Customs Regulations and Responsibilities
All Aiga box shipments must comply with local customs regulations upon both export and import. This information ensures you are well-informed about the shipping and handling process for Aiga boxes, including customs regulations, packing options, transit times, insurance, freight charges, and destination fees. Taxes and duties will be assessed upon arrival and are the responsibility of the recipient. Ensure you are aware of these charges to avoid unexpected costs.
Packing Options
Option 1: On-Site Packing
You can conveniently pack your Aiga boxes at our warehouse. When packing on-site, you must use the designated packing area. Our warehouse team will deliver the Aiga box to the ICS loading area and return it to the warehouse once packed. The initial delivery to the loading area is free of charge. However, any additional trips required for the same shipment will incur a $10.00 fee per box that needs to be moved by forklift.
Option 2: Off-Site Packing
If you prefer to pack your Aiga box off-site, you can take it to your location. A deposit is required to take the Aiga box off-site, which will be credited toward your freight charges when the box is returned to our facility. Make sure to pack your goods according to customs and transportation regulations to ensure smooth processing.
Transit Time
The typical transit time for Aiga boxes is 21 days from port to port. To account for transport to and from the port and loading/unloading times, please allow up to 30 days from the drop-off of your shipment at our facility to its recovery at the destination. Delays may occur due to space availability or weather conditions.
Insurance
Insurance options vary based on the contents of your Aiga box. Our staff can help determine if your shipment is insurable. If insurance is available and purchased, additional fees will apply. Without insurance, legal liability limits will apply, and we are not responsible for any breakage of items.
Freight Charges
All freight charges must be prepaid in full before shipping. We accept cash payments and company checks for pre-approved corporate accounts only. Ensure that all payments are made promptly to avoid any delays in the shipping process.
Storage
Customers are required to pick up their Aiga boxes within seven days of the freight’s arrival. After this period, a storage fee of $10 per box per week will apply. If boxes remain unclaimed 30 days after arrival, they will be disposed of under the direction of ICS.
Destination Fees
Upon arrival at the destination, additional fees may apply, including but not limited to:
- Duties and Taxes: Assessed by local customs.
- Storage: Fees apply if the shipment is not collected within the designated time frame.
- Customs Handling: Charges may be incurred for the processing of your shipment.
- Destination Terminal Handling Charge: $30 per cubic meter.
- Administration Fee (Standard Handling): $25.00.
- X-Ray Fee: $6 per cubic meter (minimum charge: $10). All inbound cargo in Samoa is x-rayed by customs.
Safely Send Items Off-Island with Aiga Boxes
Aiga boxes are designed to safely and efficiently move freight by both air and ocean barge. They offer an affordable way for families, churches, and businesses to stay connected to those off-island. By using these fixed-cost boxes, customers can avoid the expense of booking a full container to move freight. Aiga boxes come in a variety of sizes, giving shippers a range of choices for sending special items in a safe and secure container.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aiga Boxes
You can pack household items such as clothing, shoes, toys, gifts, canned food, dry goods, small furniture (like lamps and side tables), antiques, and heirlooms.
“Aiga” is the Samoan word for “family.” Aiga boxes are designed so that family members can send items to loved ones living overseas. ICS is the only company that offers Aiga boxes to the people of the Samoan Islands.
Yes, that’s why we call it an Aiga box! By working together with friends and family, you can help reduce the overall cost of shipping an Aiga box. However, there can only be one shipper of record and one consignee (the individual to whom the box will be delivered) who is ultimately responsible for the contents declared to customs.
The box is made of very rigid cardboard that effectively protects the contents.
Due to the local humidity and rain in Samoa, an Aiga box is typically only good for one or two trips. We do offer a Super Tough Aiga box, available for rent only, that is reusable. This box is constructed of heavier cardboard, and its plastic top and bottom offer a more protective environment for goods.
You may return as often as you need. However, you will need to set up an appointment for each return visit and pay an additional loading fee of $35.00 for each forklift move of your box. For the easiest and most cost-effective experience, we strongly recommend loading your entire box in one visit.
If you are transporting the Aiga box in an open-air vehicle, you must securely strap it down to prevent the top of the box from flying off in transit.
You will need to declare your shipment by creating a detailed packing list that outlines the contents of your box and its value (per item, if possible), as well as noting your preferred shipping date. You will also need to secure transport documents, such as a cargo receipt (or official receipt) for fees paid, and a bill of lading issued by ICS.
Aiga Box: Extra Large
Dimensions: 58” x 41”x 45”
Please contact our ICS ocean team for pricing at [email protected]
Packing Your Aiga Box: Essential Tips
To ensure your Aiga box arrives securely and intact, follow these guidelines:
- Line the Box: Place large, heavy-duty plastic bags inside the box to keep the contents clean and organized.
- Protect Your Items: Secure and protect all items:
- Tape bottle caps and container covers (e.g., shampoo) or place liquids in sealed Ziploc bags.
- Wrap fragile and breakable items in bubble wrap.
- If possible, keep fragile items in their original packaging.
- Place soft items like clothing and linens between fragile items for added cushioning.
- Avoid Over-Packing: Do not over-fill the box to prevent damage.
- Check Restrictions: Ensure you do not include restricted items (see list below).
- Complete Documentation: Fill out all required shipper’s documentation accurately.
- Label Your Box: Write the recipient’s name, address, and contact details clearly on the front of the box.
- Use Common Sense: Apply careful judgment in packing to ensure safe delivery.
Restricted Items
Aiga box shipments must adhere to local customs and regulations. Items that are prohibited or restricted may be held at the origin or destination, and the shipper may face fines or legal consequences. Do not include:
- Alcohol (any item with alcohol)
- Animals (dead or alive, including fish and insects)
- Asbestos
- Bullion (precious metals)
- Currency (cash, money orders, stamps)
- Dangerous goods (aerosols, flammable liquids)
- Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and weapons
- Fireworks
- Hazardous or combustible materials
- Human remains, including ashes
- Illegal goods
- Insects, larvae, and pupae
- Lighters and matches
- Lithium batteries
- Negotiable instruments in bearer form (e.g., traveler’s checks)
- Perishable items (e.g., food)
- Plants and seeds
- Adult-related material (e.g., DVDs, magazines)
For specific restrictions, consult relevant government agencies or customs officials in your country. It is the shipper’s responsibility to comply with current regulations. Shipments are subject to inspection and potential delays by customs or other government representatives.
