Arta’s Electronic Customs Documents (ECD) feature assumes the responsibility of creating customs documentation. Arta understands each shipment’s unique requirements due to our experience in international logistics. The ECD feature’s automated workflow collects the necessary information from the exporter and generates the required documents, including commercial invoices.

Benefits with Arta’s ECD Feature

• Expedites documentation and commercial invoice creation
• Guaranteed international compliance
• Expands business opportunities to a global scale

What is required?

The export information needed varies by geography and our ECD form will dynamically update with required fields. There are a few things that will likely be required to export your shipment.

• Exporter Information – Also referred to as the Seller, Sender, or Merchant, this is the person or legal entity that receives the monetary benefit from an export transaction. Arta expects this to be the Origin Contact. If another entity is the exporter, they can complete the ECD form.
• Object Details – Title, Creator, Creation Date, Medium and Country of Origin are all standard pieces of information that customs will require. The Creation Date can be a year or era. The Medium should list all materials included in the object, including the framing or presentation method. Country of Origin is where the object was originally created, not the origin of this particular sale or shipment.
• Harmonized System Code – HS numbers are single system used by customs authorities around the world to classify products when assessing duties and taxes and for gathering statistics. This link here is helpful when selecting the HS code. Arta has built a tool to help you quickly identify and select the most appropriate code.
• Affirmation – By confirming “I hereby certify and declare that all the information provided is true and accurate” you authorize Arta to use this information to file the required documentation with customs. Alternatively a “Power of Attorney” or POA is required when Arta transacts customs business on behalf of a corporation, individual or partnership.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why do I need a Tax ID? – Many countries require a Tax ID to clear customs. Failure to present a tax ID upon an object’s arrival could lead to the item’s return or abandonment. Tax ID requirements vary by export country but we typically suggest exporting under an EIN in the US and EORI in the UK and EU.  Social Security Numbers are still accepted for exporting Parcel goods from the US.
• What if I don’t feel comfortable providing my SSN? – You can provide an EIN number in place of an SSN. You can apply for an EIN here.
• How do I know if I have the right HS code? – This official harmonized system code website is helpful when discerning which code applies.
• Are international customs declarations required for every international shipment? – Countries within the European Union do not require customs documentation from fellow EU countries. However, shipments from countries outside the EU will require customs declarations. Further, shipments from the US to other US Territories don’t always require documentation, but we strongly suggest verifying upon booking as rules are subject to change.
• Is the Automated ECD feature available for all shipments? – The Automated Export Customs Documents feature is available for all shipments being exported from the US, EU, and the UK across all quote types. We’ll keep our clients updated as new markets are launched.