
A retail shipper or shipping clerk needs to know the commodity of each shipment. Commodities vary from household goods, furniture to a refrigerator, microwave ovens, generators, radios, computers, televisions, cell phones & accessories, and other electronics. Contraband of any kind – e.g., liquors, tobacco, firearms & ammunition, and illegal drugs are prohibited by law
Shipping barrels of personal effects from anywhere in the US to the Caribbean can be a labor of love. The commodity of choice is usually household goods. Household goods range from non-perishable food items, clothes, shoes to small home appliances. Lots of shipping companies and freight forwarders offer customers the right logistics infrastructure that makes it possible for them to stay in touch with their country of origin. Americans and legal residents use that same infrastructure to cultivate relationships with friends, business associates, and peers in the Caribbean. When shipping to the Caribbean, most customers choose not to do an ‘Export Declaration’ of their shipment because it means an additional charge to the costs of international shipping. An HS Code is often required to facilitate the inspection of any shipment by Customs Agents.
It is crucial at this juncture to address the 800 pound gorilla in the room – i.e., human trafficking. Human trafficking is a serious and severe violation of a myriad of international laws. Moreover, it is a crime against humanity. Therefore, human traffickers should be prosecuted and will be prosecuted to the full extent of international laws.
To comment on this blog post, use the space below. I am also looking forward to receiving your input on ways to combat human trafficking on a global level.