Seven mistakes on a first shipment — and how to avoid them
A first international delivery is always a minefield. We have collected the mistakes that most often cost newcomers money and time, with a remedy for each — useful for the Russian buyer and for the supplier preparing the paperwork.
The seven mistakes
- ✓1. The wrong delivery term: agreeing to EXW without realising that all logistics and export clearance fall on the buyer, or to DDP from a supplier who cannot perform it in Russia.
- ✓2. No precise specification in the contract, which raises questions about value and composition at customs.
- ✓3. Paying without checking the supplier.
- ✓4. Understating the value on the invoice “to save on duty”.
- ✓5. Finding out about certification and “Honest Sign” labelling only after the goods arrive.
- ✓6. An incomplete set of documents for currency control.
- ✓7. Trying to handle the first shipment without an experienced partner.
Mistakes at the deal stage
The first mistake is the wrong Incoterms term. Newcomers agree to EXW without understanding that all logistics and export clearance fall on them, or to DDP from a supplier who cannot deliver it in Russia. For a supplier, FCA with export clearance done — by you or by a customs agent on your behalf — usually avoids both problems.
The second is the lack of a precise specification in the contract, which leads to questions at customs about the value and composition of the goods. The third is paying without checking the supplier: a minimum check (company registration, export history, samples) and a letter of credit or staged payment reduce the risk of losing a prepayment.
Mistakes in documents and payments
The fourth mistake is an understated invoice value “to save on duty”. Customs compares prices against risk profiles, and a customs value adjustment with additional charges and a fine costs more than any “saving”. The fifth is finding out about certification and “Honest Sign” labelling only after the goods arrive: they then sit at the temporary storage warehouse until the documents are obtained.
The sixth is an incomplete set for currency control: the bank will not process the payment without a correct contract and invoice, and delivery dates slip.
The main mistake: doing everything alone
The seventh mistake is trying to complete the first delivery without an experienced partner — hiring a carrier, a broker and a consultant separately, with responsibility falling between them. One missing document and the whole chain stops.
The best scheme for a first delivery is a full-cycle forwarder with single responsibility: we check the documents before dispatch, select the HS code, and organise transport, insurance and customs clearance. You pay a transparent price and receive the goods without surprises.
Questions and answers
Why is undervaluing the invoice a bad idea?
Customs compares prices against risk profiles; a value adjustment with additional charges and a fine costs more than any saving on duty.
When should certification and labelling be checked?
Before the goods are shipped. Otherwise they wait at the temporary storage warehouse until the documents are obtained.
How can a buyer reduce the risk of losing a prepayment?
Check the supplier’s registration, export history and samples, and use a letter of credit or staged payment.
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