Anyone can ship electronics. They are shipped frequently by companies that know what they’re doing and who have procedures in place for proper care. Shipping electronics properly, safely, and without complications is more difficult to handle. It’s unfortunately common to have your shipment of IT equipment stopped at customs and held there while a pile of fees and taxes are loaded on.
At the most basic level, electronics require special packaging to protect them from damage. Your shipments, whether you’re sending a crate of networking hardware to Canada or giving your daughter a tablet while she’s studying in Scotland, need snug cushioning. Manufacturers create proper housing for the equipment’s specs, so try to keep everything in their original boxes. Stay clear of packing peanuts which can create static electricity and will do a lousy job of preventing items from shifting. Use bubble wrap inside an appropriately small box. Then double box it: wrap the first box in more bubble wrap and then place it inside a slightly larger box.
Special regulations are placed on electronics shipments. For example, the lithium ion batteries in our phones and computers come with an explosion risk. The larger the battery the larger the risk. The air pressure and temperature changes in planes can also cause a build-up of static electricity. If a device with a battery installed, like a laptop, turns on, it can create a surprising amount of heat. The batteries could short-circuit or potentially set ablaze. All ‘radiation-emitting devices’ definitely need insurance and legally require specific paperwork and licensing.
If you’ve had an important shipment stuck in customs before, pay attention here and learn to save money when importing IT equipment while not getting stuck again. An easy fix is to partner with an Importer of Record (IOR). In many cases, negotiating an IOR between buyer and seller is legally required. A reputable company like TecEx specialises in importing IT equipment in 160 countries, and they will guarantee you swift and efficient customs clearance.
They’ll look after your international import licensing, permits, and they also offer additional tax-savings services like import VAT recovery. They have clients and partners at every point along the supply chain from manufacturer to end user. An IOR is important to have because they understand the ever-changing rules and regulations of any country you wish to do business with. Plus, if you do incur indirect taxes in these foreign destinations, like VAT, GST, JCT, or HST, they can score you a tax refund.
Shipping electronics on any sized scale is simple if you prep ahead of time with the right materials and when you seek help from an IOR that offers multiple services. Finding one that specializes in electronics is key, and if you use one that can save you money on top of the above hassles, you’re totally good to ship!