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Important updates for international shipping - including antiques and vintage
Posted by Chris on 28/11/2024
Starting 12 November 2024, U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) will strictly enforce new regulations requiring precise descriptions for goods in Air Cargo Advanced Screening (ACAS) for shipments to the U.S. or transiting via the U.S.
Shipments with vague or incomplete descriptions may face delays at the point of origin.
It is the shipper’s responsibility to provide accurate descriptions in shipping systems and printed documentation (when applicable). Descriptions must clearly answer:
- What is it?
- What is it made of?
- What is it used for?
- Any additional relevant details (e.g., size for water bottles, gender for clothing).
Tips for Compliant Descriptions for shipping antiques and vintage items
1. Be Specific About Product Type and Material
Provide clear and detailed descriptions of your items. For example, instead of simply writing "Jewellery," specify "Sterling silver necklace" or "Gold-plated hoop earrings."
2. Avoid Generic Terms
Replace vague categories like "antiques" or "vintage" with precise details. For instance, you might describe your item as "Bluetooth wireless earbuds" or "Men’s cotton t-shirt."
3. Include Purpose or Key Features
Highlight the product's function or notable characteristics when relevant. Examples include "Cordless power drill" or "Wireless computer keyboard." This helps ensure faster customs processing and compliance with new regulations..
For more information, please consult the Guide to acceptable and unacceptable descriptions on the CBP website.
Other important updates to shipping for antiques and vintage dealers
Shipments to Germany - New German postal law from January 1, 2025
As of January 1, 2025, a new postal law in Germany will impact the design of UPS shipping labels.
To comply with this new law, packages weighing between 10 and 20 kg and those over 20 kg will have to bear new labels displaying a small “package” icon indicating the weight class.
Labels generated by UPS systems such as ups.com, CampusShip, WorldShip and the Shipping API will automatically comply with this new requirement.
- UPS WorldShip®users should ensure they are using the latest version, as only the most recent version will generate compliant labels.
- Customers who generate their own labels (e.g. host to host) will receive labeling instructions from UPS (UPS Labeling Guide) to comply with these new requirements.
It will be essential to enter a precise weight for each package in order to guarantee the compliance of your labels for your shipments to Germany.
Shipments to Northern Ireland - Windsor Framework as of March 31, 2025
From March 31, 2025, new rules will be in place for air shipments from the 27 EU countries to Northern Ireland under the new Windsor Framework agreement.
The government has announced a delay to the Windsor Framework giving organisations more time to prepare for the changes. Please click here for more information.
This Framework introduces specific processes and requirements for shipping into Northern Ireland, based on the type of sender you are:
- Business to Consumer (B2C) & Consumer to Business (C2B): You’ll need to provide a description of the parcel contents, including the number of items and their individual value. We’ll also ask for an ‘Export Reason’ to ensure smooth customs processing and avoid delays or extra charges. For some couriers like Royal Mail and Parcelforce, you may also need to include Tariff Codes (HS Codes).
- Business to Business (B2B): Similarly to shipping to Europe, you’ll need to include VAT and EORI Numbers for both the sender and receiver, along with the reason for exporting.