> ## Knowledge Base Index > Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.tunl.to/sitemap.xml > Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further. > Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash). # 📄 Power of Attorney (POA) - What It Is & When You Need It At TUNL, we make international shipping as smooth as possible 🚀. Sometimes, part of that process means giving a trusted partner the authority to act on your behalf; that’s where a **Power of Attorney (POA)** comes in. ### 📄 Download the POA template **Download the **[POA template here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GbgvhfMqdF6JT9W4QvVadPPFUD_a2pdf/view?usp=sharing) ### 💡 What is a POA? A **Power of Attorney (POA)** is a legal document that authorises a third party, like a customs broker or freight forwarder, to handle certain shipping and customs tasks in your name. With a POA in place, your broker can: * Submit customs declarations * Sign shipping documents * Liaise with customs officials to clear your goods quickly --- ### 🌍 Is it Country-Specific? Yes! Each country has its own rules on when and how a POA must be completed: * **United States** 🇺🇸 – Required for a licensed customs broker to clear goods with CBP. * **European Union** 🇪🇺 – Written authorisation is usually needed; requirements vary by member state. * **South Africa** 🇿🇦 – Brokers need a written mandate from the importer/exporter. * **Other countries** – Some require notarisation, some accept e-signatures, and others only need a letter of authority. --- ### 🙋‍♀️ Who Needs to Complete a POA? You’ll need to complete a POA if: * You’re the importer or exporter of record for shipments that require formal customs clearance. * You’re a business shipping internationally and appointing a broker or freight forwarder to manage customs on your behalf. * You’re an individual receiving goods that need a formal customs entry (e.g., high-value imports, restricted goods). * The destination or origin country requires it by law before customs clearance can take place. | In short, the person or company legally responsible for the goods in customs must complete the POA. --- ### 📅 When Do You Need a POA? You’ll likely need a POA if: * You’re appointing a customs broker for clearance * Your forwarder files export/import declarations for you * Your goods require formal customs entry * You want someone to sign official shipping documents on your behalf You **don’t usually need one** for simple courier shipments where the carrier clears goods under their own terms. --- ### 📤 How to Share Your POA * If our carrier asks you or your client for a POA 👉 please share it directly with the carrier. * If TUNL asks you for a POA 👉 send it to us, and we’ll share it with our carrier on your behalf 📧. * This ensures the right parties get the document quickly, so your shipment isn’t delayed ⏱️. --- ### 📝 What Should a POA Include? A good POA is clear, specific, and signed by the right person. It should include: 1. **Your details** – Full name, address, business registration/tax number 2. **Agent’s details** – Broker/forwarder’s legal name and address 3. **Authority granted** – What they can do on your behalf (e.g., submit customs entries) 4. **Duration** – How long the POA is valid 5. **Signatures** – Dated, signed, and (if required) witnessed or notarised **Example wording:** *I, [Your Name/Company Name], authorise [Broker Name] to act as my agent to prepare, sign, and submit all customs declarations required for my shipments. This authority is valid from [Start Date] until revoked in writing.* --- ### ✨ Quick Takeaway A POA is your “green light” for someone to handle customs on your behalf; it’s country-specific, legally binding, and can save you a lot of time and hassle. Always check the requirements for your destination before shipping 🌏. --- ### 🦸‍♀️ Have more questions? We're here to help! If you run into any issues or have questions, reach out to our support team via Whatsapp [__here__](http://wa.link/gpiyz3) or on chat [__here__](https://tunl.to/#crisp-open). **Please help us help you by rating this article below. Was it useful? Your feedback means a lot to us!** --- **Keywords:** Power of Attorney shipping | POA customs clearance | TUNL POA guide | international shipping authorisation | customs broker POA | export POA requirements | POA South Africa shipping | import clearance POA | shipping POA process | POA for international trade | POA for UPS shipments | POA for FedEx shipments | freight forwarder POA | customs clearance documentation | POA for export clearance