When booking a shipment, how you describe your items is very important.

Customs officers use your item description to decide:

• The correct HS code

• The customs duties to charge

• Whether the item is allowed or restricted

• If extra documents are needed

At Routely, our AI-enabled compliance system automatically assigns an HS code to each item you enter. Hence, it is important that you declare each item separately in your package and correctly describe each of the items properly. A proper description should include name, material & use of the item e.g. 100% cotton dress for women.

If your description is wrong or incomplete, it can lead to:

• Incorrect duty charges

• Shipment delays

• Customs queries

• Extra inspection

• Fines or penalties

• Returned shipments

Why You Must Separate and Declare Each Item

Every different product in your package must be declared separately.

Do NOT combine items into one line.

❌ Wrong:

• Clothes

• Food items

• Gift package

• Personal items

• Accessories

✅ Correct:

• 2 men’s cotton T-shirts

• 1 women’s leather handbag
  

• 3 packs of strawberry biscuits (200g each)

• 1 stainless steel wristwatch
  

Each item has its own HS code. If you group them together, the system may assign the wrong classification — and that affects duties and clearance.

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The Right Way to Describe an Item (International Standard)

Customs authorities around the world require clear and specific descriptions.

A proper item description should include:

1. What the item is (specific name)

2. Material (if applicable)

3. Use or type (if necessary)

4. Quantity

5. Weight or size (if relevant)

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Examples of Good Descriptions

Instead of writing:
❌ Shoes
Write:
✅ 1 pair of men’s leather sneakers

Instead of:
❌ Bag
Write:
✅ 1 women’s nylon backpack

Instead of:
❌ Phone
Write:
✅ 1 Samsung Galaxy S23 mobile phone

Instead of:
❌ Food
Write:
✅ 5 packs of dried pepper (500g each)

Instead of:
❌ Machine part
Write:
✅ 2 stainless steel water pump valves

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Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Do not write “Gift” as item description

• Do not write “Sample” only

• Do not write “Personal belongings”

• Do not group different products together

• Do not hide the real nature of the item

• Do not understate the value

Customs officials do not clear packages based on vague words.

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How Routely’s AI Compliance System Helps You

When you enter each item separately:

• Our system analyzes your description

• It automatically suggests the most accurate HS code

• It helps reduce classification errors

• It supports smoother customs clearance

But remember — the system depends on the information you provide.
Clear input = accurate classification.

What Happens If Items Are Declared Incorrectly?

Incorrect or vague descriptions can result in:

• Reclassification by customs (which may increase duties)

• Additional billing after shipment

• Shipment delays

• Physical inspection

• Penalties in serious cases

• Return or seizure of goods

That is why correct declaration is not optional — it is required.

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Simple Rule to Remember

If a 15-year-old cannot clearly understand what the item is from your description, customs officers cannot either.

Be clear.
Be specific.
Declare each item separately.

This protects you, your buyer, and your shipment.