Customs & proforma
For international shipments outside the European Union, you will have to deal with customs processing and often also a proforma invoice. Here you can briefly read what OCS Amsterdam arranges for customs processing and which basic details should be included on the proforma invoice.
Want to know more about customs processing or what to include on your proforma invoice?
◆ Customs processing
For any non-document shipment to a recipient outside the European Union, OCS Amsterdam arranges the customs declaration in the destination country. Based on your shipment and the accompanying documents, we ensure that the goods are correctly declared to customs.
Local import duties and entry taxes are not included in the freight price that you receive from OCS Amsterdam. In most cases, these costs are paid by the recipient. If you want to bear these costs yourself, we will agree with you in advance via our customer service.
◆ Proforma invoice
For every non-document shipment to countries outside the European Union, a proforma invoice is required for customs processing. This document provides customs with a clear overview of the content, value and reason for export, so that your shipment can be processed correctly. One incomplete or unclear proforma invoice may cause delays at customs.
A proforma invoice contains at least the following information:
• Name and address of sender and recipient
• Clear description of the goods and the number of packages
• Value of goods and used currency
• Reason for export, such as repair
• Where necessary: a supporting email or letter from your company
For an easy-to-read proforma invoice, OCS Amsterdam recommends preparing it on company letterhead and signing it.
Download a sample proforma invoice
Do you want to use an immediate example for your next international shipment?
Download a standard OCS Amsterdam proforma invoice here and complete it with your shipment details.
Frequently asked questions about customs & proforma
Short answers about customs processing and proforma invoicing for international shipments.
A document shipment containing only papers, such as contracts, reports or letters, usually does not require a proforma invoice.
Good to know:
• If it concerns goods or samples, the shipment is considered a non-document shipment and a proforma invoice is required for customs processing.
• If you are unsure whether your shipment is considered documents or goods, please contact our customer service.
If you discover an error or missing information on your proforma invoice afterwards, please contact OCS Amsterdam as soon as possible.
Please note:
• In many cases, a modified proforma invoice can be provided, but customs processing can be delayed as a result.
• Inaccurate or incomplete information may result in additional customs checks, delays and possible fines.
Yes, our customer service can check whether the basic details for customs processing are complete and clear, for example on your proforma invoice.
Important:
• As sender, you remain responsible for the accuracy of the information.
• OCS Amsterdam is happy to help you avoid unnecessary questions or delays at customs.
Import duties and local taxes in the destination country are not included in the freight price you receive from OCS Amsterdam.
Costs:
In most cases, the recipient pays these costs.
If you want to take over these costs as a shipper, please contact our customer service in advance to discuss the options and any additional costs.
Ship worldwide with OCS Amsterdam
Questions about customs processing or your proforma invoice?
Contact OCS Amsterdam or request a quote right away.