Glitter ships easily when the paperwork is clean and the classification fits the product. Most PET-based glitters are non-hazardous, but customs still care about material, intended use, labeling, and accurate HS code. This guide shows importers and distributors exactly what to prepare—and how PDYA supports each step.
What Customs Care About
- Material & composition: PET/PLA base, any aluminum coating, pigments.
- Intended use: cosmetic vs. craft vs. industrial—this influences labeling and (sometimes) testing expectations.
- Product form: flakes/powders packed in jars, bags, or bulk; retail vs. wholesale.
- Classification: correct HS code under plastics/articles (don’t guess—confirm with your broker).
- Regulatory flags: microplastics policy trends, chemical disclosure lists, and local language/label rules for retail goods.
Quick help: Email product specs + pictures of your jars/bags. We’ll outline a destination-specific document kit within one business day.
Gliter Core Document Checklist (Exporter ↔ Importer Responsibilities)
| Document | Purpose | Usually by | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | Value, terms, product lines | Seller | Show HS code, Incoterms, currency, country of origin |
| Packing List | Carton/pallet breakdown | Seller | Include SKU, shade/lot, net/gross, carton count |
| MSDS / SDS (by SKU family) | Composition, hazards, handling | Seller | Cosmetic vs. craft noted; version/date & contact |
| Product Spec Sheet | Base material, cut size, finish | Seller | Add shade name + lot traceability |
| Certificate of Origin (if requested) | Preferential duty | Seller / Chamber | Provide when FTA rules apply |
| Non-Hazard Statement | Airline/security comfort | Seller | For PET glitter, signed with contact details |
| Test Reports (if needed) | Cosmetic claims/skin contact | Seller / Lab | Only when buyer requires for market entry |
| Importer of Record details | Customs entry | Buyer / Broker | EORI/VAT/IRS #, company name & address |
| Broker Appointment / POA | Authorize broker | Buyer | Country-specific format |
| ISF 10+2 (US ocean only) | Security filing pre-departure | Buyer / Broker | Needs seller’s data in advance |
| Tax IDs / EORI | Duty & VAT processing | Buyer | Make sure IDs appear on documents if required |
MSDS for Glitter: What It Should Contain
A clear MSDS/SDS reduces questions from carriers and customs:
- Identification – product name, intended use (cosmetic or craft), supplier address, emergency contact.
- Composition – PET/PLA base, aluminum layer %, pigments with CAS (if applicable).
- Hazard Identification – typically non-hazard for PET films; note dust/eye irritation and slip risks.
- Handling & Storage – keep dry, avoid ignition sources, anti-static measures for fine cuts.
- Exposure/First-Aid, Fire-Fighting, Spill – pragmatic cleanup methods (avoid drains; sweep/vacuum).
- Transport – “Not regulated” for most lanes (confirm per route); packaging integrity emphasized.
- Regulatory – reference relevant chemical lists or statements requested by destination.
Tip: Keep separate MSDS versions for cosmetic and craft ranges if your claims/labeling differ.
Glitter Export Country & Region Snapshots
United States
- Ocean: file ISF 10+2 on time. Formal entries usually need a customs bond.
- Labeling: English labels; clear material statement; shade/lot; net content (g/kg).
European Union (incl. NL/DE/FR/ES/IT)
- EORI required for importer. Microplastics requirements are evolving—keep MSDS current.
- Retail packs: English + local language elements recommended (destination dependent).
United Kingdom
- GB EORI and VAT arrangements. Align invoice HS narrative with broker’s classification.
Canada
- Broker appointment; bilingual retail labels (EN/FR) if selling to consumers.
Australia / New Zealand
- Biosecurity: dry, clean cartons; wood packaging compliance if pallets are used.
- Consider humidity controls in summer.
Middle East
- Some markets require Arabic label elements on retail cosmetic goods. Confirm early with the distributor.
Glitter Export Timeline: From Quote to Clearance (T-21 to T+3)
- T-21 ~ T-14 – Confirm HS with broker; finalize MSDS/SDS and Incoterms; align product descriptions.
- T-10 – Lock invoice/packing list data; share carton/pallet plan (dims, gross, lot).
- T-7 – Provide full doc pack to broker; for US ocean, submit ISF data.
- T-2 – Pre-alert with AWB/BL draft; consignee confirms brokerage readiness and tax IDs.
- T+0 – Departure; originals dispatched if required.
- T+1 ~ T+3 – Arrival; customs entry; duties/VAT; delivery order and last-mile.
Glitter Export Labels & Packaging Customs Like to See
Outer cartons
- Material, shade, lot number, net/gross, carton X of Y, “Keep Dry,” “No Knife.”
- Barcodes or simple QR linking to spec/MSDS (optional but helpful).
Retail jars/bags
- Net content (g/kg), material, shade, lot, intended use (cosmetic or craft), country of origin, importer’s address (when required).
- Ensure lot codes match invoice, packing list, and master carton.
Glitter Export Frequent Mistakes (and the Fix)
- Guessing the HS code → Share full specs + images with your broker.
- Old MSDS versions → Date and control versions; reissue when composition/claims change.
- Invoice/packing list mismatches → Mirror line items and quantities; use templates.
- Missing importer IDs (EORI/VAT/IRS) → Collect before booking to avoid holds.
- Unlabeled retail packs → Pre-print labels; avoid destination relabeling.
- Vague product descriptions → Use material + cut size + finish (e.g., “PET glitter flakes, 0.008″ metallic blue”).
What PDYA Can Prepare for You
- Docs pack – Commercial invoice, packing list, MSDS/SDS, product spec sheet, non-haz statement, certificate of origin (if needed).
- Label set – English labels with lot/traceability; bilingual elements by request.
- Broker handoff – ISF/entry data sheet, carton manifest, and packaging photo set.
- Route advice – Space planning (jars/cartons), and dimensional-weight or CBM notes to help you compare lanes.
Send your destination + product list. We’ll return a customized document matrix and a label preview so your first shipment clears smoothly.
Buyer/Importer Checklist (copy/paste)
Classification & Docs
- □ HS code confirmed by broker (with product photos/specs).
- □ MSDS/SDS (current version) and non-haz statement on file.
- □ Invoice + packing list mirror each other; Incoterms visible.
- □ Importer IDs ready: EORI/VAT/IRS (country specific).
- □ Broker appointment/POA complete.
Packaging & Labels
- □ Cartons: lot codes, shade, net/gross, carton X/Y, “Keep Dry/No Knife”.
- □ Retail packs: net content, material, shade, lot, intended use, origin.
- □ Photos of packaging shared with broker (optional but useful).
Timeline
- □ ISF submitted (US ocean).
- □ Pre-alert received with AWB/BL.
- □ Duties/VAT funds prepared; final delivery arranged.
