Frequently asked questions

An HS code explanation: Harmonized System (HS) codes are numeric codes used globally to classify products for customs purposes.

• Each type of product has a unique code
• Customs authorities use HS codes to calculate duties, taxes, and import/export restrictions
• Correct classification ensures compliance and avoids fines or delays

Accurate HS codes are essential for smooth customs clearance and proper tariff application.

Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international trade. They clarify:

• Who is responsible for shipping, insurance, and customs duties
• When risk transfers from seller to buyer
• Obligations for documentation and transportation

Understanding incoterms ensures clear responsibilities, prevents disputes, and supports seamless customs clearance.

Common causes include:

• Incomplete or inaccurate international shipping documents
• Incorrect HS code classification
• Non-compliance with import/export regulations
• High-risk or restricted goods requiring inspection
• Delayed payment of duties, taxes, or fees

Addressing these issues proactively reduces delays and avoids unnecessary costs.

Experienced logistics partners like FAL simplify customs processes by:

• Preparing and verifying all international shipping documents
• Ensuring correct HS code classification
• Managing compliance with regional and international regulations
• Monitoring shipments and providing real-time updates
• Advising on incoterms and trade responsibilities

Partnering with a logistics provider ensures efficient, compliant, and reliable customs clearance.

Businesses often face delays or penalties due to:

• Missing or incomplete documentation
• Misclassified products or incorrect HS codes
• Misunderstanding incoterms
• Under-declaring shipment value
• Failing to meeting product-specific regulations

Avoiding these mistakes ensures smoother operations and faster delivery.

FAL's sea freight services support your needs for optimised, secure and flexible solutions

With the enormous volumes of freight that we ship and the multitude of carriers we work with, we can offer you frequent departures and the capacity you need – to and from every major port in the world. Whether your needs are complex or straightforward and whatever your goods, we can help you with you with end-to-end solutions across transport modes whether it be by sea, air or road.

Our sea freight services include:
- Full container load
- Less than container load
- Non-containerised load
- Buyer's consolidation services
- Break bulk

FAL offers a variety of sea containers to meet your transportation needs.

FAL offers a large and modern fleet of containers that include dry containers, refrigerated containers with temperature control and special purpose containers. Our team can advise on the right sea container that allows you to accumulate and transport your cargo safely and efficiently.

Whether you have full container load (FCL), less than container load (LCL) or non-containerised load, we have the sea containers you need for your sea freight shipping.

- Dry Container
- Flat Rack Container
- High Cube Container
- Open Top Container
- Platform Container
- Reefer Container
- Garments on Hangers Container

We handle everything from single shipments to large tariff quotes for multiple shipments.

Submit your shipment details through our [Get a Quote] page

Whether you have a single shipment, a few pallets or multiple full loads every week, we can handle your cargo and give you the best solution for your road freight needs.

We will make sure your cargo is delivered safely and efficiently wherever it needs to go.

We offer road transport services for:

- Full load shipments
- Part load shipments
- Groupage shipments

Domestic shipments and shipments to neighbouring countries can be completed within 24-48 hours. For more remote or exotic destinations in Europe we offer delivery within one to five days at all destinations.

We have a wide variety of trailer types and trailer widths to transport many different types of cargo. Each trailer type is suitable for a specific purpose, for example standard-sized or out-of-gauge cargo.

- Box trailer
- Curtain side trailer
- Mega trailer
- Open trailer
- Reefer trailer
- Tarpaulin trailer

We handle everything from single shipments to large tariff quotes for multiple shipments.

Submit your shipment details through our [Get a Quote] page