Does your business occasionally need to ship electronic items abroad? Whether you’re sending a device to an employee in another country so they can do their job more efficiently or selling an electronic product abroad, you need to be careful and ensure that your package arrives in working order. Sadly, shipping electronic goods abroad can be tricky, as they can become damaged or even create hazards if they are not packaged and shipped correctly. That’s why we’ve put together a list of five top tips for sending electronic goods abroad.
1. Do not remove Lithium-ion batteries
If you haven’t had to ship any electronic devices before, you may think that it would be safer to take the batteries out than to leave them enclosed within the device. However, this isn’t the case. Lithium-ion batteries can can start to smoulder or even catch fire if they build up too much static electricity. It is easy for static electricity to build up in ordinary packaging. However, electronic devices are designed to keep their batteries grounded when they are switched off, therefore drastically reducing the risk of static build-up. Ergo, it is always safer to leave batteries in their devices than to remove them before sending them abroad.
2. Avoid using packaging foam
Leaving lithium-ion batteries inside their devices minimises the risk of static build-up but does not eliminate it altogether. It is therefore important that you avoid packaging materials (such as packaging foam and so-called ‘packing peanuts’) that can create a static charge. Opt for alternative packaging materials instead.
3. Tape over on/off button or take other steps to make it inoperable during transit
If an electronic device is accidentally switched on while it is being shipped, it can heat up and set fire to its packaging. To eliminate this risk, we recommend that you cover the device’s on/off button, tape over it, or otherwise render it inoperable before shipping it. It’s easy for the recipient to remove tape or other coverings when they receive the device, after all.
4. Double-box the device and use bubble-wrap
Electronic devices can be delicate. To minimise the risk of damage to the device being shipped, we suggest double-boxing it. Shipping the device inside two boxes instead of one means that it won’t come into direct contact with its outer wall of packaging, which can minimise any impacts it experiences during transit. You can also insulate it with layers of bubble-wrap.
5. Be as accurate as possible when filling out customs forms
Sophisticated devices are highly valuable, so it’s important that you give the most accurate possible figure when filling out a device’s value on a custom form. If you underestimate the device’s value, you won’t receive enough money in compensation if something happens during shipping. If you overestimate it, you may have to pay an excessive level of customs tax.
By following the tips we’ve given above, you can ensure that your package reaches its destination without becoming damaged or causing a fire hazard. You can also make sure that it passes through customs without any problems. However, you still need to choose a carrier for your package. Here at ParcelBroker, we pride ourselves on handling parcels with the care and attention they deserve while offering you a very low-cost service. Contact us if you need to ship electronic devices abroad.