Compliance with shipping rules and regulations is a top priority. It is important to accurately provide shipment descriptions. Whether you enter your shipment manually or use the import feature, the shipment description must always be detailed, specific and accurate.
Using vague shipment descriptions can result in packages being delayed especially now that US CBP is enforcing this. It is always the shipper’s responsibility to ensure that descriptions accurately represent package contents along with the value, weight and dimensions.
Be specific
- Your shipment descriptions are presented to customs officials. You should imagine describing your shipments as if you were declaring them to a border agent.
- All items in your shipment, regardless of size or quantity, must be included in your description.
- Using vague or general descriptors like “accessories,” “product,” “merchandise,” “gift,” “custom order” or “item” can cause your shipment to be delayed until a detailed description is provided.
- Describing an item by its model or colour is not enough. Try to include information about the item’s use and the materials used e.g. stainless steel necklace.
- Short descriptions may seem efficient but they can cause confusion. Avoid abbreviations whenever possible.
| Vague/General Description NOT Acceptable | Detailed Description Acceptable |
| Accessories | 1 plastic straw cap 1 mens synthetic leather belt |
| Product or merchandise | 1 funko pop |
| Gift | 1 unisex wool winter hat and scarf set |
| Cards | 6 greeting cards Pack of 10 trading cards |
| Custom order or item | Handmade greeting card |
| Clothing | Include who the item is for (men, women, baby, kids), the material and what the item is men’s cotton pants ladies silk pajama set unisex cotton hoodie |
| Jewelry Earrings Ring Necklace Bracelet | Include who the items is for (men, women, baby, kids), the material and what the item is Mens silver ring Ladies gold necklace |
| Ornament | 1 hand blown glass sea animal figurine |
| Toys | 1 Lego Harry Potter set |
| Washi tape | Include the amount of rolls and type of tape (Pet or Masking) 8 rolls washi pet tape 5 rolls washi masking tape |
| Car parts | Headlight bulb/lamp Exhaust pipe |
Double check
- Update your workflow to include a step to review your shipments. It’s good practice to double check the shipments you are dropping off to Chit Chats for accurate description, value, weight and dimensions.
- It never hurts to check shipping labels to ensure no important information is missing e.g. apartment or building numbers.
Still unsure? Contact us
If you’re ever unsure on how to describe your shipment feel free to reach out to our support team for guidance and/or your local branch. We’re always happy to help!