Irish international luggage shipping company My Baggage has revealed significant growth with its recent investment of over €250,000 in the development and launch of proprietary technology which will simplify the customs process for customers shipping their belongings abroad.
Developed in response to increasingly varied customs processes for the countries reached by My Baggage’services, the fully-digital customs clearance process has been developed in-house over the
last 3 years and offers true paperless customs data in over 100 countries, submitted directly to the courier and removing the need for customers to print the PDF. The secure and compliant exchange of data automates the previously time-consuming and complicated task of preparing a shipment and completing required customs paperwork for their final destination.
Discussing how the software works Paul Stewart, Managing Director, My Baggage explains, “It can be very difficult to know what forms to complete to allow your personal effects to enter a new
country without accruing customs duties when travelling or moving abroad. Each country has its own set of forms that needs to be completed in advance, along with a pro-forma invoice and several paper copies created for each of the relevant authorities. This new technology has enabled us to digitise the process, making it much easier and removing the hassle for customers.”
Unique to My Baggage, the software uses AI to alert and advise customers if items they may be sending could cause issues if sent to their destination based on previous shipments and regulations
in those countries. Previously, customers risked paying fines or duties if incorrect information was supplied with their shipments or in some cases personal effects could risk being sent back to their address of origin, adding further complication to the relocation process for their sender.
Mark Irvine, the Engineering Director responsible for developing the bespoke technology added, “When using the software, customers only need to answer a set of questions online, upload their
passports and list the items they are sending. My Baggage will then generate all the paperwork needed for the customer’s destination and submit it electronically to the customs authority on their
behalf, helping to significantly reduce the amount of admin work required when preparing for an already stressful move or international trip.”
Headquartered in Belfast, My Baggage ships items including luggage, boxes and sports equipment to over 160 countries and territories globally with full online tracking. Founded by Managing Director Paul Stewart following his own experience moving his belongings between Northern Ireland and Scotland during his time at university, the company has grown to offer a full door to door solution to anyone who needs bags and boxes sent around the world and has shipped luggage, boxes, and sports equipment for over 150,000 customers since 2009.
My Baggage trades in over 100 countries and passes large volume-based discounts with couriers onto customers to offer a competitive service for shipping belongings. In recognition of his
entrepreneurship Paul Stewart was named a finalist in 2022’s EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards for Ireland. For more information visit mybaggage.com.
