What’s the difference between your Standard, Priority and Immediate Service?
Here at Santis, we understand that our clients’ requirements change and that it is important to provide them with different options to meet their requirements. This is why we offer three levels of our sameday service:
Standard – is a standard sameday courier service; we would suggest this service for deliveries without deadlines for cost efficiency purposes;
Priority courier service at Santis is a service that is prioritised over standard bookings. This means that our courier collects and delivers your consignment quicker than they would if it were a standard service. This is not a guaranteed direct service.
Immediate service is the highest level of service Santis offers. This is a direct service from A to B with no stops in between.
- Please note that all our services are subject to delays and collection times displayed at the time of your booking.
- Please refer to the SLA Map to give you a better idea of our sameday delivery times (attached)
- Please note that our drivers get paid fairly based on the service they provide, which is why you will see cost differences depending on the services you select
Do you provide a sameday service outside of London?
Yes, we do. To arrange a collection, please either book online or call our Customer Service team on 0207 232 2220.
Do you provide out of hours service?
Yes, we do. Santis Global operates 24/7, 365 days a year. For out of hours bookings, please call 0207 232 2220.
Please note our out of hours times: Monday – Friday 7pm – 7.45am; weekends (Friday 7pm – Monday 7.45am) and bank holidays.
What are the rules for 3rd party collections?
As a general rule, here a Santis, we ask our clients to book any 3rd party collections (e.g. collections from residential addresses) by 2pm a day before collection.
This allows us to ensure we can accommodate collection the following day.
Depending on collection requirements, we can offer different levels of service:
- Collection with a label (please note that an email address is required for us to email the label to the collection point)
- Collection without label
- Collection within specific collection time – PLEASE NOTE that UK overnight networks do not offer “timed collection”. Therefore, if the collection point requires collection between e.g. 10am-12pm; you have to ask the Customer Service team to book a sameday vehicle for this collection (please note that this will incur additional cost). We will then (depending on the distance to the delivery address) arrange for the driver to either take it to the nearest UKON depot or arrange delivery directly to its final destination. You can do that via email to team@santisglobal.com.
*Please note that the goods must be handed over to the driver by the collection point ( not left in a safe place)
What do I need to obtain an accurate quote?
To obtain an accurate quote, please have the details below ready.
- Collection and delivery address (including full delivery postcodes)
- Collection or delivery instructions (if any)
- Weight of the items
- Dimensions of the items
- Number of items
- Description of the items
- Value of the goods if you require insurance (please note that goods are only insured for damage if they are in their original packaging)
Can I ship laptops with you?
Yes, you can. However, you can only send 2 laptops per box, 4 per consignment (1 airway bill – AWB)
How to best pack IT equipment?
- Use Appropriate Packaging Materials
Sturdy Outer Box: Choose a durable, double-walled cardboard box large enough to accommodate the item and padding.
Anti-Static Packaging: Use anti-static bubble wrap or bags to protect electronic components from static damage.
Cushioning Materials: Include foam inserts, air cushions, or packing peanuts to prevent movement.
- Secure the IT Equipment
Disconnect Accessories: Remove detachable parts (e.g., cables) and pack them separately.
Wrap Individually: Wrap the equipment in anti-static material, then in multiple layers of bubble wrap.
Protect Screens: For monitors or laptops, place a protective sheet (e.g., foam or cardboard) over the screen before wrapping it.
- Prevent Movement Inside the Box
Place the wrapped item in the centre of the box and fill all empty spaces with padding material. This prevents the equipment from shifting during transit.
- Seal the Box Securely
Use strong, wide packing tape to seal all edges of the box. Reinforce the seams and corners for added protection.
Key Tips
Avoid using old or damaged boxes.
Remove old shipping labels
Double-check that no part of the equipment is exposed.
Pack items tightly and securely but without applying excessive pressure that could damage them.
By following these steps, you can minimise the risk of damage and ensure your IT equipment arrives safely at its destination.
What is an HS code and why do I need it?
An HS Code (Harmonised System Code) is a standardised numerical classification system developed and maintained by the World Customs Organisation (WCO). It is used globally to identify and classify goods being traded across international borders. The HS Code is a 6-digit number, though countries often expand it to 8–10 digits for more specific classifications.
Please note that EU regulations require a 10-digit HS Code.
Why Do We Need It?
- Customs Compliance
HS Codes ensure that goods are properly classified for customs declarations, helping to prevent delays, fines, or penalties during import or export processes.
- Duties and Taxes
The HS Code determines the applicable duties, tariffs, or taxes for a shipment. Accurate classification ensures the correct charges are applied.
- Trade Agreements
It helps identify goods that qualify for preferential treatment under trade agreements, allowing businesses to save on tariffs where applicable.
- Global Standardisation
The system facilitates uniformity in trade, allowing different countries to understand and process goods consistently despite language or regulatory differences.
- Statistical Analysis
HS Codes help governments and organisations track trade statistics and trends, contributing to economic analysis and policy-making.
Why Accurate Classification is Essential?
Using the wrong HS Code can result in:
– Delays at customs
– Incorrect duty or tax payments
-Legal consequences or fines
– Reputational damage
For businesses, having the correct HS Code not only ensures smoother customs processes but also enhances operational efficiency and compliance with international trade laws.
Why do we need a phone number for the consignee?
Adding phone numbers is important for improved communication purposes and reducing delays.
For international shipments, a country’s customs authorities might need to contact the consignee prior to releasing the consignment from customs; in other countries, it is essential that the delivery agent contacts the consignee prior to delivery due to various safety aspects in those countries.
For sameday shipments, having a contact number for a consignee speeds up communication and delivery time while avoiding any unnecessary waiting time for the courier, which in return avoids additional charges for our customers.
What’s an EORI number? Why do I need it?
An EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number) is a unique identifier assigned to businesses and individuals involved in importing or exporting goods within or outside the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK). It is used by customs authorities to track and manage customs information for businesses engaging in international trade.
Why Do You Need an EORI Number?
- Customs Declarations
An EORI number is required to complete customs declarations for importing and exporting goods. Without it, customs clearance cannot be processed, leading to delays or refusal of shipments.
- Compliance with Regulations
Businesses must comply with EU and UK trade regulations, which mandate having an EORI number to engage in cross-border trade.
- Smooth Trade Operations
The EORI number ensures efficient processing of shipments at customs by linking a business to its trade records, reducing the risk of errors or misidentification.
- Trade Outside the EU/UK
If your business trades goods with countries outside the EU or UK, an EORI number is essential for meeting international trade standards.
- VAT and Duty Payments
The EORI number is used to manage and track VAT, duties, and taxes associated with imports and exports, ensuring compliance with financial obligations.
Who Needs an EORI Number?
Any business or individual importing or exporting goods commercially to or from the EU/UK.
Businesses in Northern Ireland trading goods with non-EU countries may also require an EORI number with an “XI” prefix.
How to Obtain an EORI Number
You can apply for an EORI number through the customs authority in your country (e.g., HMRC in the UK). The process is usually straightforward and can often be completed online.
Consequences of Not Having an EORI Number
Without an EORI number:
- Your shipments may be delayed at customs.
- You could face fines or penalties for non-compliance.
- It may disrupt your supply chain and impact customer satisfaction.
- Having an EORI number is essential for ensuring smooth and compliant international trade operations.
Why does my consignee in the EU need to provide their TAX ID?
When shipping goods to and from a consignee in the European Union (EU), providing the consignee’s Tax Identification Number (Tax ID) is often required to ensure compliance with customs regulations. Here’s why:
- Customs Clearance
Identification: The Tax ID helps customs authorities identify the consignee and verify their eligibility to import goods.
Compliance: It ensures the shipment complies with EU customs requirements, facilitating a smoother clearance process.
- VAT and Duties
VAT Payments: The Tax ID is used to determine the applicable Value-Added Tax (VAT) rate for the shipment.
Duty Collection: It helps assign any import duties or taxes owed by the consignee, ensuring accurate billing and reporting.
- Trade Regulations
Economic Operators: Businesses importing goods to the EU must often be registered with an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number linked to their Tax ID.
Preventing Fraud: Customs uses the Tax ID to reduce the risk of fraudulent declarations and ensure compliance with trade laws.
- Delivery Compliance
Carrier Requirements: Many couriers and freight forwarders request the consignee’s Tax ID to complete documentation, ensuring shipments meet both sender and recipient country regulations.
- Avoiding Delays
Missing or incorrect Tax ID information can result in delays, additional paperwork, or even the return of goods to the sender. Providing the correct Tax ID upfront ensures smooth processing and delivery.
Can I ship Power Banks with Santis?
Yes, you can. However, there are key considerations for shipping power banks:
Regulations on Lithium Batteries
Power banks typically contain lithium-ion batteries (classed as Dangerous Goods) are subject to specific shipping regulations to ensure safety during transport.
These regulations vary depending on the courier service and whether the shipment is domestic or international.
Courier Restrictions
Domestic Shipments: Many courier services accept power banks for domestic shipments, provided they meet packaging and labelling requirements.
International Shipments: International shipping of power banks is more tightly regulated, and some countries or couriers may restrict or prohibit their transport entirely.
Battery Capacity Limitations
Most couriers limit the Watt-hour (Wh) capacity of lithium batteries in shipments. For power banks, this is generally capped at 100Wh per battery.
Shipments exceeding this capacity may require special handling or be prohibited.
Packaging Requirements
Power banks must be packed to prevent movement, short circuits, or accidental activation during transit.
Use original packaging or ensure the power bank is individually wrapped in non-conductive material.
Labelling Requirements
Packages containing power banks must be clearly labelled to indicate the presence of lithium-ion batteries.
Some shipments may require “Lithium Battery Handling Labels” and documentation to comply with courier and IATA (International Air Transport Association) guidelines.
Prohibited Shipments
Damaged or defective power banks are strictly prohibited for shipment by all standard couriers due to safety risks.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON SHIPPING POWER BANKS, PLEASE CONTACT OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE TEAM.