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Holiday Shipping Tips

Planning to send gifts to family or friends during this holiday season? The following tips may help you with a smoother shipping experience.


Note the following when preparing your shipping documents:

  • Include the name, address and phone number of both the shipper and the consignee on the air waybill (AWB) and commercial invoice (CI);
  • State that the shipment is an “unsolicited gift, not for resale” in the description section of the AWB and CI and provide a detailed description of your gift.


Important notes about gifts

  • Customs in many countries state that a gift shipment can only be from an individual to an individual.  Some countries such as the U.S. also allow gifts to be sent from a company to an individual.
  • Each country has prohibited items that are barred from entry.  For example, chocolate is prohibited from entry into France; dairy products are prohibited from entry into Australia.  Please feel free to contact our Customer Service Team for advice.
  • FedEx cannot accept perishable food items for international express shipment.
  • The total gift value for each recipient in the U.S. should not exceed USD100, otherwise the entire shipment will be dutiable.
  • A full description of the product(s) must be included in the AWB and CI, including if it is homemade or bought from a shop and the name of the shop. For example: Homemade sugar cookies or chocolate cookies bought from ABC Shop, for personal consumption, not for resale.
  • If bought from a shop, attach a copy of the purchase receipt if available. The declared value of the gift should be the same as the purchased price.
  • For consolidated gift shipments, list the name of each recipient receiving the gift, the gift items for the respective individuals, and the value of each item.

Click here for a sample shipping document for sending a gift to the U.S.

Click here for a sample shipment document for sending food to the U.S.

 
Additional points for shipments to the U.S.

  • Non-perishable food items – homemade or items bought from a shop sent from an individual to an individual valued under USD200 do not require submission of FDA Prior Notice.   Please refer to the FDA website at www.access.fda.gov.
  • Textiles – quota limitations on textiles and apparel items do not apply to gift shipments;
  • Perfumes containing alcohol – these are not classified as gifts, and may be subject to duty/tax and formal entry filing; and,
  • Personal and household effects – items purchased solely for the personal use of an individual - are not classified as gifts.

Sending your shipments

You may drop-off your shipments at any FedEx World Service Center or FedEx Authorized Ship Center, or call our Customer Service Team to arrange pickup if you already have a valid FedEx shipping account.

Track shipment status
To receive real-time information about the delivery status and location of any package in our delivery network, simply Click here and enter your tracking number in the “Track Shipments” box.

Happy holiday season!