To ship to IBM® globally, suppliers must comply with various requirements and guidelines set by IBM Global Procurement. Explore these detailed shipping procedural instructions (SPI) for different regions, comprehensive documentation for invoices, country of origin marking instructions, supply chain security requirements, shipping transportation guidelines and more to successfully navigate the IBM global procurement process.
IBM Global Procurement provides general guidelines and instructions for exporting and importing. This information is provided to assist IBM suppliers and partners when shipping to IBM. These procedures cannot be interpreted as a substitute for compliance to applicable governmental regulations. This information is provided “as is” and is subject to change without notice. IBM makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy or reliability of such trade information in compliance with laws. If your company is designated as the Exporter or Importer of Record, it is your legal responsibility to understand and comply with export or import regulations of the appropriate countries. IBM shall not be responsible for your failure to follow applicable export or import regulations.
You can access and view the instructions for shipping to IBM.
Instructions which apply to all cross-border shipments
Read the instructions and global requirements for cross-border shipments to IBM Corporation.
We recommend that you also take a look at the requirements for specific countries that are in addition to the global requirements:
Steel aluminum copper invoice addendum for US imports
- Complete all applicable lines with part#/line references on the Steel and Aluminum Invoice Addendum and attach it to your commercial invoice.
Commercial invoice sample format for Canada repair vendors
Additional information for shipments to IBM Mexico
- Check out the hand carry format form for Mexico supplier SPI
Information for shipping to IBM Cloud
- For IBM Cloud shipments, send pickup requests as outlined in the IBM Cloud shipping instructions
Please contact your IBM Procurement representative if you have any questions about the shipping requirements.
Shipping transportation guidelines contribute to a smooth and reliable global supply chain. Suppliers must adhere to these guidelines when shipping goods for transport:
- Indicate the complete purchase order number, item quantity, and IBM part or tool number, if any, in all invoices, shipping containers, packing lists, and correspondence.
- Furnish IBM with the item(s) indicated above in accordance with all conditions specified.
- Clearly mark the carton containing the packing slip.
- Invoices that include sales tax must have the tax amount specified separately on the face of the invoice.
Suppliers should also refer to these transportation guidelines:
- Vendor or Non-IBM SOS process steps depend on the freight forwarder or GSP carrier. For details on which logistics supplier to contact see point 2 and 3:
- If the purchase order is for service parts and the order term is collected, the carrier will depend on the final destination and the shipment dimensions. View the TLSCC routing guide for the proper routing instructions.
- If the purchase order is for finished goods, production or for marketing country and the order term is collect, view the FiGo routing guide for the proper routing and billing instructions.
- Alternative carrier routing can only be authorized by the IBM buyer. IBM reserves the right to charge back all additional transportation expenses incurred as a result of carrier misrouting or incorrect payment terms.
- Unauthorized transportation charges on invoices will be deducted by Accounts Payable.