In international trade, there is an increasing need to ship single samples of products rather than mass shipments. Such shipments are necessary for certification, laboratory tests, demonstrations at exhibitions, or coordination with potential customers. However, sample delivery has a number of special features, especially at the stage of customs clearance.
Samples are small quantities of goods that are not intended for commercial sale. Their main task is to provide testing, quality assessment, or demonstration of functionality. Therefore, such shipments are often processed according to a simplified scheme — as express shipments, with a minimum package of documents.
The main requirement is the correct indication in the invoice and invoice: "Sample, not for sale". This allows the customs authorities to understand that the goods will not be available for retail sale. It is also important that the cost of goods does not exceed the established duty—free limit (on average, up to 200 euros, depending on the country of import). The invoice indicates the purpose: "for testing" or "for certification", the symbolic cost and the minimum volume.
If these conditions are met, no fees are required. However, if the samples are mistakenly recognized as a full—fledged consignment, full customs clearance and payment of all taxes may be required.
There is another important caveat — such samples are allowed to be imported exclusively by a legal entity or individual entrepreneur. The reason is simple: it is assumed that they will be used for business purposes - for tests, analysis, certification or procurement evaluation. For individuals, such deliveries are impractical and are most often not allowed without customs clearance.
Irina Hertz, an expert at the logistics company TELEGA, emphasizes: "Proper documentation and a clear indication of the goal are the key to successful delivery without additional costs." As a result, with the right approach, sample delivery can become a convenient and economical way to prepare for entering a new market or a large-scale purchase.
