When you ship a parcel internationally with ShipGerman, customs authorities in the destination country need to know exactly what is inside your package. The customs description is the text field on your shipment declaration that describes the contents.
Customs officers use this description to:
- Classify your goods under the correct tariff code and determine the applicable import duty and tax rate
- Check for restricted or prohibited items that require special permits or are banned from import
- Calculate the correct value for customs clearance
- Release your parcel faster - a clear description means fewer manual inspections and delays
A vague or incorrect customs description is one of the most common reasons parcels get held up, returned, or destroyed at the border. Getting it right protects your shipment.
What a Good Customs Description Must Contain
Every customs description should answer three questions:
- What type of article is it? (the physical object)
- What is it made of or how is it used? (material or function)
- Who or what is it for? (intended user or use case)
A simple formula to follow:
[Article type] + [material/function] + [use case or recipient]
Examples: "Cotton T-shirt, adult women's clothing" or "Rubber chew toy, for dogs"
Always use plain, clear language — no abbreviations, no brand names alone, and no vague terms like "gift", "goods", or "merchandise".
Good and Bad Examples by Category
Clothing
| ❌ Bad Description | ✅ Good Description |
|---|---|
| Gift | Cotton T-shirt, women's, size M |
| Clothes | Men's denim jeans, casual wear |
| Fashion item | Girls' winter jacket, polyester, size 128 |
| Stuff | Baby bodysuit, cotton, unisex, 0–6 months |
Why it matters: Clothing attracts different duty rates depending on the material (cotton vs. synthetic) and the intended wearer (adult vs. child). "Clothes" tells customs nothing useful.
Toys & Games
| ❌ Bad Description | ✅ Good Description |
|---|---|
| Toy | Plastic building blocks set, children's toy, ages 3+ |
| Game | Wooden board game, 2–4 players, ages 8+ |
| Present | Stuffed plush bear, children's soft toy |
| Kids stuff | Remote-controlled car, battery-operated toy, ages 6+ |
Why it matters: Toys for children may be subject to safety certification requirements. The material and age group help authorities apply the correct regulations.
Hygiene & Personal Care
| ❌ Bad Description | ✅ Good Description |
|---|---|
| Cosmetics | Moisturising face cream, 50 ml, for dry skin |
| Personal care | Solid shampoo bar, hair care product, 60 g |
| Beauty | Lip balm, SPF 15, personal hygiene item |
| Toiletries | Deodorant roll-on, aluminium-free, 75 ml |
Why it matters: Cosmetics and hygiene products are often subject to ingredient regulations and import restrictions. The specific product type and format (cream, liquid, solid) determine whether the item can be imported freely or requires additional documentation.
Veterinary Tests & Animal Health Products
| ❌ Bad Description | ✅ Good Description |
|---|---|
| Test | Rapid antigen test kit, canine parvovirus detection, veterinary use |
| Medical item | Feline heartworm diagnostic test strip, veterinary diagnostic tool |
| Vet stuff | Blood glucose test kit, for dogs and cats, veterinary use |
| Kit | Ovulation test strips, for breeding dogs, veterinary use |
Why it matters: Veterinary diagnostics are subject to strict import controls in most countries. Always state clearly that the product is for animal use and specify the type of test or function - this prevents your parcel from being confused with human medical devices.
Quick Checklist Before You Submit
Before finalising your customs description, check the following:
- Does it describe the physical article - not just a brand or category?
- Does it mention the material (cotton, plastic, rubber, etc.) where relevant?
- Does it state the intended use or user (adult, child, pet, veterinary)?
- Is it written in plain language without abbreviations?
- Does it avoid vague terms like "gift", "sample", "goods", or "merchandise"?
A few extra seconds on an accurate description can save days of delay - and make sure your parcel reaches its destination without issues.
Still have questions? Contact our support team - we're happy to help.