International Shipping for Fulfillment Partners: Printing Customs Forms.

Ensure you have the following supplies at your packing station before processing international orders:

Required Equipment & Materials

• Thermal label printer (4" x 6"): For shipping labels and packing slips
• Standard printer (8.5" x 11"): For international customs forms and commercial invoices
• Clear self-adhesive document pouches: For attaching customs forms to package exterior (get free from UPS)
• Pen: For signing customs forms where required

Understanding Carrier Documentation Requirements

• USPS: Customs declarations are included on the shipping label - no separate forms needed
• FedEx, UPS, DHL: Require separate Commercial Invoice on standard paper

Cahoot automatically generates all required forms based on the carrier and destination. You simply need to print and attach them as instructed.

International customs forms are integrated directly into the scan verification workflow. The system will prompt you to print additional forms when processing international orders.

Starting Your Workflow

1From the Print and Ship My Orders page, create your Pick Lists, Label Batches, or print Packing Slips and Shipping Labels in bulk as you normally would.

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2Begin the Scan Verification workflow as normal, scanning items and verifying order contents.

Printing Additional Forms for International Orders

3When you encounter an international order that requires additional customs forms, the system will display a prompt before allowing you to print the shipping label.

4Click the prompt to open the Additional Forms print dialog.

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5Print the Additional Forms on your standard 8.5" x 11" printer.

6After printing the Additional Forms, continue to print the Shipping Label and Packing Slip as normal on your thermal printer.

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Reprinting Additional Forms

If you need to reprint Additional Forms for any reason, you can do so from two locations:

From Scan Verification Page:

• Navigate back to the order in scan verification
• Click the Click here option

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Proper attachment of customs documentation is critical for international shipments. Improperly attached forms can result in carrier rejection, customs delays, or package returns.

Step-by-Step Packing and Labeling

1Place all products and the packing slip inside the package.

2Seal the package securely with packing tape, ensuring all seams are properly closed.

3Attach the shipping label to the top surface of the package. Position it to leave space for the customs forms document pouch (typically attach label to left side, leaving right side for document pouch).

4Review all customs forms and sign in designated signature areas.

5Fold the customs forms in half so the top portion with key information remains visible when inserted in the document pouch.

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6Attach a clear self-adhesive document pouch to the package exterior, adjacent to (not covering) the shipping label.

7Insert the folded customs forms fully into the document pouch. All critical information should be visible through the clear material.

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8Press firmly to ensure the document pouch adhesive is securely attached to the package.

Final Quality Inspection

Before handing packages to the carrier, perform this quality check:

9Hand the completed package to the shipping carrier as normal.

Cannot Print Shipping Label (Additional Forms Required)

Problem: The system won't let you print the shipping label for an international order.

Solution: Check if there are unprinted Additional Forms. You must print the customs forms before the system will allow you to print the shipping label. Look for the Additional Forms prompt and print those documents first.

Forms Not Showing in Print Queue

Problem: International order but no Additional Forms prompt appears.

Solution: This typically means the order is shipping via USPS, which includes customs declarations on the shipping label itself. No separate forms are needed. Proceed with printing the shipping label normally.

Forms Printed to Wrong Printer

Problem: Customs forms are trying to print on the thermal label printer.

Solution: Check your browser print settings and ensure your default printer for standard documents is your 8.5" x 11" laser/inkjet printer, not your thermal printer. You may need to select the correct printer in the print dialog.

Document Pouch Won't Stay Attached

Problem: The adhesive document pouch keeps falling off the package.

Solutions:

• Ensure the package surface is clean and dry before applying the pouch
• Press firmly for 10-15 seconds to activate the adhesive
• Avoid applying pouches to heavily textured surfaces if possible
• If necessary, reinforce the pouch edges with clear packing tape (ensure forms remain visible)

Forgot to Sign Forms

Problem: Package is already sealed but forms weren't signed.

Solution: You must remove the forms from the pouch, sign them, and reinsert them. Unsigned forms can cause customs delays or rejections. Do not send packages with unsigned customs documentation.

Which orders need Additional Forms?

International orders shipping via FedEx, UPS, or DHL require separate customs forms (Commercial Invoices). USPS international orders include customs declarations on the shipping label itself and do not require Additional Forms.

What if I don't have clear document pouches?

Clear document pouches are required for international shipments. You cannot use tape to attach forms directly to the package, as this can damage the forms or make them illegible. You can order free document pouches from UPS. 

Can I put the customs forms inside the box?

No. Customs forms must be attached to the outside of the package in a clear pouch. Customs officials need to access these forms without opening the package. Placing forms inside will cause the package to be rejected or delayed.

What if there are multiple pages of customs forms?

All pages must be signed (where indicated), folded together, and inserted into the same document pouch. If forms are too thick for a single pouch, use a larger pouch.

What if I damage or lose the customs forms?

Reprint the Additional Forms from either the Scan Verification page or the Order Details page. See the reprinting instructions in Step 1 above.

Are there specific Cahoot standards for international shipping?

Yes. All fulfillment partners must comply with Cahoot's international shipping standards, including proper customs form attachment, signature requirements, and quality checks.