How can you avoid common mistakes in customs clearance?

One of the main reason is proper invoice / packing list. Also error types come from the exit certificate. Boe Hs code Coo Landing form/

Right classification of the goods runs central to smoothening the clearance process. Further, where there is an ambiguity in classifying, rules of interpretation comes in handy. Here we should note that these interpretations are not dependent on the end benefit in terms of duty reduction. These generically identifies the goods logically. Hence, while one interprets the classification we need to take precautions in order to avoid queries from the customs authorities or later a notice for reversal of benefit along with interest

Documentation accuracy is paramount in customs clearance. One small oversight or discrepancy can lead to costly delays. It's vital to double-check every detail: product classifications, value declarations, and origins. Many errors stem from hasty or uninformed entries. Investing time upfront in ensuring documentation is thorough and accurate can save both time and money in the long run, preventing unforeseen setbacks. Think of it as laying a solid foundation for your shipment's journey!

Also you must arrange meetings with your technical area and your customs broker for making a good classification before you place a Po to your designated supplier, also I recommend invite Vendor selected un those meetings.

Endorsing certificates and permits are of utmost importance. Never forget to have your cargo accompanied by original certified and stamped document pack as well as your general customs paper work such as commercial invoice, paklist, manifest (if necessary), Title of ownership (BoL, HAWB) and MAWB or MBL. Remember to keep a checklist of these documents before sending the goods away to the main carrier if you are a customs broker. In the instance of you being a 3rd party exporter, seek advise from your nominated freight forwarder about any additional requirements from your side.

That's true. You can be guided by the Customs/Tax Agency of the destination country, the Commercial Attaché of the Embassy or Forwarding Agents.

This is a very important aspect incase of regulated products as there can be country specific shelf life & labeling requirements etc. It's important to have effective communication with your suppliers to ensure that your shipments are compliant with the guidelines prevalent in the importing country else the shipments can get stuck and may attract heavy penalties & loss of goodwill.

I agree, but I believe is the responsibility of the recipient, to let you know what’s need it for them to receive the product without any delays.

That’s the most important part of doing international business and dealing with export and import operations, I suggest working with brokers that are certified by the local customs department, brokers with long term partnership with clients, are the ones to work with, me in mind that some brokers are excellent for ocean freight, and some others for air freight, depending their relationships and location.

This is very important because there are many out there that can ship and customs clear anywhere but few that know, understand and will guide you through the process. Also they can help open up markets you have struggled to get to in the past. Trust driven by experience and reliability driven by performance are key.

Selecting a reliable partner involves a deeper understanding of the partner in terms of the following : 1. Customs laws and procedures. 2. Trouble shooting in terms of EDI protocols. 3. Specific industry product knowledge which can guide the trade in terms of right classifications. Although not a mandatory requirement, this can aide in case of taking up the matter on technical grounds with customs 4. Staff who carry the corporate ethics ingrained in their work culture. 5. Right connect with the authorities. 6.A deeper sense of frugality when it comes to mitigating cost for the client. 7 .Collaborative approach rather than being transactional. 8. Swift and energetic staff who can be considered an extension of organization.

Agree! You must select a reliable freight company and customs broker with a good experience asking them to show recommendation letters from their 5 top customers.

One thing I have found that contributes to delayed movement of goods through borders is service providers such as Bureau Veritas who have a long turn around on issuances of certificates of conformance. We have experienced delays of as long as four weeks.

Some countries require pre-clearance, submitting, these documents to customs authority prior to the arrival of the shipment, otherwise it could be subject to demurrage.

1. Documents, viz., invoice, PL, Bl, COO must be consistent with the contract between the buyer and seller. 2. Detailing of description must be consistent with the customs requirement to evidence right classification 3. Check listing to ensure consistency across documents to eliminate unnecessary queries from customs. 4. Value declaration is very crucial. Never ever under/over declare value(point covered under point 1 above). 5. Ascertain, well in advance, requirements of the destination country's documentation requirement to fulfill the conditions. 6. Double check on the HSN code/descriptions and ensure proper notifications allowing duty exemptions are mentioned in declarations. 7. Overall, correctness, swiftness and completeness is key.

Preparing and all commercial and regulatory documents, as well as any additional supportive documents such as product literature, engineering specs and pictures is crucial to timely customs clearance, and may help speed up Customs release to avoid otherwise unnecessary review holds or intensive exam.

Once the definitive list is clear and approved, make sure to save it as a template for any future business with lots of overlap in terms of items, destination and origin.

An example is US Customs & Border Protection (PCB) has announced a new demand for the continuous training of Customs Brokers who must be updated for US commercial laws and regulations due to the increase of imports and exports.

For the customs clearance if we want to improve our knowledge, is to learn from our or other people mistakes, to read special articles, to be updated by Customs Brokers and Officers. The more we learn, the more we are able to solve customs issues or at least to understand the way of their solution.

I would suggest you view your Supply Chain as a whole and align with a logistics partner that offers a complete service. Separating the Customs process from the Freight process, for example, creates gaps and duplications. With the right partnership, agreed modelling around reporting and key metrics that are actually important to assist you in running a successful business, improved outcomes are the result. As the partnership develops, the outcomes continue to improve.

Challenge to further simplify the customs declaration process and ensure accurate HS code classification, you might want to explore our Ai based iClassification Tool. It's designed to streamline the classification of products, reducing the risk of errors and delays. Feel free to reach out if you'd like to learn more about how it can benefit your import/export operations.