Can Kaebox provide HS codes?

Kaebox offers AI description hints to guide code selection, but final classification is the shipper’s responsibility.

Do I need to print forms if paperless trade is available?

No, but Kaebox lets you download and print invoices/declarations as a backup.

Can I automate returns and repairs?

Yes—set the correct reason for export and attach proof. Kaebox includes it in the submission and invoice.

How to automate customs documentation for international shipping?

Aug 10
3 min read

Customs paperwork is where most international shipments slow down. Automation fixes two problems: missing data and inconsistent product descriptions/values. With Kaebox, you can collect the right fields once, reuse them, and submit carrier-ready electronic customs data (paperless trade where supported)—without copy-pasting between forms.

Start now: Open the Kaebox Web Shipping Dashboard or the app on iOS / Android. For help while you work, ask the Kaebox AI Assistant to generate item descriptions, reasons for export, or to sanity-check values.

What customs documents are typically required?

Commercial Invoice (or Pro Forma if it’s not a sale): who’s sending, who’s receiving, detailed item lines, total value/currency, and reason for export (sale, return, gift, repair, sample).
Customs Declaration (e.g., CN22/CN23 lanes) with line-item detail.
Recipient/Tax IDs (when required) such as a local tax or importer ID.
Additional docs when applicable: return/repair evidence, product certificates, or battery declarations.

Note: Requirements vary by lane and carrier. Kaebox prompts for needed fields based on destination and service.

How Kaebox automate customs documentation data (step-by-step)

Create the shipment Enter addresses, items, weight/dimensions in Kaebox. Compare services and ETAs across UPS/USPS/FedEx/DHLin seconds (video: Carrier Rate Comparison Guide).
Describe products once, reuse forever Save products/SKUs to your catalog. Next time, Kaebox auto-fills names, values, origin, and quantities—you only adjust what changed.
AI help for precise descriptions Ask the Kaebox AI Assistant to draft a clear, customs-friendly description (avoid vague terms like “parts” or “stuff”). You can also request HS description hints to guide your code selection. (You approve the final text.) Kaebox select the correct Harmonized System (HS) code for each line and populate the required customs fields (description, category, values, origin, reason for export).
Smart prompts for required IDs If a destination commonly requires recipient IDs (tax/importer), Kaebox surfaces the exact fields so you don’t find out at the border.
Duties & delivery terms Choose who pays duties/taxes (e.g., delivered-duty options where available). Kaebox reflects your choice in the electronic data and invoice.
Paperless trade when supported Kaebox transmits customs data electronically to the carrier and generates printable invoices/declarations as a backup when needed.
Labels & pickup No printer? Choose Pickup—the driver can print your label at the door. (Video: Kaebox Create Label)
Track through clearance See updates in one place, including customs statuses after handoff (video: How To Access Instant Tracking). Kaebox fully automate customs documentation.

Best practices for zero-friction clearance

Be specific: “Men’s cotton T-shirt, 180g/m², size L” beats “shirt.”
Line-item clarity: Quantity, unit value, total value, currency for each line.
Reason for export: Sale, warranty repair/return, gift, sample, etc.
Country of origin: Per item line if mixed.
Power/batteries: Declare and follow lane rules; don’t guess.
Documentation: Add proof (e.g., return/repair evidence) when it reduces duty exposure.

FAQs

Can Kaebox give me an HS code? Kaebox can provide description hints to help you find a correct code, but final classification is your responsibility. When unsure, consult official resources or a broker.

Do I need to print forms if it’s paperless? Usually not—but Kaebox lets you download and print your invoice/declared forms as a backup.

Who pays duties and taxes? You choose during checkout (options vary by service/country). Kaebox writes your selection into the customs data and documents.

Can Kaebox handle returns and repairs internationally? Yes—set the reason for export and attach any proof (receipt, RMA). Kaebox includes this in the electronic submission and invoice.

What about packaging? Pack to carrier standards; request help if needed (video: Request Packaging Services). Add coverage for high-value items (video: Add Insurance).