exports to Russia any easier. When shipping to Russia, consumers often discover that the country’s customs office changes rules frequently and doesn’t have a transparent Tax policy. We discovered this issue when shipping the most popular goods like Apple products and electronics. The customs office in Russia will make recipients fetch documents that are impossible to get like Authorization from the Communication ministry or health office because they claim that technology is untested in Russia.

Shipping To China

China is no exception when it comes to accepting goods from the U.S and most new technologies, one of our clients got his new iPad confiscated by the local government and they refused to ship it back to the U.S. Simply because iPads are risky and untested for the security of the government. The clearance process can take weeks and communication can be difficult because of the nature of the Chinese government and the clearance process.

Shipping To Chile

Chile made the list because they are very protective of their local economy and will tax all foreign products heavily to avoid imports. The latest Valentine’s gift to a mother in Chile was almost confiscated and the recipient was threatened to go to jail for receiving a purse and sweater. So think twice about shipping textiles to Chile and always keep in mind that the recipient must disclose his tax id or VAT on the export documents.

Shipping To Mexico

Here is a slippery slope that you cannot afford to take! You never know what to expect when making a personal shipment to Mexico, the rules are often unclear and most of the shipments will require either bribery paid upfront or heavy import tax.

If you have to ship to these destinations, or any other overseas destination uses the following tips:

  • Utilize a strong carrier like FedEx or DHL. If you insist on using the Post Office, use their Express Mail with value protection service.
  • Make sure your Commercial Invoice or Pro Forma is completed properly including the required VAT / Tax id of the recipient.
  • Have a strong presence at the destination that can help you clear the shipment.
  • Get prepared to pay their import tax.
  • Check with carriers or local customs offices for prohibited commodities.
  • Be patient. Our concept of time management is not the same as the rest of the world.

Have an Authorize Shipping center help you with the packaging and shipping of your goods, they often have the knowledge and resources to ensure smooth delivery of your goods and current on all export restrictions from the U.S. An Authorized shipping center like Neighborhood Parcel can also help you save time and money by having your export documents verified for accuracy and the shipping rates are often cheaper than doing it yourself online.

Testimonials

Fantastic service! I used to travel to the Boson location and always struggled with traffic and bad service. I did a quick Google search and came up with Neighborhood Parcel FedEx service point. I used them for 3 years now and I am happy to endorse them for service and always having the best FedEx rates. Why would anyone pay retail rates at FedEx.com when they can use this company and support local businesses?

Ahmed Balami, Boston MA

Le escribo esta carta para agradecerle por ayudarme a enviar mis documentos a Ecuador. El servicio siempre es genial, Sarah es muy servicial

Rebecca Santos, Dracut MA

I am glad this location is near my house. I can do all my business here and be in and out in minutes. On my last visit, I was able to have them print my documents, notarize them, fax them back to my office then FedEx the originals to my boss. Awesome!

Derek Swares, Wilmington

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