How to Start Shipping Internationally From India

Shipping products from India to other parts of the world can be overwhelming for businesses and individuals. The shipping process is complex, and without the correct knowledge, one can risk the shipment and face the possibility of unexpected costs, delays, complications, etc. However, with the help of international shipping processes, one can transform their challenges into opportunities to save time and money.

This guide details everything you need to know about shipping internationally.

Importance Of Understanding The International Shipping Process

Understanding the international shipping process is important to mastering the global treasure map for individuals and businesses that want to ship products across borders. Shipping products internationally without understanding poses the risk of getting lost, incurring unexpected costs, facing delays, etc., but proper know-how can help you save time, money, and headaches in global shipping. The understanding helps and transforms the maze of regulations, costs, and logistics into an easy way, which allows businesses to widen their global footprints with confidence and connect with their customers across the globe. Mainly, the process of international shipping is about having clarity, safety and timely cost-effective delivery on a global scale.

Different Steps/Stages for Shipping Products Internationally

Shipping products internationally from India includes several important stages, each requiring careful planning and execution for a smooth and efficient process. The explanation of each stage is as follows:

1. Choosing the right products for international shipping: Before looking for logistics, it is important to choose the right products for international shipping based on market demands, legal restrictions for India and the target market, and the shelf life of the products, as they have to undergo a long transportation time.
2. Packing and labelling: After choosing the product, it must be packed and labelled properly to ensure it reaches the destination safely. You must use high-quality and lightweight packing materials like bubble wrap and sturdy boxes. The labels should include the address of the sender and recipient, contact details, etc., to avoid any issues.
3. Documentation: Accurate documentation, including the certificate of origin, packing list, commercial invoice, export declaration, etc., is needed for customs clearance and regulatory compliance.
4. Choosing a suitable shipping method: Choosing the correct shipping method is also important for the products, transit speed, and budget. Different shipping methods include air freight (fast and expensive shipping methods, ideal for precious and time-sensitive products), sea freight (a cost-effective method for bulk products but slower than air freight), and land freight through different courier service providers (fast and reliable for small packages).
5. Shipping cost calculation: Calculating the shipping cost is important to estimate if the export is under budget or not. There are some elements involved in calculating the shipping cost:
   • Weight and size: The heavier and larger the package, the more expensive it would be to ship.
   • Shipping method: Shipping via air freight is more costly than shipping via any other method. 
   • Destination: The delivery location or final destination of the shipment also plays a major role, as a larger distance can lead to a high cost.
   • There can be some additional charges like handling fees, fuel surcharges, customs, brokerage, etc.
6. Customs and duties: Customs duties are applied and paid according to the value of the goods, the types of shipments, and the prevailing tariffs in the destination region. It is important to ensure that your shipment complies with the country’s customs regulations to avoid any delays and penalties.
7. Types of Insurance Coverage: Various types of insurance coverage can be taken by exporters before shipping the goods to protect the shipment against any possible loss or damage during transportation. The most common insurance coverages are:
   • Third-party insurance: It offers high coverage limits and can be customised as per the value of goods.
   • Carrier insurance: This is basic coverage insurance provided by the shipping carrier.
   • All-risk insurance: It is a comprehensive coverage that covers almost every risk mentioned.
8. Transportation: It includes the movement of the goods from the origin to the final destination, which involves picking up the goods from the origin to the shipping carrier and then transporting them to the nearest destination location.
9. Tracking shipments: The shipping service provider allows you to track the shipments to monitor the progress of your goods in real-time. Some shipping companies might also send updates through SMS, emails, etc.
10. Last-mile delivery: This is the final step of the shipping process, as it is the part where the shipment is delivered to the recipient’s address.
11. Special considerations: There are some special considerations that might apply as per the nature of the goods, like temperature-controlled goods that will need temperature-controlled shipping carriers and fast delivery, fragile items that will need extra handling with care, etc.
12. Return policies and managing refunds: It is important to have a clear return policy and refund management system for customer satisfaction. One must state the conditions clearly, including time frames, and issue refunds promptly if the products are in the same condition.

List Of Prohibited Items When Shipping From India To International Destinations

Shipping different products from India to global destinations can be easier if you are aware of the list of prohibited items, as it will help you avoid any legal issues or shipment delays. While shipping internationally, one must take care of the prohibited items that are country-specific. Prohibited items are goods that are not allowed in a country due to their jurisdiction. Below is a general list of such prohibited items:

1. Hazardous materials
2. Agricultural products
3. Animal products
4. Pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
5. Weapons
6. Artefacts
7. Narcotics
8. Currency
9. Valuables

Common Mistakes To Avoid For Smooth Shipping Process From India To Global Destinations

Shipping products from India to other countries can be a smooth process if one can avoid some common mistakes:

1. Shipping costs: Understand international shipping costs and all the factors affecting them, such as weight, size, shipping method, destination charges, insurance, etc.
2. Customs regulations: Learn about the customs regulations of India and the destination country to ensure your shipment complies with the export and import laws of both nations.
3. Inaccurate or incomplete documentation: Double check all the shipping documents for accuracy and have complete documents including packing lists, commercial invoices, landing bills, export declarations, certificates of origin, etc.
4. Incomplete knowledge of restricted items: Check the list of restricted or prohibited items for both India and the destination country to make sure that the shipment doesn’t include any banned or restricted items.
5. Improper packaging: To avoid any damages or losses in the shipment, it is important to use high-quality and sturdy packaging materials. Properly seal the packages and label them with the proper information.
6. Incorrect labels: Make sure to put clear, legible, and securely attached labels with all the necessary information like the sender’s and recipient’s addresses, contact details, handling instructions, etc.
7. Not having a reliable carrier: Explore and choose a reliable shipping service provider and carrier with a history of international shipping. Mention the delivery timings, reliability, services provided, customer reviews, tracking, etc., accurately.
8. Failed to track shipments: Use tracking tools provided by the shipping service provider to monitor and track the progress of your shipments.
9. Not taking insurance: Always make sure that you take insurance for your shipments while covering them against any losses, theft, or damage during transportation.
10. Not looking at the return policies: Mention and communicate about the return policies clearly by providing proper instructions for returns, clearing who will cover the return shipping costs, and simplifying the refund process.
11. Ignoring to communicate with the recipients: Keep the recipients informed about the tracking information and customer care contact details for the recipients to track the shipment process, expected delivery timings, possible delays, etc.

Conclusion

Shipping products from India to international destinations does not have to be a complex task for exporters. The process can be smoother by understanding and planning every stage of the shipping process. Exporters must avoid common mistakes like improper documentation, improper packing and labelling, not taking insurance, etc., to prevent delays and issues in the delivery. A smooth and efficient delivery enhances the overall delivery experience of the sender and receiver. 

To efficiently navigate the intricate global goods transportation process, businesses can also seek the assistance of international shipping services like ShiprocketX. They help you expand your business beyond India and flourish in the international market. They provide reliable shipping services at the cheapest rates. ShiprocketX offers different transportation modes to ensure the timely delivery of goods.

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