How to declare package contents
Fill in the content description on the package page in your Tiptrans account before you ship. What to enter in each field, how to add your own shipping cost, how to correct a line and when the declaration is locked.
Declare the contents on the package's Content description tab: one line for each type of item, with its quantity, description and value. We prepare the customs invoice from what you enter, and you can't dispatch the package, add insurance, order a third-party pick-up or a warehouse transfer until the contents are declared. For the rules on descriptions, HS codes and values, see Customs declarations and values explained.
- Sign in to your account at Sign in and open Packages & Shipments.
- Click the ID of the package, for example #1234A. You can also click Edit next to Customs declaration in the Check list column of the list.
- Open the Content description tab.
- Under Add item description, fill in Quantity, Description, HS code and Price USD for one type of item. The table below explains each field.
- Click Save. The line appears under Items.
- Repeat steps 4 and 5 for every other type of item in the package. Total amount under the list adds up all lines.
- Optional: the invoice includes all Tiptrans charges for the package. To show only your goods and your own shipping cost instead, tick Do not include Tiptrans expenses. Set your own shipping cost., enter the amount in Price USD and click Save.
- Click Preview of customs invoice attached to package and check the invoice.
What to enter in each field
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Quantity | The number of pieces of this item. |
| Description | What the item is, in English and as specific as possible, for example "cotton T-shirt" rather than "clothes". At least 4 characters; longer texts are cut at 150 characters. Avoid vague words such as "samples", "gift" or "spare parts". |
| HS code | Optional in the form, but strongly recommended when the shipment enters another customs area. The Hong Kong to USA route needs it, see the note below. See HS codes: what they are and how to find yours. |
| Price USD | The total value of the line in US dollars, not the price per piece. For 3 pairs of shoes at $10 each, enter 30. It must be more than 0. Write decimals with a point, not a comma: 12.50, not 12,50. Check the value before you click Save, because your browser may drop a comma, so 12,50 becomes 1250. |
All items are declared as made in China. If an item was made elsewhere, add the country code in square brackets to its description, for example "cotton t-shirt [VN]".
What happens next
- The Check list on the right shows Content description: Completed, and the Insurance option appears on the tab. See Shipping insurance explained.
- Choose a carrier and request dispatch. See How to dispatch a package.
- Your declaration is saved as you enter it. There is no separate confirm button.
Correct or change the declaration
You can't edit a saved line. Click delete next to it and add it again with the right details.
If a line is rejected, one of these messages appears instead of the list of items. Enter the line again with the correction:
| Message | What to do |
|---|---|
| Value needs to be greater than zero | Enter the real value as a number; if it has a decimal part, use a point, for example 12.50, not 12,50. An item can't be declared at $0. |
| Quantity needs to be greater than zero | Enter the number of pieces, at least 1. |
| Unacceptable Item Description. Please be more specific. | Replace the general word with the exact name of the item. |
The declaration can't be changed in two cases:
- Package processing in progress. Values can no longer be changed. The package is in an open request, for example a dispatch request, a consolidation or a special request. The declaration opens again when a special request is finished or when a request is canceled.
- Duties & Taxes for this package were calculated from the current content declaration, so the declaration can no longer be changed. We have quoted DDP duties and taxes for this package. Contact us with the package ID and the change you need.
To add your own invoice, see How to attach own invoice to a package. Declare the same items and values as on your invoice.