Gearfuse Technology, Science, Culture & More
Shipping electronics comes with special considerations. Not only do you not want these expensive items to be jostled too much or to experience any damage, but radiation-emitting devices and those known as ‘dual-use goods’ are monitored and highly scrutinized if they are being sent across the border. If you’re a consumer, business, or you’re sending IT equipment or other technology any distance, it’s necessary to properly prepare and pack these items with proper care and potential paperwork.
If you’re shipping goods across borders or if you are a company or entity needing to import IT equipment or medical devices to foreign clients, there can be delays at customs due to the tight regulations on technology shipments. Experts prefer to use non resident importer of record services to ensure speedy customs compliance. Outsourcing this responsibility to an Importer of Record is not only a smart move, it’s often legally required for buyer and seller to negotiate and arrange. This entity assumes the risks associated with importing technology and fills out all of the proper licenses and permits, pays the fees and necessary taxes. Experts like internationally renowned TecEx also double as tax recovery specialists in over 180 destinations and can fetch a return on indirect taxes incurred on foreign imports, local delivery arrangements, and more. Streamlining this process is important for superior customer service with complete customs compliance and easy clearance.
Proper packaging and packing is key. For all electronics, it’s necessary to protect batteries from static electricity and the build up of heat. Lithium-ion batteries that are found in many devices like laptops and cell phones require special precautions. Shipping by air comes with air pressure and temperature considerations because they cause static build-up. Devices can accidentally turn on and heat can build – think about how hot a laptop can get when it’s sitting on your lap or on the couch. The same can happen if not securely packed. This could potentially start a fire aboard the shipping vehicle.
If the item is brand new, the internal packaging and housing that the item comes in is usually adequate to protect against this. It’s important that safety regulations are followed to avoid potential dangers. If you’re sending a gift to someone, it’s wise to leave it inside its original packaging, and make sure it’s off – if the item has a lock on it, click that in place, too. If you find you’re without the original packaging, be sure the item(s) can’t shift and power switches can’t accidentally turn on. Make sure battery terminals aren’t exposed, put tape or a makeshift cardboard piece over power buttons, and put each item inside a plastic bag to prevent static build up.
For packing, it’s best to double up – place a box within a box. Place your technology in a smaller box, wrap or protect this box with bubble wrap or other soft housing, and then place everything inside a larger box. Packing peanuts create static electricity, so avoid these. Any bumps, drops, or other impacts will be minimized with the device sitting far from the outer walls. Again, if the original packaging is available, this will act as the smaller, inner box. It’s worth paying for the extra size dimensions to protect the contents. Shake the whole package to ensure nothing can be heard rattling around. If you hear something, locate the loose components and secure them. Use plenty of packing tape to secure and partially weather-proof the seals.
