Exporting industrial equipment like drum handlers can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. At St Clare Engineering, we’ve been supplying Grab-O-Matic forklift attachments to clients around the world for decades. Whether you’re in oil, logistics or transport, this guide explains how to export drum handling equipment efficiently and compliantly.

Where we export: key regions and industries

Our drum handling attachments are trusted by industries across the globe. We have long-standing experience shipping equipment to:

  • Middle East: Drum handlers for the oil and gas sector in countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where robust drum handlers are required for the high-volume usage ATEX-certified equipment can also be specified if required. Learn more about our drum handlers for oil and gas exporters.
  • Far East – Supporting logistics and warehouse and manufacturing operations in Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore, where reliability and speed matter most. Read more about out drum handling forklift attachments for logistics operations
  • Europe – Supplying transport and industrial manufacturers across, Ireland, France, Sweden, The Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Germany, Portugal and Finland, where high performance and safety are priorities.
  • In addition, we also supply our drum handlers to many African countries, plus Pakistan, Australia, Vietnam, USA and many more.

To support our global customer base, we also work with a network of international distributors who can provide local advice, technical support, and fast delivery in key territories. If we don’t yet have a distributor in your country, our team can still supply directly and walk you through the entire export process.

Not sure if we export to your region? Contact our team — we’ll be happy to help.

The export process: what global buyers can expect

St Clare Engineering simplifies the process of exporting large mechanical attachments:

  1. Consultation & Quotation – We provide expert advice on the best attachment for your needs, including bespoke options if required.
  2. Documentation – All exports include necessary paperwork: commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates (such as ISO 9001) and Certificate of Conformity and Certificate of Origin for peace of mind.
  3. Packing & Protection – Our Grab-O-Matic units are securely packaged for international transport via sea, air, or land.
  4. Freight Coordination – We use our own experienced freight forwarder, or we can work with your chosen freight forwarder, ensuring smooth clearance through customs and delivery to destination.

What you need to export drum handling equipment

To import equipment into your country, you may need:

  • A valid VAT or business registration number
  • An EORI number (for EU or UK buyers dealing with customs)
  • Import permits or licences, depending on your country’s regulations
  • A local delivery business address that can receive palleted or crated goods

New to international trade? This UK government guide to exports offers a helpful overview.

Shipping large mechanical attachments: our expertise

Exporting drum handling equipment isn’t like shipping small tools – it requires specialist packaging, paperwork and experience.

We use robust wooden pallets or crates and protective materials to shield equipment from shock and moisture. Our team ensures the attachments are secured for transit, and where needed, we’ll work with freight partners to plan sea freight container loads or air shipments.

We’ve successfully shipped to ports in Singapore, Dubai, Rotterdam and beyond, each with their own customs procedures and documentation requirements. Need help with that? We’ll walk you through it.

Certified quality: built to meet global standards

When you’re importing heavy-duty drum handling equipment, you need confidence that it meets international safety and quality standards. That’s why every Grab-O-Matic unit is fully tested and certified before it leaves our facility.

At St Clare Engineering, we follow a rigorous testing and certification process that includes:

  • Full compliance with LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations)
  • CE marking where applicable
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management accreditation
  • Individual load testing and traceable documentation
  • Declaration of Conformity
  • Certificate of Origin (where required)

These standards aren’t just for the UK market — they’re recognised worldwide and ensure your equipment is compliant for use in high-risk environments, including oil refineries, logistics hubs, and transport depots.

For more detail, see our blog on LOLER-compliant lifting attachments.

Why global buyers trust Grab-O-Matic attachments

Grab-O-Matic is more than a brand—it’s a benchmark for quality in drum handling:

  • Certified for safety – Our products comply with LOLER and ISO standards.
  • Proven durability – Designed for 24/7 use in harsh environments.
  • Available worldwide – Spares, servicing, and upgrades can be supplied globally.
  • Longevity-Grab-O-Matic drum handlers have been in use worldwide since 1959
  • Custom-built – Need a bespoke drum handler? We’ll make one to match your drum type and environment, and we’ll even design and manufacture a bespoke drum cage for safe lifting.

We know that quality matters when buying industrial equipment—read why in our blog on built-to-last drum attachments.

Conclusion: work with a trusted UK export partner

Whether you’re a procurement officer in Dubai, a warehouse manager in Kuala Lumpur, or a transport operator in France, St Clare Engineering is here to support you with export-ready drum handling equipment.

We’re not just manufacturers – we’re experienced exporters who understand the regulations, logistics and expectations of international buyers.

Get in touch today for a quote or guidance on shipping drum handlers to your region.

FAQs About Exporting Drum Handling Equipment

Can I order a single unit for export?
Yes – we regularly ship one-off drum handlers worldwide.

What Incoterms do you offer?
We typically quote EXW (Ex Works) or DAP (Delivered at Place) but we can accommodate FOB (Free on Board) if required.

Do I need an import agent?
Not always – many clients handle customs clearance directly. However, if you’re unsure, we’re happy to recommend a local agent.

Andy Bow – St Clare Engineering Ltd

Tel: 02380 643402
Fax: 02380 642189
Email: sales@stclare-engineering.co.uk
Web: www.stclare-engineering.co.uk