Customs and Import Documentation Policy

1. Introduction and Scope

1.1 Purpose. This Customs and Import Documentation Policy (“Policy”) governs the customs documentation, regulatory certification documentation, and origin certification provided by Ryden (“we,” “us,” or “Ryden”) for wholesale orders shipped internationally to wholesale buyers (“Buyer” or “you”).

1.2 Application. This Policy applies to all international shipments from Ryden’s network of qualified manufacturers worldwide to wholesale buyers in markets worldwide.

1.3 Allocation of Customs Responsibilities. This Policy reflects the standard allocation of customs responsibilities between Ryden as exporter and the buyer as importer:

1. Ryden’s Responsibilities: Export documentation, export customs clearance in the manufacturer’s origin country, regulatory certification documentation for catalog products, preferential origin certification where products qualify;
2. Buyer’s Responsibilities: Import customs clearance in the destination market, payment of import duties and taxes (except where Incoterms DDP applies), compliance with destination market import regulations, engagement of customs brokers as needed.

1.4 Relationship to Shipping and Freight Policy. This Policy operates alongside the Shipping and Freight Policy. Where Incoterms allocate customs responsibilities between Ryden and the buyer, this Policy governs the specific documentation Ryden provides and the buyer’s documentation responsibilities.

1.5 Modification. Ryden reserves the right to amend this Policy with thirty (30) days’ notice to active wholesale buyers.

2. Standard Export Documentation

2.1 Documentation Included with All Shipments. Every international shipment is accompanied by the following standard documentation:

1. Commercial Invoice: Detailed invoice listing all SKUs, quantities, unit prices, total values, currency, payment terms, Incoterm specified, and Ryden’s seller details and buyer’s importer details.
2. Packing List: Detailed list of shipment contents by carton / package, including dimensions, weights, SKUs per carton, and cumulative shipment totals.
3. Certificate of Origin: Standard certificate of origin issued by Ryden indicating the country of origin of the goods. Origin determination follows standard origin rules applicable to the goods.
4. Bill of Lading (sea freight) / Air Waybill (air freight) / Tracking Number (parcel courier): Transport documentation issued by the freight carrier.
5. Harmonized System (HS) Codes: HS codes applied to each SKU based on Ryden’s customs classification. Buyers should verify HS codes match their destination market’s classification before customs clearance, as classification may differ across markets.

2.2 Document Delivery. Documents are delivered:

1. Electronic Copies: Digital scans sent to buyer’s designated contact within twenty-four (24) hours of dispatch;
2. Original Documents: Physical original documents accompany the shipment where required (particularly for sea freight L/C transactions requiring original Bills of Lading);
3. L/C Document Process: For Letter of Credit transactions, documents are processed through the issuing and beneficiary banks per L/C terms and Incoterms.

2.3 Document Accuracy. Ryden takes reasonable care to ensure documentation accuracy. Where the buyer identifies a documentation error, the buyer notifies Ryden within forty-eight (48) hours of receipt of the electronic documentation. Ryden issues corrected documentation as appropriate.

3. Product Certification Documentation

3.1 Regulated Categories. Certain product categories require certification documentation for customs clearance and post-import regulatory compliance in destination markets. Ryden includes the appropriate certification documentation with shipments of regulated category products.

3.2 Helmet Certification Documentation. For helmet shipments, certification documentation includes (where applicable to the specific SKU and destination market):

1. CE EN 1078 Test Reports: For helmets sold into European Union markets;
2. CPSC Compliance Documentation: For helmets sold into the United States market (mandatory regulatory requirement);
3. CPSIA Test Reports + General Certificate of Conformity: For kids’ helmets sold into the US market (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act requirements);
4. AS/NZS 2063 Certification: For helmets sold into Australia and New Zealand markets (mandatory regulatory requirement);
5. ASTM F1492 Documentation: For dual-certified urban / skateboard helmets sold into the US market;
6. ASTM F1952 Documentation: For full-face MTB helmets sold into the US downhill market;
7. NTA 8776 Documentation: For speed pedelec helmets sold into the Dutch market and similar e-bike categories;
8. MIPS Licensing Documentation: For MIPS-equipped helmets, verification of supplier’s MIPS licensing arrangement with Mips AB (available on request, not standard with each shipment).

3.3 Protective Gear Certification Documentation. For protective gear shipments:

1. CE EN 1621-1 Test Reports: For knee pads, elbow pads, hip pads (Level 1 or Level 2 as specified per SKU);
2. CE EN 1621-2 Test Reports: For back protectors (Level 1 or Level 2 as specified per SKU).

3.4 Other Regulated Category Documentation. Other regulated categories include their applicable certification documentation as confirmed at quote stage, including:

1. Eyewear: UV protection certifications, impact ratings where applicable;
2. Lights: StVZO certification documentation for German market sales, where applicable;
3. Locks: Sold Secure, ART, VdS, or similar rating documentation where claimed;
4. Precision Tools: Factory calibration certificates for torque wrenches; ISO/IEC 17025 calibration certificates issued by Ryden’s internationally accredited calibration laboratory where applicable;
5. Children’s Products (Various): CPSIA test reports and General Certificates of Conformity for products marketed to children under 12 sold into the US market.

3.5 Documentation Verification. Buyers may verify certification documentation by:

1. Reviewing test reports and certification numbers supplied with shipments;
2. Verifying certification body records through the certification body’s published registry (where applicable);
3. Requesting additional documentation supporting specific certifications.

3.6 Documentation Limitations. Certification documentation supplied with shipments reflects the certifications held at the time of shipment. Buyers operating in markets with specific certification requirements remain responsible for ensuring the certifications supplied meet their destination market’s specific regulatory requirements at the time of import and onward sale.

4. Harmonized System (HS) Codes

4.1 HS Code Application. Ryden assigns HS codes to each SKU based on the Harmonized System nomenclature published by the World Customs Organization. HS codes appear on commercial invoices and packing lists.

4.2 HS Code Reference. Ryden’s HS code assignments follow standard cycling industry classifications. Common HS code ranges for cycling products include:

1. 8712.00: Bicycles and other cycles, not motorized;
2. 8711.60: Electric bicycles (motorized);
3. 8714.91 / 8714.92 / 8714.93 / 8714.94 / 8714.95 / 8714.96 / 8714.99: Bicycle parts and accessories;
4. 6506.10: Safety headgear (helmets);
5. 9004.10: Sunglasses (eyewear);
6. 8205.40 / 8205.59: Hand tools.

The above are reference ranges; the specific HS code per SKU is documented on shipment paperwork.

4.3 Buyer’s HS Code Verification. HS code classification may vary by destination market based on local customs interpretation. Buyers should verify Ryden’s HS code assignments match their destination market’s expected classification before customs clearance. Where classification differs:

1. The buyer’s customs broker may reclassify per local interpretation;
2. Ryden assists with classification queries where reasonable.

4.4 HS Code Disputes. Where customs authorities dispute the HS code classification on shipments and impose reclassification:

1. The buyer notifies Ryden of the dispute;
2. Ryden provides supporting product specifications to support the original classification or accept the reclassification as appropriate;
3. Any duty differential resulting from reclassification is the buyer’s responsibility under most Incoterms.

5. Certificate of Origin

5.1 Standard Certificate of Origin. Ryden issues a standard Certificate of Origin for each international shipment. The Certificate states the country of origin of the goods per the relevant rules of origin.

5.2 Origin Determination. Origin is determined based on:

1. Where the goods are manufactured or substantially transformed;
2. The applicable rules of origin for the destination market (which vary by trade arrangement).

5.3 Origin Transparency. Ryden’s catalog is sourced from qualified contract manufacturers worldwide, with Ryden coordinating export from each manufacturer’s origin country. The country of origin stated on Certificates of Origin reflects the actual origin determined under applicable rules of origin, typically the country of manufacture, Where products undergo substantial transformation in another country meeting the relevant rules of origin, that country may be stated as the country of origin. Origin claims are made truthfully based on actual production circumstances; misstatement of origin constitutes customs fraud in most jurisdictions.

6. Preferential Free Trade Agreement Origin

6.1 Preferential FTA Origin Eligibility. Certain Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) provide preferential customs duty treatment for goods meeting the specific Rules of Origin (ROO) of each FTA. Where products in a Ryden shipment qualify under the specific rules of origin of an applicable FTA, Ryden can provide the preferential origin certification required for the buyer to claim preferential treatment at import.

6.2 Which FTAs Apply. The Free Trade Agreements available for a given shipment depend on the manufacturer’s origin country and your destination market (for example, agreements between the origin country and your country, or unilateral preference schemes such as the EU’s GSP/GSP+ where the origin country is a beneficiary). At quote stage, Ryden confirms which preferential schemes, if any, the specific SKUs and origin country qualify for, and provides the corresponding certification.

6.3 Operational Reality of Preferential Origin Claims. Ryden’s catalog is sourced from qualified contract manufacturers worldwide. Under the Rules of Origin of most FTAs, finished products re-exported without substantial transformation in the origin country may not qualify for preferential origin treatment under the applicable FTA. Where products are substantially transformed in the origin country (meaningful value-added work meeting the FTA’s specific origin rules, typically requiring a substantial percentage of value-added or specific manufacturing operations performed in the origin country), preferential origin status may apply.

6.4 Per-SKU Qualification. Preferential FTA origin status is determined per SKU based on the actual production and transformation operations performed. Ryden does not provide blanket FTA preferential origin certificates covering the entire catalog. At quote stage, where the buyer requests preferential FTA treatment:

1. Ryden reviews the specific SKUs and the applicable FTA’s Rules of Origin;
2. Ryden confirms which SKUs in the order qualify for preferential origin treatment under the specific FTA;
3. Ryden provides preferential origin certification only for qualifying SKUs;
4. Non-qualifying SKUs ship with standard country of origin certification reflecting actual origin.

6.5 GSP / GSP+ Schemes. Where the manufacturer’s origin country is a beneficiary of a unilateral preference scheme such as the EU’s GSP/GSP+, preferential treatment typically requires:

1. The product to meet the scheme’s Rules of Origin (often requiring substantial transformation and a minimum value-added threshold in the origin country, or specific manufacturing operations performed there);
2. The origin country retaining beneficiary status under the scheme at the time of import;
3. The exported goods accompanied by a Form A (Certificate of Origin under GSP) or REX (Registered Exporter system) statement;
4. The product category being included in the scheme’s preferential treatment (not all product categories are covered).

Buyers seeking GSP+ preferential treatment for EU imports should request confirmation at quote stage for specific SKUs and confirm with their EU customs broker that the documentation meets their import requirements.

6.6 Documentation Charge. Where preferential origin certification involves additional documentation work beyond standard origin certification, Ryden may apply a documentation processing charge confirmed at quote stage.

6.7 Buyer’s Responsibility for Preferential Claim. Even where Ryden provides preferential origin certification, the responsibility for claiming preferential treatment at import rests with the buyer or buyer’s customs broker. The buyer is responsible for:

1. Submitting the preferential origin certificate with the import declaration;
2. Complying with all destination market procedures for preferential treatment claims;
3. Maintaining records required for post-import preferential origin verification (typically 5 to 7 years per most trade arrangements).

7. Origin-Country Export Documentation

7.1 Export Processing. Ryden coordinates a channel of qualified manufacturers based worldwide. Each shipment is exported from the manufacturer’s origin country, and Ryden manages the export documentation and customs clearance required under that origin country’s export regulations as standard.

7.2 Documentation Standards. Regardless of origin port, every shipment is accompanied by a commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and the certification documentation required for the product category and destination market (see Sections 2–5).

7.3 Export Proceeds and Banking. Export proceeds are handled through standard international banking channels in compliance with the origin country’s export-proceeds regulations.

7.4 Tax Registration. Ryden and its manufacturing partners maintain the tax registrations required in their respective jurisdictions; applicable tax identifiers appear on commercial invoices per the requirements of the origin country.

8. Dangerous Goods Documentation

8.1 DG Documentation for Shipments Containing Dangerous Goods. Shipments containing dangerous goods (CO2 inflator cartridges, lithium-ion batteries in some accessories, brake fluid in workshop bleed kits, other classified items) include the following dangerous goods documentation:

1. Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods (DGD) for air freight, per IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations;
2. Dangerous Goods Note (DGN) for sea freight, per IMDG Code;
3. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for the relevant dangerous goods substances;
4. UN Number, Proper Shipping Name, Hazard Class, Packing Group marked on packaging and documented on transport documents.

8.2 Importer’s DG Responsibilities. Buyers receiving dangerous goods shipments should:

1. Engage customs brokers familiar with dangerous goods import procedures in the destination market;
2. Verify the importability of the specific dangerous goods in the destination market (some markets restrict specific dangerous goods);
3. Comply with destination market storage and handling requirements for dangerous goods upon receipt;
4. Maintain records of dangerous goods shipments per local regulatory requirements.

8.3 Market-Specific DG Restrictions. Some markets restrict the import of specific dangerous goods. Examples (illustrative, not exhaustive):

1. Some markets restrict CO2 cartridge imports without specific licenses;
2. Some markets have specific requirements for lithium-ion battery imports;
3. Some markets require dangerous goods import permits.

Buyer is responsible for verifying import permissibility in their market. Ryden provides guidance on known restrictions at quote stage where applicable; comprehensive market-specific verification remains the buyer’s responsibility.

9. Import Customs Clearance: Buyer Responsibilities

9.1 Buyer as Importer of Record. Under most Incoterms (FOB, CIF, DAP, EXW), the buyer is the Importer of Record at the destination market. The buyer is responsible for:

1. Engaging a customs broker in the destination market (or using in-house customs capability);
2. Submitting the import declaration to destination market customs authorities;
3. Paying import duties, taxes, and other governmental charges;
4. Complying with destination market import regulations including any specific product certifications, permits, or licenses required;
5. Maintaining import records per destination market requirements.

9.2 Customs Broker Recommendations. Ryden does not provide customs broker recommendations as standard. Buyers requiring guidance on customs broker selection in specific markets may receive informal recommendations at quote stage based on Ryden’s experience with broker networks; such recommendations are non-binding and do not constitute legal advice. Buyer is responsible for selecting and engaging their own customs broker.

9.3 Import Duties and Taxes. Import duties, taxes (including VAT, sales tax, or equivalent), and other governmental charges at the destination are the buyer’s responsibility under all Incoterms except DDP. Ryden does not estimate or guarantee any specific duty or tax amount; rates vary by market, product category, and trade arrangement.

9.4 DDP Exception. Where Incoterm DDP applies and is specifically agreed at quote stage, Ryden assumes responsibility for import customs clearance, duties, and taxes. DDP shipments are quoted with all applicable duties and taxes included.

10. Restricted Products and Prohibited Markets

10.1 Market Restrictions. Ryden does not export to certain markets due to international sanctions, trade restrictions, or operational limitations. Restricted markets at the time of this Policy include [TO BE SPECIFIED BASED ON LEGAL REVIEW OF CURRENT SANCTIONS REGIMES]. Buyers in restricted markets cannot place orders with Ryden.

10.2 Product Restrictions. Certain products may be restricted from import in specific markets due to:

1. Mandatory certification requirements not met by the specific SKU;
2. Product category bans (some markets ban specific cycling products);
3. Dangerous goods restrictions per Section 8.3.

10.3 Sanctions Compliance. Ryden complies with applicable international sanctions, including UN, OFAC, EU, and other applicable sanctions regimes. Ryden does not knowingly export to sanctioned individuals or entities. Buyers warrant that they are not sanctioned individuals or entities and that they will not re-export Ryden products in violation of applicable sanctions.

11. Post-Import Verification Support

11.1 Verification Inquiries. Where destination market customs authorities conduct post-import verification of shipments (including verification of HS codes, certificate of origin, preferential origin claims, or certification documentation):

1. The buyer notifies Ryden promptly of the verification inquiry;
2. Ryden provides supporting documentation and information reasonably required to respond to the verification;
3. Ryden cooperates with the verification process within commercially reasonable bounds.

11.2 Audit Records. Ryden maintains export documentation records for the period required by applicable law (typically five (5) years from export date) and provides records to authorized customs authorities upon proper request.

11.3 Buyer’s Recordkeeping. Buyers should maintain import records per their destination market requirements (typically five to seven years).

12. Documentation Errors and Corrections

12.1 Error Notification. Where the buyer identifies an error in shipping documentation:

1. The buyer notifies Ryden within forty-eight (48) hours of receipt of electronic documentation;
2. The notification specifies the error and the proposed correction;
3. Ryden reviews the requested correction within two (2) business days.

12.2 Correction Issuance. Where Ryden confirms an error in documentation:

1. Ryden issues corrected documentation;
2. Where physical original documents are required (sea freight L/C transactions), Ryden coordinates corrected original document delivery;
3. Costs of correction (courier fees for replacement documents) are at Ryden’s expense for Ryden’s errors.

12.3 Buyer-Requested Changes Not Due to Error. Where the buyer requests changes to documentation for reasons other than Ryden errors (e.g., buyer’s customs broker prefers different formatting, buyer wishes to alter delivery address after dispatch):

1. Ryden assesses feasibility of the requested change;
2. Reasonable accommodation is provided where feasible;
3. Costs of changes are the buyer’s responsibility.

13. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

13.1 Governing Law. This Policy is governed by the laws of [governing jurisdiction — to be specified with counsel], without regard to conflict of law principles.

13.2 Arbitration. Any dispute arising from or relating to this Policy that cannot be resolved through good-faith negotiation between the parties shall be referred to and finally resolved by arbitration administered by the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) in accordance with the SIAC Rules in force at the time. The seat of arbitration shall be Singapore. The language of arbitration shall be English.

13.3 Limitation of Liability. Ryden’s liability for customs and documentation matters is limited to direct damages arising from Ryden’s documented errors in supplied documentation. Ryden shall not be liable for indirect, consequential, incidental, or special damages including but not limited to lost profits, duty differentials resulting from buyer’s classification disputes, or buyer’s regulatory exposures, except where such limitation is prohibited by mandatory applicable law.

14. Contact and Communications

14.1 Customs Documentation Inquiries.

Ryden Customs and Documentation Team
Email: contact@ryden.store
Phone: [customs phone to be specified]

14.2 Certification Documentation Inquiries.

Ryden Compliance Team
Email: contact@ryden.store

14.3 Export Documentation Inquiries.

Ryden Export Department
Email: contact@ryden.store

Need to confirm customs documentation for your market?

Email contact@ryden.storeat quote stage with: destination country, the SKUs and categories you’re ordering, whether you’re claiming preferential FTA origin, and any specific certification documentation requirements from your destination market’s customs authority.

New to Ryden Wholesale? Apply for a wholesale account. Also read the Shipping and Freight Policy for Incoterms and freight handling, the Return and Defect Policy for what happens if a shipment arrives damaged, and the Net Terms Policy for payment terms.