Moving away is not easy. It is physically draining, emotionally exhausting and overall, stressful. If you are planning to make an international move, consider calling an international moving company to help you pack, store and ship your belongings overseas. This is a popular choice for international travelers who are looking to save money. International shippers work with reliable affiliate carriers (via ocean and air travel) to guarantee that your unharmed boxes will warmly greet you at your destination. But, before the carriers can ship your belongings, you will need to sign some documents including a Commercial Invoice and a Certificate of Origin.

Your country’s destination will determine the number of documents that you will need to sign. The first document to be signed is a Commercial Invoice. Prepared for you by the exporter, this is the foundation document for future documents, and is vital for shipping household goods overseas. The document should contain thorough information regarding your shipment including: a description of the goods, shipper’s address, and payment information. After the document is signed and dated, you are one step closer to making your big international move.

Commercial Invoice

Depending on the country, you may be required to sign a Certificate of Origin form. This document contains manufacturing information about each individual product you are shipping. Important information in this document consists of: importers and exporter’s information, contents in the shipment and country of original manufacture for each item. You will need to sign this document and have it notarized at your local Chamber of Commerce.

Other documents that may be requested include an Export Declaration (B13A form) and a Free Trade Agreement form. Before your move, find out in advance if you will be required to sign them. You will also need to learn more about duties and taxes that will need to be paid by first identifying the Harmonized System code for each of your products. This code is used for custom purposes. Shipping overseas usually requires tax fees so expect a bill for them.

This process takes a bit of time, so be prepared months in advance. But, once you have crossed the “T’s” and dotted the “I’s,” your things are ready for safe travels and will be waiting for you upon your arrival.

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