Breaking into the world of international e-commerce can sometimes feel like a rather daunting prospect. Even if all the signs are there and you know your popular product is viable to audiences overseas, getting it successfully across the border remains one of the biggest hurdles. Whether you’re confused about the ins and outs of customs clearance procedures or you’re unsure how to make international retail as efficient and financially rewarding as possible, our experts have got you covered.
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Why e-commerce should be a priority
First things first, let’s be clear about just how prosperous successful e-commerce activities are to businesses. According to Statista, e-commerce revenue is projected to reach $164.10 billion (£135.89 billion) by the end of 2022 in the UK. Demand from consumers to review, order, and receive products via online platforms has never been more favourable, and continues to surpass expectations. Staggeringly, the global e-commerce market is forecasted to total $5.55 trillion by the end of 2022.
E-commerce revenue is projected to reach $164.10B by the end of 2022 in the UK.
As the world becomes more connected, there’s a real opportunity for retailers to tap into, and establish an unwavering presence, in such a booming market. We all know that e-commerce isn’t going anywhere – not only did it survive a pandemic of a global scale, but it also thrived as one of the most reliable sources of income to retailers across the world.
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How to customise the customs experience
Getting products from one continent to another in a smooth and successful manner allows retailers to fully embrace e-commerce. But common and initial barriers to any international shipping activity often lie in the form of differing customs procedures and clearances. Though docks and airports worldwide have similar import and export processes, variations in duties, taxes, and legislation can cause precious delays and complications.
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That’s where we come in. As a specialist logistics company who have been operating in numerous overseas locations for over 40 years, we draw upon our comprehensive bank of knowledge to ensure that shipping the products of e-commerce overseas is as informed and efficient as possible.
E-commerce shipping and logistics with Aramex
For the last 40 years, Aramex operates in over 600 cities around the world.
Aramex designed a range of add-on services to springboard retailers into worldwide e-commerce on an unlimited scale. Our range of tools seamlessly integrate with numerous e-tailors’ websites, helping to increase visibility over all-things customs, like duties and taxes. There’s nothing more frustrating than products stalling at the final hurdle once they’ve landed in another country.
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Integrated tools for e-commerce by Aramex
Tool 1 – The Harmonised System code classifier
The Harmonised System (HS) code classifier is the first add-on service up. Customs authorities widely use HS codes worldwide – this standardised, numerical method classifies traded products to speed up identification at points where duties and taxes are assessed.
Once you have assigned the correct HS code to your products, our HS code classifier identifies the necessary documents needed to export this commodity to the desired country. It also uses this information to calculate any applicable duties, streamlining the retailer’s entire administrative side of the customs process.
Use an HS Code to identify the necessary documents needed to export items.
Tool #2: Duty calculator
At the point of check-out and based on the HS code and destination country alone, our customs charges estimation tool automatically calculates any duties and taxes. So, before the shipment has even been made, retailers have full visibility and accuracy over all associated costs, lessening the risk of being caught up in a muddle of customs bills.
Not only does the provision of all required documents lessen any pressures on retailers to wade through complex paperwork themselves, the supply of accurate and transparent duty figures allows for more informed financial decision-making. We also empower financial flexibility, with the options of either pre-paying customs fees or settling these upon delivery in the destination country.
Tool #3: Automated ID collection
The final piece of the e-commerce puzzle is the collection of the goods themselves to successfully complete last mile journeys. Most countries require consignee ID to complete customs clearance; and, though most people have a habit of carrying their ID, it’s something that can be easily forgotten or misplaced!
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Our ID collection portal allows customers to easily upload the IDs of any persons to be associated with shipments. These documents are securely stored for future reference and can be used for all upcoming customs clearance activities. Issues with misplaced or confused IDs are minimised.
Moreover, readily available IDs limit the likelihood of a missed or failed collection and delivery. International shipments clear customs smoothly, ready to reach their destination in a secure, fast, and efficient manner.
Key takeaway
Don’t forget to have these 3 essential points in mind to have the fastest and smoothest deliveries for your customers around the world. It will make your customers choose you every time when there are no hurdles and encourage you to sell to more markets around the world without any problems.
