International Shipping, Multi-Currency & Customs

WMSBIZ includes built-in cross-border fulfillment capabilities, enabling your business to sell internationally, clear customs smoothly, and invoice in multiple global currencies.

1. Company EORI Numbers

An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is required by customs authorities to export goods from the United Kingdom or import into the European Union and overseas markets.

Adding Your EORI in WMSBIZ

  1. In WMSBIZ, navigate to Settings > Company Profile (or Settings > Tax & International).
  2. Enter your credentials:
    • GB EORI Number: Required for all shipments originating from Great Britain (e.g., GB123456789000).
    • XI / EU EORI Number: Required if you dispatch goods from or to Northern Ireland or operate under the EU VAT IOSS scheme.
  3. These identifiers are automatically printed on international Commercial Invoices and transmitted electronically to couriers during API label generation.

2. Product Customs Classification (HS Codes & Country of Origin)

Every physical product shipped across international borders requires customs classification data to calculate duties and tariffs accurately.

Configuring Customs Fields on SKUs

When creating or editing a product in Inventory > Products:

  1. Open the product details and scroll to the International & Customs section.
  2. Complete the required attributes:
    • HS / Tariff Code (Harmonized System Code): The 6 to 10-digit commodity code classifying your product (e.g., 6109.10 for cotton t-shirts, 8471.30 for laptops).
    • Country of Origin (COO): The two-letter ISO country code where the item was manufactured or substantially transformed (e.g., GB, CN, DE, US).
    • Customs Description: A clear, plain-language description of the item for customs officers (e.g., "100% Cotton Knitted Men's Crew Neck T-Shirt" instead of an internal marketing code).
    • Unit Net Weight (kg): Accurate weight required to compute customs freight metrics.
  3. Save the product.

Tip: If an order has an international delivery address and any line item is missing an HS Code or Country of Origin, WMSBIZ will alert your dispatch team before generating shipping documents to prevent customs delays or border impoundment.

3. Multi-Currency Orders & Pricing

WMSBIZ supports global currencies, allowing you to quote, bill, and fulfill orders in the recipient's local currency:

  • Supported Currencies: British Pound (GBP), Euro (EUR), US Dollar (USD), Canadian Dollar (CAD), Australian Dollar (AUD), and more.
  • Order Processing: When creating a Sales Order or receiving an order from Shopify/WooCommerce, the original currency and converted base amounts are recorded.
  • Exchange Rates: Invoices lock the exchange rate at the point of confirmation, safeguarding your accounting records against currency fluctuations.

4. Automated Commercial Invoices

For international shipments outside the UK/EU customs boundary, a Commercial Invoice is legally required to accompany the consignment.

Generating a Commercial Invoice

  1. Open the international order in Sales > Orders or via the Fulfillment dashboard.
  2. Under the order actions menu, select Generate Commercial Invoice.
  3. WMSBIZ automatically formats a certified PDF containing:
    • Exporter details (Company Name, Address, VAT No, and GB/XI EORI).
    • Consignee / Importer details (Full name, delivery address, phone, email, tax/VAT ID if applicable).
    • Full line-item breakdown: Description, HS Tariff Code, Country of Origin, Quantity, Net Weight, Unit Value, and Total Value.
    • Incoterms (Terms of Sale): Clearly states terms such as DAP (Delivered at Place — recipient pays import duties and local VAT) or DDP (Delivered Duty Paid — sender handles duties).
    • Formal customs declaration statement and signature block.
  4. Print 3 copies (one for inside the package, two in the clear documents pouch on the exterior of carton 1).

5. Carrier Customs Integration (CN22 / CN23 & Electronic Pre-Advice)

When generating international labels via Royal Mail Click & Drop or DPD:

  • WMSBIZ transmits your product HS codes, item values, net weights, and EORI number directly via the courier API as Electronic Customs Pre-Advice (ITMATT).
  • For postal services, integrated CN22 or CN23 customs declaration barcodes are printed directly onto the shipping label, expediting clearance through international customs hubs without manual paperwork.

6. Best Practices for Cross-Border Dispatch

  1. Avoid Vague Descriptions: Never use descriptions like "Gift", "Sample", or "Merchandise". Always use specific nouns (e.g., "Stainless Steel Kitchen Scissors").
  2. True Valuation: Customs regulations require declaring the true transaction value paid by the customer. WMSBIZ automatically calculates the net item values excluding domestic VAT.
  3. Verify Recipient Telephone Numbers: International couriers require a destination phone number to contact recipients regarding customs clearance and duty payments.