Below is a quick overview of customs and shipment requirements around the world that may cause delays to the delivery of your international shipments.
China - 29th August 2011
Post Codes and town names in China
As a result of changes to some post codes and town names in China, we will update addresses in our shipping tools such as myTNT (including ExpressImport). These changes are planned starting 5 September, 2011.
For TNT customers using myTNT, no action is required, as we will update your address book automatically with the changes. TNT customers using ExpressShipper, ExpressManager will be offered a little tool to help you update your Chinese addresses in your address book. Any other TNT shipping tools, will be provided instructions to update addresses stored on local systems.
Serbia - 1 July 2011
Please note that the import of medicines into Serbia for personal use is forbidden, with immediate effect. Individuals are no longer permitted to import medicines or drugs shipments - only licensed importers are permitted.
Pakistan - 17th June 2011
New Customs Requirements
As per the new Customs Regulations in Pakistan, any non-document consignment must have an Invoice and copy of the AWB attached to the consignment. Failure to comply with these regulations will lead to clearance delays and penalties being levied on the consignment.
Singapore - 1st June 2011
Medical Devices Branch (Health Sciences Authority of Singapore)
New requirements with regards to medical devices importation are in place in Singapore, effective June 1, 2011:
- Medical devices with risk classification C and D will be impacted by the new requirements.
- Prior to importation of medical devices with risk classification C and D, importers license and relevant permits need to be approved by the local health authority.
- During import customs declaration, the below information is required:
- Valid importers license's number
- Valid device registration no/ transition list no/ approval no
- HS Code
- Product Code
- Quantity to be imported
- HS Quantity Unit of Measurement
For more information and documents requirements, refer to:
http://www.hsa.gov.sg/publish/hsaportal/en/health_products_regulation/medical_devices/tradenet.html
For further clarification, please contact the Medical Devices Branch at +65-6866 3560 or hsa_mdb_tradenet@hsa.gov.sg
Myanmar - 23rd May 2011
Effective today, Monday the 23rd of May, 2011, TNT has suspended all trading to and from Myanmar.
This means that the Myanmar country website has been closed down and the country removed as a location option from TNT shipping tools, so that Myanmar can no longer be selected during a booking or quotation from TNT customer service.
Shipments made to Myanmar prior to the 23rd of May will be delivered until the 31st of May at the latest. Shipments received in Myanmar after the 31st of May will be returned to sender as undelivered.
Indonesia - 13th May 2011
Indonesia, Hatta Airport
Implementation of Regulated Agent for Security Screening/X-ray at Cengkareng (CGK)/Soekarno - Hatta Airport.
Please be informed that the Director General of Aviation has issued a new regulation, with effect on 16 May, 2011, that all Import and Export Cargo and Post which will be transported/travel by air via the Cengkareng (CGK)/Soekarno Hatta Airport, will need to be screened/X-Rayed by the appointed Regulated Agent.
To avoid any delays due to long queues, the cut off times will be moved up a minimum of one (1) hour from the current schedule, and will be adjusted accordingly.
As a result of this new process, please expect delays of export shipments.
Vietnam - 13th May 2011
Vietnam - Import of Mobile phones, Cosmetics and Liquor
Effective from 1st June 2011 untilfurther notice, except for personal belongings, Mobile phones, Cosmetics and Liquor are prohibited to import into Vietnam by air and road services, included courier.
Any violation to this regulation will lead to customs fine and return freight charge which will have to be covered by the origin.
For more details you can read up the regulations on the restriction at the following website : http://www.moit.gov.vn
Lebanon - 12th May 2011
Japanese products to Lebanon
Please be informed that Lebanese Government had put in place a new clearance regulation on products originating from Japan and / or Made in Japan originating from anywhere in the world. They can be imported into Lebanon subject to the following process/ procedures/ paper works.
1. Radiation Control Certificate from Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission (www.cnrs.edu.lb) to detect Gamma Radiation permissible level.
2. Permit formality on this certificate by Ministry of Economy and Trade (www.economy.gov.lb)
3. Documentation will be then forwarded to Head of Lebanese Customs for permit approval
4. If not approved, re-export has to be done. TNT will incur re-export (customs formality and shipping) charges.
5. If approved, clearance process will resume accordingly.
6. Additional clearance days needed.
7. Additional cost that are involved will be charged to consignee accordingly
Myanmar - 6th May 2011
TNT will suspend trading to and from Myanmar effective as of Monday 23rd May, 2011.
This means that the Myanmar country website will be closed down and the country removed as a location option from TNT shipping tools, so that Myanmar can no longer be selected during a booking or quotation from TNT customer service.
Shipments made to Myanmar prior to the 23rd of May will be delivered until the 31st of May at the latest. Shipments received in Myanmar after the 31st of May will be returned to sender as undelivered.
Soloman Islands - 21st March 2011
Solomon Island Customs - Currencies
The associate in the Solomon Island advises that Solomon Island Customs will formally only recognise the following currencies.
| Australian Dollar | AUD |
| European Euro | EUR |
| Fiji Dollar | FJD |
| Great Britain Pound | GBP |
| Hong Kong Dollar | HKD |
| Japanese Yen | JPY |
| New Zealand Dollar | NZD |
| Papua New Guinea Kina | PGK |
| Solomon Island Dollar | SBD |
| Singapore Dollar | SGD |
| Vanuatu Vatu | VUV |
| United States | USD |
Data or invoices that indicate a different currency will require the associate to have the Bank of Solomon Island provide an official exchange rate to one of the above currencies (probably SBD) on their letterhead for each individual transaction.
The impact of this is
1) a delay and 2) and additional fee imposed by the Bank of the Solomon Islands. Please note that this fee will need to be billed to the origin country.
Dominican Republic - 10th March 2011
New Customs Regulation
Please be informed that a new Customs Regulation for Non Documents has been implemented in Dominican Republic. It is mandatory to provide the consignee Tax ID or passport number when submitting data to customs at manifest level.
Consignments arriving without consignee Tax ID will be held until the number is obtained to commence the clearance process. Delays may be expected for clearance and release of the consignments without Tax ID, so it is mandatory to provide a telephone number and contact details in system.
Please keep escalations to minimum at this time for those consignments arriving without the requested information.
Peru - 1st February 2011
New Customs Regulations
Effective as of the 1st February 2011, Customs Authorities of Peru have implemented a new ruling for express consignments, eliminating the weight limits and increasing the value limits.
Import Clearance
Weight limits: No weight restrictions
Value limits: USD 2000 FOB (over this amount the intervention of a customs broker is mandatory)
Export Clearance
Weight limits: No weight restrictions
Value limits: USD 5000 FOB (over this amount the intervention of a customs broker is mandatory)
Saudi Arabia - 10th January 2011
New requirements on low value shipments into and out of Saudi Arabia.
From January 14th 2011, all inbound and outbound consignments with a commercial value of US$100 and above must be cleared in the actual consignee/consignor name. Customs require the owner of the shipment on the Customs declaration to be a registered name as the importer of record.
Based on the new regulation, customers are required to provide TNT with a valid authorisation letter and a copy of the company commercial registration in Saudi Arabia. The authorisation letters need to cover the import and export transactions and based on location will need to be addressed to the relevant Customs gateway. Authorisation letters need to be printed on the company letterhead and attested by the chamber of commerce.
In Saudi Arabia, customers are requested to provide the authorisation letter and commercial registration copy before January 14th to avoid delays in clearance.
Countries exporting to Saudi Arabia are requested to advise their shippers that their receivers will need to comply with the above regulation to avoid unnecessary delays in clearance.