What is a proper commodity description?
To avoid delays, provide a detailed description of your commodity on your shipment documentation. This description must be consistent across all documents. List each commodity individually, with a separate description. Include in your description: • what the commodity is • what the commodity is made of • what the commodity will be used for • whether the commodity is new or used • whether or not the shipment is for resale • the HS number Be precise! For example, when shipping parts for drilling machinery, instead of “parts,” specifically describe the components: “drill bits, 1/4 forged steel.” Avoid vague words or references such as: • personal items • promotional materials • samples • documents • gifts • “See Commercial Invoice.” For an example of a proper description, read the example of the SED in the FedEx Online Service Guide.
