Why detailed product descriptions are essential for smooth international shipping
Customs officials rely on your method of valuation and product descriptions to classify your goods, determine taxes and duties, and confirm that your shipment meets rules and regulations for compliance. If you don’t provide clear details, you could face delays, fines or extra fees, or even have your goods sent back to its origin.
What does a good product description look like?
A good product description and valuation method will provide key details about the goods that are inside your shipment. Some of the most important details to include are:
A specific product category for the item
Instead of jotting down “shoes” as the description, write “men’s leather running shoes, size 10”.
A material that the item’s made of
Composition details like “stainless steel” or “100% cotton” are important parts of a good description.
Purpose or use
If a product has a very specific use, include it in the description. For “men’s leather running shoes, size 10”, the description outlines that the shoes are designed for running and not for formal wear.
Item condition
Customs in Canada assumes that items are shipped new, unless specifically stated otherwise. Make sure to label an item as used or new to avoid miscommunication.
Brand and model
If your products have a brand name and model, include it in the description, such as “Dyson vacuum cleaner model V11”.
Product description examples:
- Instead of “electronics” use a specific description like “smartphones, Samsung A18, 64 GB”.
- Instead of “car parts” provide a description like “car air filters, new, for Honda Civic”.
- Instead of “women’s clothes” write a description like “women’s fall jackets, polyester, sizes XS-2XL”.
These examples show the type of specific detail that you must provide for acceptable product descriptions.
What happens with a bad product description?
If you describe your shipment as “clothing”, customs won’t have enough detail to properly process your shipments. Agents need more information to properly classify the shipment. Are the clothing items kids’ shirts, or are they men’s jackets for winter? Are the clothes made of cotton, leather, or polyester? These factors change how customs will classify your goods and calculate duties and taxes.
Some of the issues that arise if you don’t provide enough detail include:
Delays at the border
Customs officials may need to hold your shipment for inspection to figure out what’s inside. That could add days or even weeks to your timeline.
Incorrect taxes and duties
Misclassifying your items because of vague descriptions could mean paying more than you should—or worse, being fined for underpaying.
Non-compliance penalties
In Canada, failing to meet customs documentation standards can lead to serious issues, including fines or your shipment being denied entry altogether.
Tips for Canadian shippers
If you’re shipping across the Canadian border, these simple tips will help keep your goods moving:
Stick to plain language
Write descriptions that anyone can understand. Avoid technical jargon unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Align your documentation
Make sure your product descriptions are consistent across all forms, like your commercial invoice, bill of lading, and cargo manifest.
Follow CBSA guidelines
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has clear rules about what needs to be included in your shipment documentation. It’s worth taking a few minutes to review their requirements.
Collaborate with a customs broker
Brokers are experts in navigating CBSA regulations and can help ensure your shipment complies with all rules.
Why product descriptions matter for your business
Getting your descriptions right isn’t just about following the rules—it’s about protecting your business. Proper documentation keeps your shipments on time and avoids unnecessary costs.
When it comes to shipping across international borders, specific product description details are a must. A clear, accurate product description can mean the difference between a shipment that sails through customs and one that gets stuck in a costly, time-consuming bottleneck.
If you have questions about product descriptions and compliance, don’t hesitate to ask an experienced customs broker. Connect with Cole to optimize how you handle compliance.
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