Customs & shipping FAQ

1. Which Incoterm should we choose?

DDP is easiest — we handle all customs and you receive at your dock. DAP if your team handles import duty. EXW only if you have a freight forwarder you trust. CIF/FOB are sea-only and rarely make sense for B2B merch.

2. Do you provide EUR.1 certificates?

For Armenian, Turkish, and Serbian-origin goods imported into EU we provide EUR.1 to claim 0% duty. For Georgia we provide DCFTA-EU origin docs. Cyprus is intra-EU, no duty needed.

3. How do you handle Form A?

For GSP-eligible developing countries we issue Form A; the importer claims tariff reduction in their customs declaration. We supply the document with shipment paperwork.

4. What HS codes do you use?

We use 8-10 digit codes per the destination country's nomenclature. Misclassification is the single largest cause of customs delay; we audit codes annually with a customs broker.

5. How long does customs typically take?

EU import: 1-3 days with EUR.1; 3-5 days without preferential origin. UAE: 2-4 days. CIS: 3-7 days. We pre-clear larger shipments with the broker to keep transit fast.

6. Are samples shipped with ATA Carnet?

For trade-show samples with intent to re-export, yes — ATA Carnet works in 78 countries. For permanent-import samples we ship under low-value declaration.

7. How do you handle product liability and recalls?

We carry $5M+ liability insurance and 110% all-risk cargo insurance. For confirmed safety defects we coordinate recall with the buyer; we've done 2 in our history (both minor labelling).

8. Do you ship LCL or FCL?

Both. LCL is cheaper for under-15 CBM. FCL is faster (no consolidation delay) and worth it above 18 CBM, especially on FCL-heavy lanes like Istanbul → Hamburg.