> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.jetpack3pl.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Sending Inventory Across Borders

> Requirements for shipping international inventory to Jetpack fulfillment centers, including customs documentation, importer of record responsibilities, and compliance policies.

<div className="page-intro">
  Shipping inventory internationally requires careful attention to customs requirements and import regulations. Understanding your responsibilities as an importer and following proper documentation procedures ensures smooth cross-border receiving and avoids costly delays or returns.
</div>

## Understanding Shipping Terms

The shipping terms you use determine who pays import duties and who handles customs clearance. Choosing the correct terms is critical for international shipments.

| Shipping Term                   | Definition                                                                                                                                              | Use This?                                |
| ------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| **DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)**   | <ul><li>You (the shipper) pay all duties and taxes</li><li>Goods arrive cleared through customs</li><li>No additional fees for recipient</li></ul>      | **YES - Required for Jetpack shipments** |
| **DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid)** | <ul><li>Recipient pays duties and taxes on arrival</li><li>Can cause shipment holds and delays</li><li>Creates unexpected costs for recipient</li></ul> | **NO - Not accepted**                    |

<Warning title="DDP Required">
  All international inventory shipments to Jetpack must use DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping terms. DDU shipments will not be accepted and may be returned at your expense.
</Warning>

***

## Importer of Record Requirements

When shipping inventory internationally, you must understand your role as the Importer of Record. This is a legal responsibility that cannot be transferred to Jetpack.

### Who is the Importer of Record?

The **Importer of Record** is the legal entity responsible for:

* Paying all import duties, taxes, and fees
* Ensuring compliance with import regulations
* Maintaining accurate customs documentation
* Handling any customs issues or penalties

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/jetpack/TBssrYK7Z-ylVEkW/images/sending-inventory/importer-of-record-invoice-highlight.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=TBssrYK7Z-ylVEkW&q=85&s=f811639fba174428f946c3db9f293883" alt="Commercial invoice with Importer of Record section highlighted showing company name, address, city, and country fields" className="screenshot" width="855" height="477" data-path="images/sending-inventory/importer-of-record-invoice-highlight.png" />

### Jetpack's Policy

**Jetpack never acts as Importer of Record** for merchant inventory shipments. Your company must always be listed as both:

* **Sold-To Party** on customs documentation
* **Importer of Record** on the commercial invoice

<Warning title="Critical Documentation Requirement">
  If Jetpack is incorrectly listed as the Sold-To Party or Importer of Record, your shipment will be returned to origin at your expense. All associated costs, plus a 15% administrative fee, will be charged to your account.
</Warning>

***

## Required Documentation for International Shipments

Proper documentation is essential for smooth customs clearance. Follow these requirements for all international inventory shipments:

### Commercial Invoice Requirements

Your commercial invoice must include complete and accurate merchant information:

| Required Information | Details                                                                                                      |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Merchant Name**    | <ul><li>Full legal business name</li><li>Must match business registration documents</li></ul>                |
| **Merchant Address** | <ul><li>Complete business address</li><li>Include country and postal code</li></ul>                          |
| **Contact Person**   | <ul><li>Full name of authorized contact</li><li>Person responsible for customs issues</li></ul>              |
| **Phone Number**     | <ul><li>Direct contact number with country code</li><li>Must be reachable during business hours</li></ul>    |
| **Email Address**    | <ul><li>Business email for customs communications</li><li>Monitored regularly for urgent inquiries</li></ul> |

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/jetpack/TBssrYK7Z-ylVEkW/images/sending-inventory/commercial-invoice-example.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=TBssrYK7Z-ylVEkW&q=85&s=81e0fd7a30e464b77833f47467c79f01" alt="Commercial invoice example showing merchant information fields and Bill To/Importer of Record section" className="screenshot" width="882" height="769" data-path="images/sending-inventory/commercial-invoice-example.png" />

### Palletized Freight and Container Documentation

For palletized freight or container shipments, additional requirements apply:

**Local Customs Broker**: You must engage a local customs broker in the destination country and list them on your commercial invoice. The broker handles:

* Customs clearance procedures
* Import duty calculations and payment
* Regulatory compliance verification
* Communication with local customs authorities

<Info title="Why a Customs Broker?">
  Palletized and container shipments involve complex customs procedures. A local broker ensures compliance with destination country regulations and speeds up clearance times.
</Info>

***

## Bill-Back Policy for Incorrect Invoicing

Jetpack enforces a strict bill-back policy when merchant shipping errors result in charges to Jetpack:

### When Bill-Backs Apply

If a carrier sends an invoice to Jetpack for duties, taxes, or fees due to incorrect shipping documentation, you will be charged:

* **Full amount** of the carrier invoice
* **Plus 15% administrative fee** for processing the bill-back

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/jetpack/TBssrYK7Z-ylVEkW/images/sending-inventory/bill-back-invoice-example.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=TBssrYK7Z-ylVEkW&q=85&s=6b2c0a96667569ee8c05b6e11103dd05" alt="Additional fees invoice example showing international duties charges and per pick fees with total amount" className="screenshot" width="1051" height="477" data-path="images/sending-inventory/bill-back-invoice-example.png" />

### Common Causes of Bill-Backs

| Issue                               | Why It Causes Bill-Backs                                                                                       |
| ----------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **DDU Instead of DDP**              | <ul><li>Duties remain unpaid on arrival</li><li>Carrier invoices Jetpack for payment</li></ul>                 |
| **Jetpack Listed as Sold-To Party** | <ul><li>Makes Jetpack appear responsible for duties</li><li>Carrier attempts to collect from Jetpack</li></ul> |
| **Missing Customs Broker**          | <ul><li>Delays customs clearance</li><li>May result in storage fees invoiced to Jetpack</li></ul>              |

<Warning title="Prevent Bill-Backs">
  Always verify your commercial invoice lists your company as Sold-To Party and Importer of Record, uses DDP shipping terms, and includes complete contact information before shipping internationally.
</Warning>

***

## Compliance Responsibilities

As the merchant shipping inventory internationally, you are responsible for full compliance with all import and export regulations:

### Merchant Compliance Obligations

| Responsibility            | Details                                                                                                                                                                                        |
| ------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Regulatory Compliance** | <ul><li>Ensure products meet destination country regulations</li><li>Verify products are not restricted or prohibited</li><li>Obtain necessary permits or certifications</li></ul>             |
| **Restricted Products**   | <ul><li>Research destination country restrictions before shipping</li><li>Understand prohibited goods lists</li><li>Check for special licensing requirements</li></ul>                         |
| **Penalties and Fines**   | <ul><li>You are responsible for all fees related to non-compliance</li><li>Includes fines, penalties, and storage charges</li><li>Plus 15% administrative fee for Jetpack processing</li></ul> |

### Jetpack's Liability Limitations

Jetpack is not liable for:

* Delays caused by incomplete or incorrect customs documentation
* Non-fulfillment of orders due to customs holds on inventory
* Fines or penalties related to restricted or prohibited products
* Additional costs resulting from merchant non-compliance with international regulations

<Info title="Research Requirements Early">
  Start researching destination country import requirements weeks before shipping. Customs issues can delay receiving by days or weeks, affecting your ability to fulfill customer orders.
</Info>

***

## Regional Considerations

### UK Shipments (Non-UK Businesses)

If your business is not based in the UK and you're shipping inventory to UK fulfillment centers:

**CDS Form Requirement**: Email your CDS (Customs Declaration Service) form to [appointments@shipbob.com](mailto:appointments@shipbob.com) before shipping.

**File Naming Format**: \[Company]-\[WRO#]-\[Date MM-DD-YY]

Example: `AcmeCorpLtd-WRO12345-11-03-25.pdf`

### Australia Shipments

For shipments to Australia fulfillment centers, remember:

* DDP shipping terms required
* 48-hour advance dock appointment booking for containers and pallets
* All customs documentation must be complete before arrival

See [Sending Pallets](/fulfillment/sending-inventory/best-practices/sending-pallets) and [Sending Floor Loaded Containers](/fulfillment/sending-inventory/best-practices/sending-floor-loaded-containers) for region-specific requirements.

***

## Let's Dive Deeper

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Sending Inventory Overview" icon="warehouse" href="/fulfillment/sending-inventory">
    Back to the main guide on our receiving process
  </Card>

  <Card title="Creating a WRO" icon="file-plus" href="/fulfillment/sending-inventory/creating-wro">
    Create Warehouse Receiving Orders for international inventory
  </Card>

  <Card title="Sending Pallets" icon="pallet" href="/fulfillment/sending-inventory/best-practices/sending-pallets">
    Pallet requirements for international freight shipments
  </Card>

  <Card title="Sending Floor Loaded Containers" icon="truck-container" href="/fulfillment/sending-inventory/best-practices/sending-floor-loaded-containers">
    Container shipping guidance and customs requirements
  </Card>

  <Card title="Dangerous Goods + Hazmat" icon="radiation" href="/fulfillment/terms-and-slas/dangerous-goods-hazmat">
    Special requirements for shipping regulated products
  </Card>

  <Card title="Booking Dock Appointments" icon="calendar-days" href="/fulfillment/sending-inventory/booking-dock-appointments">
    Schedule appointments for international freight deliveries
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<div className="jetpack-callout">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/jetpack/2iejPNBTYKEx6ntF/images/jetpack-logomark-256.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=2iejPNBTYKEx6ntF&q=85&s=340604ced4add3864f2641341826e1c9" alt="Jetpack" className="jetpack-callout-icon" width="256" height="256" data-path="images/jetpack-logomark-256.png" />

  <div className="jetpack-callout-content">
    <h4 className="jetpack-callout-title">Questions? Contact Jetpack Care.</h4>
    <p className="jetpack-callout-text">If you have any questions or run into issues, you can always contact Jetpack Care for help. Our team is always here to assist via Slack, phone, or email!</p>
  </div>
</div>