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Short answer
Sending documents abroad means shipping documents with no commercial value in an envelope or small package through the express network. Document shipments usually go through a simpler customs process than goods; however, the contents must be documents only.
Which papers are sent as documents?
Count as documents
- Contracts and business correspondence
- Tender and bid files
- Diplomas, transcripts, certificates
- Powers of attorney and notarial documents
- Invoices and customs documents
Don't count as documents
- Books, catalogues and brochures (count as goods in most countries)
- Cash, cheques, securities
- Passports (cannot be sent with Cargonet)
- ID cards (depends on carrier and country rules)
- Business cards, packaged printed products
Invoice and declaration for document shipments
A commercial invoice is usually not needed for documents with no commercial value; the contents of the shipment are declared as "documents". If the envelope contains an item with commercial value (a book, catalogue or sample, for example), the shipment is treated as a parcel rather than documents and an invoice is prepared.
| Document | Key point |
|---|---|
| Wet-signed contract | Delivery against signature and sharing the tracking number with the other party |
| Tender file | Choosing the service by the submission deadline; for same-day departure, the shipment must reach our operations centre by 17:30 at the latest |
| Diploma and transcript | A card-backed envelope so it doesn't bend; completing any apostille before shipping |
| Notarial documents and powers of attorney | Obtaining the approvals needed for validity in the destination country (apostille, consular legalisation) in advance |
The document shipping process
- 1Quote
Share the destination country and address; the service and price are confirmed.
- 2Preparing the envelope
Put the documents in a waterproof bag and a sturdy envelope; support anything that must not be folded with card.
- 3Pickup and departure
The documents are collected from your address and the tracking number is sent to you.
- 4Delivery
The documents are delivered to the recipient against signature.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to send documents abroad?
With the express service, documents are usually delivered in 1–3 business days to Europe and 2–4 to the US.
Is there a customs process for documents?
Documents with no commercial value usually go through a simplified customs process; the contents must still be declared correctly.
Can a passport be sent abroad by courier?
No. Passports cannot be sent abroad with Cargonet. For ID cards and original official documents, carrier and country rules apply; confirm with our team before shipping.
Do I need an invoice to send documents?
A commercial invoice is usually not needed for documents with no commercial value; the contents are declared as documents. If the envelope contains goods, an invoice is prepared.
Can my documents leave Türkiye on the same day?
For same-day departure, the shipment must reach our operations centre by 17:30 at the latest. We offer door pickup from anywhere in Türkiye.