Requesting an import label: how to arrange an international return
To get goods back from an international B2B customer, you can't just ask them to "drop the parcel off at the post office". In B2B logistics you want to stay in control of shipping costs, transit times and customs paperwork.
The most efficient way to do this is to request an import label yourself (also called a return label) on behalf of your customer. By creating the label yourself, you choose the carrier, pay the agreed rates, and make sure the customs paperwork is right. You then simply email the shipping label and documents to your customer, who only has to stick them on the box and wait for the courier to collect it.
Creating a return label from China
When you want to have a parcel sent from China to the Netherlands as a return, you need to pay extra attention to the local export rules in China. Give your Chinese partner a clear commercial invoice stating that the goods are "Returned Goods". This ensures smooth handling by Chinese customs and a quick handover to carriers such as DHL or FedEx.
Arranging a return from the US
Want to arrange a return from the US? With express carriers this goes very quickly. When you create the import label, make sure your American customer adds their Federal Tax ID (EIN) where needed. Mark the reason for export clearly as "Return for repair" or "Return to sender" to avoid unnecessary delays at the border. You can manage this easily on our platform when you have a parcel sent from the US to the Netherlands.
Returned goods and customs: avoid paying import duties twice
The most critical part of an international return is customs clearance. Do you have to pay import duties on returned goods? Usually not, as long as you follow the right procedure for returned goods (Returned Goods Relief).
If you exported goods from the European Union and they come back in the same state within 3 years, you can claim relief from import duties and VAT. According to the official guidance of Dutch Customs on returned goods (in Dutch), you do have to be able to show that the goods were originally exported from the EU.
To make sure customs recognise the shipment as a return:
Refer to the original export: put the original tracking number and export declaration on the new paperwork.
Use the right description: clearly state "Returned Goods - Originating in the EU" on the invoice.
Add a commercial invoice: a correctly prepared commercial invoice is required, for returns too. Don't use a proforma invoice if the goods have a commercial value.
Missing these details? Then customs treat the return as a regular import and charge the standard import duties.
Why use ParcelParcel for your import labels?
At ParcelParcel we make B2B returns logistics simple. On our shipping platform you create import labels from more than 220 countries in a few clicks. You easily compare rates from top carriers such as FedEx, DHL, UPS and TNT, automatically generate the customs documents you need, and email the print-ready return label straight to your customer abroad.
