Frequently asked Questions

What can we help you with?

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General

How can I contact Spring?

You are free to contact us via our Contact Form.

In how many countries is Spring located?

We are located in 16 countries worldwide.

When can I become a customer of Spring?

Spring Global Delivery Solutions offers international distribution solutions for businesses. If you are interested in our services please contact us.

Parcels

Do I need to fill out a customs form for my shipment?

It depends on the country of destination and shipment value: 

1. For deliveries inside the European Union a customs form is not required. 

2. For non-EU deliveries with a value of € 425 or less, you are required to fill out a CN22 form. 

3. For non-EU deliveries with a value of more than € 425, you are required to fill out a CN23 form.

Does Spring offer collection services?

Yes, we can arrange to pick up your parcels. Rates are calculated based on for example: the number of parcels or pallets to be collected, collection frequency, your location, total weight of the shipment etc. 

Please contact us to provide you with a tailored solution.

What are the transit times for international deliveries?

Delivery times vary depending on the country of destination.

Track and Trace

I am expecting a parcel but I do not have a tracking code. What should I do?

Please contact the sender to obtain your tracking number.

My parcel did not arrive on the expected delivery date, what should my customer do?

Although the couriers endeavour to deliver within the correct transit times, it is possible that on some occasions unforeseen circumstances can push the delivery date back.

I missed the delivery of my parcel(s). What should I do?

If delivery cannot be completed, the driver will leave a notification with a parcel reference number. Please follow the instructions on the notification to learn the location of your parcel.

My parcel is in a different country than its intended destination country? What should I do?

There is no need to worry. It is normal for parcels to be routed through intermediate countries. In order to show you the latest status information, we track your parcel through each of these intermediate countries.

What happens if my customer forgets to collect an item?

If an item is not collected within 10 to 21 days, it will be returned to the sender. For international items, the retention period varies from post to post but the average duration ranges between 7 and 30 days.

What service does Spring offer when my clients are not at home to take delivery?

If your customer is not at home when the parcel is being delivered we will make a second, and dependent on country of destination, a third delivery attempt. You customer will receive a notification with instructions how to collect their parcel.

International Returns

How can I track my return shipment?

postnl.com
Our Registered Mail service is handled by PostNL. This means that you can also easily check your shipment on their website. 

17track.net
Your tracking data on an easy-to-read page and giving you all the information you need. Just click on the banner “Click here to track worldwide postal carrier shipment”.

How can I return my shipment?

Please contact your sender to check which option(s) you have to return your item(s). Spring Global Mail offers various solutions for customers to easily return items.

I have returned my shipment, when do I receive my money back?

When you have returned your item(s) in most cases you have received a receipt and/or Track & Trace number. Please contact your sender and provide them the receipt or Track & Trace number and ask for the refund procedure.

Customs

EU customs and documentation, what is required?

1. Invoice with relevant data

2. Proof of Origin documents if applicable

3. Product specific document if applicable

UK customs and documentation, what is required?

1. The invoice with relevant data

2. Proof of Origin documents if applicable

3. Product-specific document if applicable

When sending goods to the UK. regulations governing the import of goods are bound.

Customs requirements

Each parcel do not require a physical customs declaration form if the customs process will be performed via IT systems.

Each parcel do not require a commercial invoice if clearance is performed automatically though we strongly advise you to attach it to the parcel to facilitate the customs process.

Multiples are not permitted.

Value HS Code requirements.

Import duties and taxes

UK charges tax and import duties that are applicable on the majority of imports. However the amount of duties and tax depend on the value of the goods shipped.

Please note! We do our best to keep this information up to date, but as the sender you are ultimately responsible for the contents of your shipment. Spring may not be held responsible for any damages to or confiscation of the shipment. Therefore, we ask that you refer to the website of your local postal company, customs department, or embassy of the country to which you are sending your shipment for the most recent information.

What is a basic customs compliant commercial invoice?

Customs invoice should at least contain the following information: 

Origin of goods by HS codes

Gross & Net weight of goods by HS code

Values of the goods and currencies by HS code

Value of any added services such as Transport or insurances

EORI number & VAT registration number

Seller

Buyer

Incoterms

The above information will determine if duty is payable if applicable. Please note that some may not be dutiable such as service for example. Additionally, if you are sending for example samples, the invoice should still include the wording “Nominal Value for Customs Purpose Only” and should therefore also contain a nominal value. Important to mention that if goods are shipped without commercial invoice this may affect processing of the goods at customs hence delays in your delivery to final consumer.

It is Important to mention that if goods are shipped without commercial invoice this may affect processing of the goods at customs hence delays in your delivery to final consumer.

More information may be required depending of the incoterms (DAP or DDP) you will choose to ship.

Contact us now and request more information to your local account manager who will provide you with the list of required data field applicable to your shipping choice.

VAT and Duty

What is an EORI number?

EORI stands for “Economic Operator Registration and Identification number”.

Businesses, and in some cases individuals, wishing to trade crossing EU borders use the EORI number as an identification number in all customs procedures when exchanging information with Customs administrations.

Having one single type of identification number across the EU is more efficient, both for economic operators and customs authorities. It is also more efficient for statistical purposes and security purposes.

The EORI number exists out of two parts:

- the country code of the issuing Member State; followed by

- a code or number that is unique in the Member State

How can you apply for an EORI number?

Business/individuals established in the customs territory of the Union should apply for the EORI number to the customs authorities of the EU country in which they are established or the HMRC for the UK.

Business/individuals not established in the customs territory of the Community should apply for the EORI number to the customs authorities of the EU country responsible for the place where they first lodge a declaration or apply for a decision. Typically it is the same country where you have a VAT registration number as the EORI number interacts with the VAT registration number.

What are HS Codes?

The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System generally referred to as "Harmonized System" or simply "HS" is a multipurpose international product nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO).

The HS is thus a universal economic language and code for goods, and an indispensable tool for international trade. A full list of description and related HS Codes is available authorities website.

It comprises about 5,000 commodity groups; each identified by a six digit code, arranged in a legal and logical structure and is supported by well-defined rules to achieve uniform classification.

The system is used by more than 200 countries and economies as a basis for their Customs tariffs and for the collection of international trade statistics. Over 98 % of the merchandise in international trade is classified in terms of the HS.

The HS contributes to the harmonization of Customs and trade procedures, and the non-documentary trade data interchange in connection with such procedures, thus reducing the costs related to international trade. A full list of description and related HS Codes is available on foreign-trade.com.

It is also extensively used by governments, international organizations and the private sector for many other purposes such as internal taxes, trade policies, monitoring of controlled goods, rules of origin, freight tariffs, transport statistics, price monitoring, quota controls, compilation of national accounts, and economic research and analysis.

Every product imported or exported should a require commodity code and will need to be shown on your invoice along with the description of the goods.

Export declarations use 8 digits whereas import declaration use 10 so whatever incoterms you will be using it is advised to be showing up to 10 digits on invoices of goods.

What is a MRN?

MRN is the abbreviation for Movement Reference Number which allows for identification of the customs declaration. The MRN is displayed in numbers and bar code on the declaration document.

MRN can be used to check the customs status in case of transit and export shipments via the EU databases.

What is ECS?

The Export Control System is a system of exchange of information between EU member states on shipments that are declared for export. In the system is listed where the export starts and where the export has been finalized. The shipment then receives the status “ confirmed for export”. Consult this link.

What are customs duties?

Duties consists of different taxes including but not limited to import duty and import vat.

Import duties are a trade barrier tool for countries to protect their internal market. Simplified this means that if local production exists of a certain product, the import of a similar product is subject to import duties with a tariff of >0%. If no or limited production exists of a certain product, the import of a similar product is subject to import duties with a tariff of 0%. Import duty amount is calculated as % of the customs value of the goods.

Import VAT is a domestic consumption tax which must be paid upon importation. Exemptions of import VAT could apply.

What is VAT?

VAT is a consumption tax imposed by the national government. Different types of VAT exist.

Upon import, import VAT applies in which case the VAT is calculated on the basis of the value of the goods, the total transportation costs, any additional costs (insurance costs, packaging costs) and customs duties (for example, import duties, excise duties and anti-dumping levies).

Upon local sales, supply VAT applies which is a standard % over the transaction value.

The VAT rate depends on the type of product. A list of VAT rates per EU country can be found here EC.

What do DDU and DAP mean?

Delivery Duty Unpaid and Duty At Place. The receiver will cover VAT and import duties at destination.

DDU and DAP are incoterms. Incoterms are international commercial terms which reflect a standard set of agreements on a split on roles and responsibilities between seller and buyer.

Every 10 years a new version of incoterms is published to modernize the incoterms. DDU is often still used in the market but in fact replaced by DAP (delivered at Place) in newer versions of the incoterms.

What is Indirect Representation?

In case of indirect representation, a customs agent lodges a declaration in his or her own name but on behalf of a stakeholder. A customs agent who acts as an indirect representative is the declarant and, as such, responsible for the content of the declaration.

Article 18 and article 19 of the UCC (Union Customs Code) stipulates the following: Indirect representation is applied when you do not have a VAT Registration number in the country where the customs formalities are performed. In such way the customers broker can issue the customs declaration with its own number and on your behalf (you are listed on the customs declaration). With indirect representation scheme both customs broker and represented company are liable for the customs declaration. A Power Of Attorney (POA) must be granted to the customs broker.

Contact us now and request more information to your local account manager who will provide you with the correct form to be signed.

What has changed to the European Union’s VAT rules per July 1 2021?

The new rules of the European Union’s VAT e-commerce package will contain changes for both shipping goods into and within the EU. 

For goods shipping into the European Union, the VAT exemption on imported products up to €22 will be abolished. This means VAT will be applicable on all goods shipped into the European Union from the first cent. 

For goods shipping within the EU, the distance sales after which a business needs to register and pay VAT (in the country of the addressee) is lowered and unified. This means thresholds that currently vary between €35.000 or €100.000 (depending on member state) are replaced by one threshold of €10.000 representing the total turnover in all member states. In both cases applying local VAT rates upon sale is the new standard for shipping goods into and within the EU. 

When a product is sold by a seller based outside of the European Union to a buyer in the European Union via an electronic interface (marketplace, platform, etc.), the EU tax authorities consider the electronic interface the seller to the consumer. Electronic interfaces will be liable to register and pay VAT when facilitating sales of distance goods into the EU. 

The One Stop Shop (OSS) scheme will be introduced to facilitate a simple VAT administration.

Why is the European Union making changes to its VAT policies?

Items worth less than €22 have been free from VAT under an exemption known as the Low Value Consignment Relief (LVCR). The Low Value Consignment Relief (LVCR) was introduced as a way of removing from customs authorities in European Union member states the responsibility for checking the potential tax liability of high volumes of small packages which might generate little revenue. 

Even so, various countries have claimed that the system has been abused by e-commerce operators in non-EU territories deliberately understating the value of small items being sent to consumers in Europe. Figures published by the European Union itself suggested that as much as €5 billion in VAT was being lost to tax authorities each year in such a fashion. 

Starting July 1 2021, the exemption is being abolished. 

At the same time the European union is adapting its VAT policies to the current dynamics of e-commerce.

What is IOSS and (Union) OSS?

The One Stop Shop is one digital portal in which businesses can manage, declare and pay their VAT on goods imported into or shipped within the European Union. It provides businesses with one single point of contact to deal with obligations towards any of the 27 member states. 

The Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) has been created to simplify the VAT administration for goods imported into the European Union, in a parcel with total value up to €150. 

The Union OSS is created to simplify VAT administration for trade within the European Union.

What are the benefits of the IOSS and Union OSS?

Switching to IOSS or Union OSS becomes beneficial when your business ships goods to multiple member states. In that case having a single registration to manage your VAT can add efficiency to your business process. Your business only deals the with tax authority of the member state in which you have registered for the OSS. Via the OSS your VAT payments will be distributed to the relevant member states. 

Besides a single registration, other uniform VAT rules apply such as a unified standard for the VAT administration, VAT return, submission deadlines and retention period of relevant documents. 

Consumers may also experience great benefits of the IOSS scheme. Upon sale the consumer pays the VAT and will not be surprised by unexpected fees. Delivery including the required customs clearance will run smoothly.

When does your business needs an IOSS or Union OSS registration?

Businesses shipping goods into or within the European Union are not obligated to get an IOSS or Union OSS registration. Any business can still register at any member state’s tax authority and handle their VAT affairs there. 

You can register your business on the OSS portal of any European Union member state. To do so your business needs to have an entity in the European Union. If that is not the case, you must make use of an intermediary based in the European Union to fulfil your VAT obligations.

What is an IOSS or Union OSS intermediary?

To make use of the IOSS scheme your business must be established in the European Union. If your business is not, but does want to make use of the of the IOSS scheme you can do so by appointing an intermediary which is established in a member state. The intermediary will represent your business and will share responsibility for VAT administration for trade within the European Union.

What are the VAT rates per country worldwide?

VAT rates worldwide vary greatly from country to country. We recommend to always check with the local tax authorities to find out the current rates. 

Here are a few useful resources to help you on your way. 

Wikipedia

PWC

What is Low Value Consignment Relief or LVCR?

Low Value Consignment Relief (LVCR) is a European Union tax rule, exempting ‘low value items’ (worth less than €22) from VAT. The Low Value Consignment Relief (LVCR) was introduced as a way of removing from customs authorities in European Union member states the responsibility for checking the potential tax liability of high volumes of small packages which might generate little revenue. 

July 1 2021, the exemption is abolished.

What is considered an Electronic Interface?

The electronic interface enables sellers and buyers to enter into contact. By doing so the electronic interface facilitates the sales of goods to the buyer. This takes place via, but not limited to, a website, portal, gateway, marketplace, platform, application program interface (API).

Brexit

EU customs and documentation, what is required?

1. Invoice with relevant data

2. Proof of Origin documents if applicable

3. Product-specific document if applicable

UK customs and documentation, what is required?

Each parcel do not require a physical customs declaration form if the customs process will be performed via IT systems.

Each parcel do not require a commercial invoice if clearance is performed automatically though we strongly advise you to attach it to the parcel to facilitate the customs process.

Value HS Code requirements.

Import duties and taxes

UK charges tax and import duties that are applicable on the majority of imports. However the amount of duties and tax depend on the value of the goods shipped.

Please note! We do our best to keep this information up to date, but as the sender you are ultimately responsible for the contents of your shipment. Spring may not be held responsible for any damages to or confiscation of the shipment. Therefore, we ask that you refer to the website of your local postal company, customs department, or embassy of the country to which you are sending your shipment for the most recent information.

What is a proof of Origin?

A Proof of Origin is a document also called Certificate of Origin to prove the goods originate from a certain country. It is required to determine the amount of duty to be levied on importation which may become mandatory as per 1st of January into the EU, depending on the Trade Deal concluded between the UK and the EU. In case of Trade Agreements & FTA, preferential origin applies where a different certificate applies. We do recommend though that you already get acquainted with the process of accessing these certificates by either contacting your local chamber of commerce or a certification office.

Contact us now and request more information to your local account manager who will provide you with the list of certification company.

What is a basic customs compliant commercial invoice?

Customs invoice should at least contain the following information: 

- Origin of goods by HS codes

- Gross & Net weight of goods by HS code

- Values of the goods and currencies by HS code

- Value of any added services such as Transport or insurance

- EORI number & VAT registration number

- Seller

- Buyer

Incoterms

The above information will determine if duty is payable if applicable. Please note that some may not be dutiable such as service for example. Additionally, if you are sending for example samples, the invoice should still include the wording “Nominal Value for Customs Purpose Only” and should therefore also contain a nominal value. Important to mention that if goods are shipped without commercial invoice this may affect processing of the goods at customs hence delays in your delivery to final consumer.

It is Important to mention that if goods are shipped without commercial invoice this may affect processing of the goods at customs hence delays in your delivery to final consumer.

More information may be required depending of the incoterms (DAP or DDP) you will choose to ship.

Contact us now and request more information to your local account manager who will provide you with the list of required data field applicable to your shipping choice.

Need help with your international shipping?

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