Proof of Value for International Shipments

What is a Proof of Value?

A Proof of Value is documentation that confirms the price paid for a product. Customs authorities use this information to determine the value of goods entering a country so they can calculate any applicable duties, taxes, and import requirements.

To be accepted, the Proof of Value must match the SKU's Unit Cost in the platform.

The Unit Cost should reflect the price you paid for the item, excluding tax (VAT/GST/sales tax). The Proof of Value you upload should show the same unit price.

Providing a Proof of Value is required to make a SKU customs-ready for international shipping.

Important: A Proof of Value is required before an international order can be placed. If a SKU does not have a valid Proof of Value, it cannot be made customs ready and cannot be shipped internationally.

Domestic shipments do not require a Proof of Value, as they do not go through customs.

Why is a Proof of Value Required?

When goods are shipped internationally, customs authorities require an accurate declared value for every item. This allows them to:

• Calculate import duties and taxes.
• Verify the shipment complies with local import regulations.
• Reduce the risk of customs delays or shipment holds.
• Ensure customs declarations accurately reflect the value of the goods.

Without a valid Proof of Value, customs documentation is incomplete, and the SKU cannot be prepared for international shipment.

Unit Cost and Proof of Value Requirements

When setting up a SKU for international shipping:

• Enter the Unit Cost as the price you paid for the item, excluding any tax (VAT, GST, or sales tax).
• Upload a Proof of Value that shows the same unit price.
• The Unit Cost and the Proof of Value should match to ensure the SKU can be made customs ready.

Example

The Unit Cost should always represent the pre-tax purchase price, not the total amount paid including tax.

When is a Proof of Value Required?

A Proof of Value is required when:

• A SKU needs to be made customs ready for international shipping.
• An international order is being placed that includes the SKU.

A Proof of Value is not required for domestic shipments.

Examples of Acceptable Proofs of Value

The appropriate Proof of Value depends on how the product was purchased. Common examples include:

Supplier Invoice

An invoice from your supplier showing the purchase price per unit.  This is the strongest and preferred Proof of Value.

Example:

• Product: Branded Water Bottle
• Unit Price (excluding tax): £8.50

Purchase Receipt

A receipt showing the amount paid for the item before tax.

Example:

• Product: Wireless Mouse
• Unit Price (excluding tax): £22.99

Purchase Order with Payment Confirmation

Your purchase order for the item, together with proof of payment (for example, a bank or card statement) attached in one PDF confirming the amount paid.

• Product: Insulated Bottle
• Unit Price (excluding tax): £9.75

Manufacturer or Vendor Price List

Only where no invoice or receipt is available. A current price list or catalogue from the manufacturer or vendor showing the price actually charged to you for the item (not a recommended retail price). Note that a price list is the weakest form of Proof of Value: if it is the only document provided, there is a higher chance of a customs query or a request for the actual invoice or receipt, which can hold up the shipment.

Example:

• Product: Notebook
• Unit Price: €4.20 each

Uploading a Proof of Value

You can upload a Proof of Value (POV) in two ways:

• Via an Item (SKU) – Upload a POV for an individual SKU.
• Via a Ship Notice – Upload a POV and assign it to one or more SKUs in the shipment.

The most recently uploaded Proof of Value becomes the active version for that SKU.

Option 1: Upload via an Item (SKU)

Step 1: Open the SKU

Go to Inventory, edit the SKU, and scroll to the Customs details section.

Step 2: Upload the Proof of Value

Select Upload to open the upload window.

Here you can:

• Upload your Proof of Value document.
• Update the Unit Cost (excluding tax).
• Select the Currency.

Important: The Unit Cost must match the price shown on the Proof of Value document.

Step 3: View Proof of Value History

Once uploaded, the document is saved against the SKU.

Select the history icon next to the Unit Cost to view all previously uploaded Proofs of Value. The most recent upload is the active version.

Note: If you change the Unit Cost in the future, you'll need to upload a new Proof of Value with the matching value.

Option 2: Upload via a Ship Notice

Step 1: Open the Proof of Value section

Within your Ship Notice, scroll to the Proof of Value (POV) section and select Upload.

Step 2: Upload and assign SKUs

Upload your Proof of Value document, then:

• Review the Unit Cost and Currency.
• Select the SKUs the document applies to.

Only the selected SKUs will be linked to that Proof of Value.

Step 3: Upload additional Proofs of Value (if needed)

If your shipment contains products purchased under different invoices, simply upload another Proof of Value and select the relevant SKUs.

Each SKU will use the most recently uploaded Proof of Value assigned to it.

Tip: If you update a SKU's Unit Cost, you'll need to upload a new Proof of Value showing the updated price.

What Happens if a Proof of Value Is Missing?

If a SKU does not have a valid Proof of Value:

• The SKU cannot be made customs ready.
• International orders containing the SKU cannot be placed.
• The SKU cannot be shipped internationally.
• The SKU can still be used for domestic shipments.

To avoid delays, ensure every SKU intended for international shipping has a valid Proof of Value that matches the Unit Cost before creating an international order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Proof of Value need to match the Unit Cost?

Yes. The Proof of Value should match the Unit Cost entered in the platform, which must be the price paid for the item excluding tax.

Can I include VAT or sales tax in the Unit Cost?

No. The Unit Cost should always be the purchase price excluding tax.

Can I ship internationally without a Proof of Value?

No. A Proof of Value is required to make a SKU customs ready. Without it, the SKU cannot be shipped internationally.

Do I need a Proof of Value for domestic orders?

No. Proofs of Value are only required for international shipments that must clear customs.