[Important] Commodity Description Examples You Must Know to Avoid International Shipping Delays (Effective 1 Sept 2025)

new-eu-rule-for-smoother-international-shipping

Starting 1st September 2025, all international shipments booked through EasyParcel — including FedEx, UPS, Aramex, and other courier partners — must include accurate commodity descriptions to comply with the EU Import Control System 2 (ICS2) regulation.

Failing to provide complete and precise descriptions may lead to:

❌ Customs clearance delays

❌ Additional duties or taxes

❌ Shipment rejection or fines

To help you stay compliant and ship smooth, here are clear commodity description examples you can follow.

Table of Contents

What is a Commodity Description?

A commodity description tells customs what you’re shipping. To be valid, it should clearly state:

✅ What the item is

✅ What it’s made of

✅ Its intended use

✅ Quantity and country of origin

Generic or vague descriptions (like just saying “clothes” or “toys”) will no longer be accepted for international shipments.

Commodity Description Examples: How to Write Accurately?

how-to-write-commodity-descriptions

Here are examples of wrong vs correct descriptions:

❌ Wrong Description✔ Correct Description
ToysChildren’s toys made of plastic
ClothingWomen’s dress – 60% cotton, 40% polyester
ElectronicsBluetooth headphones – wireless, rechargeable lithium battery
StationeryA4 spiral notebook – 200 pages, lined paper

💡​Tip: The more specific your description, the faster your parcel moves through custom.

Which International Couriers are Impacted by the New EU Shipping Regulation?​

This new rule applies to all international courier partner. Whether you’re using EasyParcel to ship with:

  • Teleport Priority – AirAsia-backed regional courier for fast international shipping
  • Aramex – cost-effective international deliveries tailored for SMEs
  • TracX Logis (formerly Qxpress) – fast-growing cross-border logistics specialist in Asia
  • Janio – Southeast Asia-focused end-to-end cross-border fulfillment solutions
  • SF Express – trusted choice for shipments into China and wider Asia
  • UPS – extensive coverage across North America and Europe with reliable service
  • Airpak – affordable international courier service with flexible options
  • Ninja Van – rapidly expanding cross-border delivery network in the Asia-Pacific
  • FedEx – global leader offering fast and reliable express international deliveries
  • City-Link Express – well-established regional courier with strong Southeast Asia presence

…you must provide accurate and detailed commodity descriptions.

Where to Enter Your Commodity Description When Booking via EasyParcel?

Here’s the step-by-step journey to booking international delivery in EasyParcel including where to write the accurate commodity description:

  • Step 1: Go to “International Delivery”, fill in postcode details and book your favourite international couriers.
  • Step 2: Fill in sender’s and receiver’s details.
  • 📍 Step 3: Fill in Parcel Details → “Parcel Content” box

This is where you must write your accurate and detailed description.

enter-commodity-description-step

💡​Tips: Want to know what else to prepare before booking international delivery? Check out our ultimate checklist to get you started!

Why It's Important to Write Accurate Commodity Description?

Whether you’re shipping to Europe or other destinations with strict customs rules, accurate commodity descriptions could help:

  • Expedite deliveries for your customers
  • Avoid extra costs due to re-submission or fines
  • Safe parcel arrivals to receivers

With the ICS2 rule effective 1 Sept 2025, it’s critical that EasyParcel users to take full preparation now.

Stay Compliant, Ship Smoothly

At EasyParcel, we want your international deliveries to arrive on time, every time. By following these commodity description examples, you’ll:

✅ Avoid customs delays

✅ Prevent costly mistakes

✅ Keep your customers happy with timely deliveries

👉 Ready to ship? Book your international shipment now with EasyParcel!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a commodity description in shipping?
It is a detailed explanation of the goods you’re shipping, including material, use, and quantity.

2. Why are commodity descriptions important?
Customs use them to calculate duties, taxes, and check compliance. Without them, shipments may be delayed or rejected.

3. Which couriers require accurate descriptions?
All international couriers (FedEx, UPS, Aramex, etc.) when shipping overseas, especially to Europe under ICS2 rules effective 1 Sept 2025.

4. Can I use the same description for multiple shipments?
Yes, as long as the description is accurate for each item. 

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