Why International Shipments Need More Than Standard Coverage
A shipment that crosses a border passes through more hands and more checks than a domestic one, and every extra stage is another chance for delay or damage. Carrier liability for high-value items is already low at home, and on international shipments it can be lower still.
A declared value is not the same thing as insurance. It states what you say the shipment is worth, but the carrier's own limit can still decide what is paid. With full-value insurance, the declared value of the shipment is covered, up to $150,000 with Unival.
Good paperwork protects the shipment in two ways: it keeps the shipment moving through customs, and it supports your claim if something goes wrong.
Paperwork for International High-Value Shipments
Requirements depend on the goods, the value and the destination. This table shows the documents that most often matter.
| Document | When it applies | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Every international shipment | Correct value, clear description, sender and recipient details |
| Export filing (EEI) | Goods over $2,500 per Schedule B number, or when a license is required | Schedule B number, value and recipient, filed by the exporter or its agent |
| Kimberley Process certificate | Rough diamonds | Certificate covering the shipment |
| ATA Carnet | Goods sent to a fair or exhibition abroad and returning | Carnet issued before departure, accepted in participating countries |
| Import permits | Some goods and destinations, such as antiques and cultural property | Check the destination's rules before you ship |
Rules change and differ by country. Confirm the requirements with your customs broker or the destination's customs authority before you ship.
Shipping From Miami to Latin America and the Caribbean
Miami is a main US gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, and its jewelry dealers, galleries and exporters have ties with buyers across the region. From Miami we ship valuables internationally, using major carrier networks combined with Unival's own coverage and secure handling.
Duties and taxes depend on the destination, the goods and their value. Agree before shipping whether the sender or the recipient pays them, because unpaid charges or a declared value that does not match the invoice can hold a shipment at customs.
Some destinations are restricted under US export and sanctions rules, and we cannot ship there. Tell us the destination when you request a quote, and we will confirm what is possible. Read more about our secure transportation or see our overview of insured shipping in Miami.
International Shipping by Type of Goods
The core steps are the same for every category, and each has its own preparation. See our guides to insured jewelry shipping in Miami, insured watch shipping in Miami and insured fine art shipping in Miami for what to document and how to pack each type of shipment.
Goods that travel to a fair or exhibition abroad and come back may qualify for temporary entry, and an ATA Carnet can simplify this in participating countries. Insure the outbound parcel and the return parcel as separate shipments so nothing is left uncovered on the way home.
What Affects the Cost of Insured International Shipping?
The price has two parts: the shipping and the insurance on the declared value. The destination, the delivery speed, the declared value and the handling requirements all change the total.
We quote each shipment before it moves. Get a quote with the item type, declared value, pickup location and destination country.
How to Prepare a High-Value Shipment for Export
Good preparation prevents most delays and disputes. Before you ship, check the following:
- Keep the invoice, appraisal or other proof of value for the item.
- Prepare a commercial invoice with the correct value and a clear description.
- Check whether an export filing, certificate or permit applies to your goods.
- Agree with the recipient who pays duties and taxes.
- Photograph the item and use plain, sealed packaging with no mention of the contents.
- Make sure the recipient is available to sign for the delivery.
