The Journey of Windows - Step by Step
This is what the journey of the windows you ordered looks like.
- Order preparation, securing, and packaging. At this stage, it’s important to carefully secure the ordered products, as they have a long journey ahead. Fortunately, with partners like EUROCOLOR, you can be sure that this will be done with great accuracy and care.
- Transport to the port. Properly secured and packed windows are then loaded into a container and transported to the port in Poland. If the shipping company determines that the container is ready for shipment, a departure date is set, and the order can be transported further. Usually, a few days pass from the acceptance of the loading to the departure.
- Sea transport. The windows in the container then travel by sea. The journey from Poland takes approximately three weeks, and then the time spent traveling from the warehouse to the destination and the handling at the port must also be considered.
- Delivery to the destination. Once the container is picked up from the port, the transport company arranges a vehicle to deliver the goods directly to the destination so that the window installation process can begin as soon as possible.
Will Eurocolor help me with the logistical support of my order?
As part of the order, Eurocolor specialists will assist you with the following elements of the process:
- Handling the entire "door to door" transport process
- Assistance in preparing the necessary documentation
- Help in optimizing transport costs
- Access to comprehensive data on the Eurocolor EBOK platform.
What to remember during intercontinental transport?
There are two methods of intercontinental shipping for windows: CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) and DAP (Delivered at Place).
With CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight), the seller handles customs clearance and insures the shipment for the duration of sea transport until it reaches the customer's designated port.
On the other hand, DAP allows for delivery not only to the port but also directly to the recipient's specified location, such as the construction site.
What documents should be prepared for customs clearance?
To carry out the customs export clearance for windows imported from Europe, the following documents must be prepared:
- Commercial invoice (preferably in English), which includes details about the purchase and sale of the windows.
- Packing list, a list of goods with their net and gross weight, allowing for the precise identification of the shipment contents.
- Company registration documents, confirming the legality of the business operation and enabling the identification of the company as a participant in the import and export process.
- Authorization for the customs agency, which allows the agency to act on behalf of the company during the customs clearance process.
Having complete and correctly prepared documentation is crucial for the efficient and legal completion of the customs export procedure.
Advice on optimizing costs
A demanding project like importing windows from Europe to the USA involves certain expenses. But fortunately, you can optimize them. How?
First, the value of the product itself. If you're wondering whether to pay a bit more for slightly more expensive (and thus higher quality) profiles, it’s worth deciding to do so. This way, the overall shipping cost relative to the value of the load will be much more cost-effective.
Second, the scope of the load. Ordering a full 40-foot container offers a much better price compared to less profitable small shipment transport. So, if you're already investing in windows for a large construction project, it’s better to order a larger quantity right away.
Tax matters
When purchasing goods from Poland and exporting them outside the EU, you can legally benefit from a preferential VAT rate of 0%. To justify this "discount," you need two important documents:
- IE 599: Generated electronically by the ECS (Export Control System) - it confirms the export of the goods outside the EU. You usually receive it within 14 days after the goods leave the last EU port.
- IE 529 MRN: This is the confirmation of the export procedure's initiation. This document is obtained at the Polish port during customs clearance. The MRN number is unique to a specific declaration and is used to identify the shipment in the ECS system.
Why is it worth using professional support?
If you're looking for high-quality windows with excellent technical parameters and unique design, Eurocolor has a lot to offer. It’s not just about the high-quality product but also the efficient sales service related to importing windows from Europe.
Particularly, it’s worth paying attention to:
- 100% support with the import process and bringing windows to the American continent,
- Good contact with the supplier and after-sales service in case of discrepancies or mistakes with the order,
- A smoothly operating complaints system, so you don’t need to worry about delays or project completion issues.
Modern window joinery today is not only about attractive design; it’s also about customer care and addressing their investment needs. Eurocolor experts know this well and will help you import windows that meet the most stringent requirements of your clients.
