When creating and managing your products in Peregrine Ship, it is crucial to properly name them. The names you assign to your products are not only used in your online store but also serve as product declaration names for customs and other official documentation. Improperly named products can lead to shipping delays, customs issues, or rejected shipments. For these reasons, Peregrine Ship reserves the right to change product names if they are not named correctly according to international shipping and customs regulations.
In this article, we’ll explain why proper product naming is essential and provide guidelines to help you avoid common pitfalls.
Why Proper Product Naming Matters
Product names serve as an official identifier for customs declarations, particularly when shipping products to countries with strict import regulations, such as the United States. Customs authorities, like U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), require that products be clearly and accurately labeled to ensure proper documentation and classification.
Improper product names can lead to:
Delays in customs clearance
Penalties or additional fees
Rejected shipments
Misclassification of goods, which can impact duties and taxes
In particular, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has specific requirements for how goods should be described. It is vital to comply with these rules to avoid any potential issues when your goods enter the U.S. market.
You can find more details from CBP’s official bulletin here.
Guidelines for Proper Product Naming
Below are some general guidelines and specific examples for properly naming your products in Peregrine Ship:
Be Descriptive but Concise
Your product name should clearly describe what the product is without being overly complicated. The product name should immediately tell customs officers what kind of product they are dealing with.
Example: Instead of naming a product simply "Apparel," you should name it "Men’s Shirts" or "Women’s Dresses."
Avoid Generic Terms
Generic terms like "clothing" or "accessories" do not provide enough detail for customs classification. Always be specific.
Unacceptable: "Apparel"
Acceptable: "Women's Footwear" or "Men's Jackets"
Include Specific Product Types
When possible, include the exact type of the product. For example, if you are selling a kitchen appliance, specify what kind it is, such as a "Microwave Oven" or "Coffee Machine."
Unacceptable: "Appliances"
Acceptable: "Microwave Oven"
Avoid Using Brand or Trademark Names Alone
Product names that only mention the brand or trademark are not acceptable. Always pair the brand name with the product type.
Unacceptable: "Bubbles Brand"
Acceptable: "Bubbles Brand Laundry Detergent"
Examples of Proper and Improper Product Naming
To further clarify, here is a reference table with examples of unacceptable and acceptable product names for customs declarations:
Unacceptable | Acceptable |
"Brand" or "Trademark" names by themselves | "Bubbles Brand Laundry Detergent" |
"Animals" | "Horse" or "Bovine" |
"Apparel/Clothing/Garments" | "Men's Shirts" or "Women's Dresses" |
"Appliances" | "Microwave Oven" or "Refrigerator" |
"Accessories" | "Sunglasses" or "Hair Elastics" |
"Auto Parts" | "Air Filters" or "Automobile Brakes" |
"Caps" | "Baseball Caps" |
(Refer to the image attached for more examples of acceptable and unacceptable product names.)
Consequences of Improper Product Naming
If your product names are not compliant with these guidelines, Peregrine Ship reserves the right to adjust the product names to ensure smooth customs processing and regulatory compliance. This is essential to avoid shipping delays, rejections, or penalties.
Important for U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires clear and concise product names for all imported goods. You can read more about their guidelines in their bulletin here. Compliance with these naming rules is essential for any shipments entering the U.S. to avoid penalties or delays.
Conclusion: Ensuring Proper Product Naming for Smooth Operations
In conclusion, correctly naming your products is essential for both your e-commerce store and for ensuring that your shipments clear customs without issues. Avoid generic terms, provide clear descriptions, and be mindful of customs requirements to ensure your products move smoothly through the supply chain.
If you have any questions about proper product naming or need help adjusting your product listings, please reach out to our support team for assistance.