Your Quick Guide to Goods Descriptions on Waybills

In order for your shipments to run smoothly, arrive on time and avoid any delays, clear and accurate information needs to be provided on each and every shipping document. This includes the detailing of the type of goods that you’re shipping.
Below, we have created a quick guide on how to provide an accurate goods description and avoid any unnecessary hold-ups at customs:
What is a Goods Description?
A goods description is essentially a detailed description that states what the goods are as well as other important information about the goods being shipped.
What is a Goods Description Used For?
Your goods descriptions are used by customs authorities, providing them with the information they need to access duties and taxes and to check whether your goods are allowed to enter the country.

What Details Should be in My Goods Descriptions?
You need to provide detailed descriptions of the goods you wish to ship and be specific. Vague descriptions could lead to hold ups and delays at customs.
Essentially, your description needs to include the Category, Usage and Material of each item.
Include icons for each of the below?
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- Category Description:
- Describe what the goods are.
- Examples include: Jacket, Toy, Book, Bag, Coffee Mug
- Usage Description:
- Describe what the goods are used for.
- Examples include: General Use, Medical Use, Military Use
- Material Description:
- Explain what the goods are made of.
- Examples include: Metal, Plastic, Paper, Cotton
- If your package contains branded items:
- Include the brand and model number in the description.
It’s important to note that you cannot rely solely on a company product code to describe your goods and should always include your own detailed goods descriptions.
Where Should I Include My Goods Descriptions?
Your Goods Descriptions should be included on all shipping documents:
- The Air Waybill:
- Before goods can be shipped, a Waybill must be filled out. These documents (or invoices) list the specific items being shipped and specify their final destination. The information on a waybill should match up to the commercial invoice and packing list and where possible include a detailed goods description of all items being shipped.
- The Commercial Invoice:
- A legal document that is issued by the seller (exporter) to the buyer (importer) in an international transaction. Commercial invoices serve as contracts and proof of sales between the buyer and seller and should have a detailed goods description included.
- Additional Documents:
- Your goods description should be included on any other additional documents that are required by the authorities in your shipping process.
For further info or assistance with your shipping process, feel free to
contact us at InXpress Sandton. Our dedicated team of shipping specialists are here to simplify the process for you, ensuring your shipments arrive safely and on-time. Every time.









