Shipping Samples: What South African SMEs Need to Know
Thinking of sending product samples overseas? Great move. Whether you're impressing potential stockists or testing new markets, TUNL's got your back when it comes to international sample shipments.
Yes! TUNL supports the shipping of product samples that have no commercial value. These types of shipments are perfect for promotional items, product testing, or market research.
But even though they're marked as samples, customs still needs a bit of paperwork…
Absolutely. Every shipment—samples included—needs an invoice to clear customs.
Here’s the important part:
Use your cost price, not retail, to keep things realistic.
Clearly state that the item is a sample with no commercial value.
💡 Why? Customs authorities need a declared value, even if the item isn’t for sale.
To avoid delays or unnecessary charges, follow these packaging tips:
Clearly write “SAMPLE” on:
The product itself
The box or packaging
All commercial invoices
Instead of just saying “T-shirt”, describe it like this on your invoice:
“Cotton T-shirt – Sample – No Commercial Value – Not for Resale”
This makes your intent crystal clear to customs officers.
In some cases, yes. Even if your shipment is marked as a sample, fees, duties, and taxes may still apply depending on the destination country's rules.
We always recommend checking the local import regulations or chatting with the TUNL team for guidance.
Before you send off your sample shipment, double-check the following:
✅ Invoice using cost price
✅ Clearly marked as “Sample” on all materials
✅ Accurate product description
✅ Aware that duties or taxes might apply
Please note that Fees, Duties, and Taxes may still apply.
Keywords: Samples | Sample | Invoice | No Commercial Value
Can I Ship Samples with TUNL?
Yes! TUNL supports the shipping of product samples that have no commercial value. These types of shipments are perfect for promotional items, product testing, or market research.
But even though they're marked as samples, customs still needs a bit of paperwork…
Do I Still Need an Invoice for Samples?
Absolutely. Every shipment—samples included—needs an invoice to clear customs.
Here’s the important part:
Use your cost price, not retail, to keep things realistic.
Clearly state that the item is a sample with no commercial value.
💡 Why? Customs authorities need a declared value, even if the item isn’t for sale.
How to Package and Label Your Sample Shipment
To avoid delays or unnecessary charges, follow these packaging tips:
Clearly write “SAMPLE” on:
The product itself
The box or packaging
All commercial invoices
Product Description Example
Instead of just saying “T-shirt”, describe it like this on your invoice:
“Cotton T-shirt – Sample – No Commercial Value – Not for Resale”
This makes your intent crystal clear to customs officers.
Will I Still Pay Duties or Taxes?
In some cases, yes. Even if your shipment is marked as a sample, fees, duties, and taxes may still apply depending on the destination country's rules.
We always recommend checking the local import regulations or chatting with the TUNL team for guidance.
Summary Checklist
Before you send off your sample shipment, double-check the following:
✅ Invoice using cost price
✅ Clearly marked as “Sample” on all materials
✅ Accurate product description
✅ Aware that duties or taxes might apply
Please note that Fees, Duties, and Taxes may still apply.
Keywords: Samples | Sample | Invoice | No Commercial Value
Updated on: 04/06/2025
Thank you!