Frequently asked questions

Yes. The Monaco office assesses shipments originating in or destined for Monaco and France, across Europe and worldwide. Feasibility and arrangements depend on the goods and the route.

Collection and delivery addresses, type of goods, number of packages, gross weight, dimensions, approximate value, preferred dates and any constraints (tail lift, booked delivery, temperature, fragile items). The more precise the description, the more reliable the assessment.

No. Those routes are examples of frequent journeys. The offer also covers shipments to and from Monaco and France elsewhere in Europe and around the world.

Typically a commercial invoice (seller, buyer, description, value, currency, Incoterm), a packing list (weights, dimensions, number of packages) and a transport document: CMR consignment note by road, air waybill by air, bill of lading by sea. Some goods require additional certificates or licences.

Customs classify every product under a tariff code (HS nomenclature). A vague description such as "parts" or "samples" can lead to queries, inspection or a hold. State the material, use and composition; if you know the commodity code, share it.

Preferential origin can reduce or remove duties under a trade agreement. It is supported by an origin statement on the invoice or a certificate, depending on the agreement and amounts. The conditions are strict and should be confirmed with the exporter before shipping.

An EORI number identifies economic operators to customs authorities. A business importing or exporting outside the European Union generally needs one. For the UK, a British (GB) EORI is required on the UK import or export side. Check that the number is active before goods leave.

Monaco is included in the EU customs territory through its customs union with France. Movements between Monaco and France therefore involve no customs clearance, while shipments to or from third countries such as Switzerland or the UK require export and import formalities.

That depends on the Incoterm agreed between seller and buyer. Usually the importer pays, except under DDP where the seller bears them. Amounts depend on the commodity code, value, origin and destination country, and can only be known once the shipment has been reviewed.

Incoterms (International Chamber of Commerce rules) set out who arranges and pays for each stage of transport, who bears the risk and when, and who handles formalities. They do not govern ownership or payment, which belong elsewhere in the sales contract.

EXW leaves almost everything to the buyer, including export, which can be awkward outside the EU. FCA gives export to the seller. DAP delivers at destination without import clearance. DDP puts everything on the seller, duties and taxes included, which requires the ability to import in the destination country. The right choice depends on your trading relationship.

Yes. Give the Incoterm followed by a precise place and the version, for example "FCA Monaco, Incoterms 2020". A vague place creates misunderstandings about where costs and risks transfer.

No general transit time can be guaranteed here. Timing depends on the route, mode, available departures, formalities and external events. Indicative timeframes are provided with each proposal, based on your request.

Incomplete or inconsistent documents, a missing or inactive EORI, vague descriptions, customs inspection, weather, port or airport congestion, public holidays, an incomplete delivery address or an unavailable consignee. Many can be avoided with preparation.

Customs may ask for a document, clarification or a physical check. The requested information then needs to be supplied quickly. Demurrage or storage charges may apply depending on duration, payable by the party designated in the contract.

Carriers are liable within limits set by international conventions (for example CMR by road), often calculated by weight and sometimes well below the value of the goods. Ad valorem cargo insurance can be considered to cover declared value; ask for it when requesting a quote.

Packaging suited to the mode and handling: sturdy cartons, internal cushioning, goods palletised and wrapped where possible, packages marked and labelled. For wooden packaging leaving the EU, the ISPM 15 standard may apply. Flag anything fragile, heavy or sensitive.

Write precise, dated reservations on the delivery document, take photos and keep the packaging. Notify your contact promptly: deadlines for reporting damage are short and set by the applicable conventions.

Since 2021 the UK has been a third country for the European Union. Every consignment needs an export declaration at departure and an import declaration on arrival, with the corresponding documents, EORI numbers and value information. This applies to Great Britain; Northern Ireland follows a separate regime (Windsor Framework, XI EORI where relevant) that must be checked shipment by shipment.

Check the shipper and consignee EORI numbers, the Incoterm, a detailed commercial invoice and, where relevant, proof of origin. Agree who acts as customs representative on each side. The Monaco office can help you review these points before departure.