登录查看更多内容

How can you negotiate customs clearance fees with a freight forwarder?

由人工智能和领英社区提供技术支持

Customs clearance fees are one of the costs involved in importing and exporting goods across borders. They are charged by freight forwarders, who handle the paperwork and procedures required to clear your shipment through customs. However, these fees are not fixed and can vary depending on the freight forwarder, the destination, the type of goods, and the level of service. Therefore, you may be able to negotiate them and save some money on your import/export operations. Here are some tips on how to do that.

此文章中的业界达人

由社区从 2 条内容中精选。了解更多

Andrew Kennedy

Logistics Manager at Kitagawa Europe Ltd.

1 个答复

1 Understand the fees

Prior to negotiating, it is important to understand what customs clearance fees cover and how they are calculated. These fees may include customs broker fees, which are the charges for filing documents, paying duties and taxes, and communicating with customs authorities. Additionally, customs duties and taxes are imposed by the customs authorities based on the value, quantity, origin, and classification of your goods. Moreover, additional fees may be applicable depending on the specific requirements of your shipment such as inspection fees, storage fees, demurrage fees, or special permits. You can request a breakdown of the customs clearance fees from your freight forwarder and compare them with other freight forwarders or industry standards. Furthermore, you can check the customs websites of the countries you are importing from or exporting to for more information on the duties and taxes.

添加您的观点

Andrew Kennedy

Logistics Manager at Kitagawa Europe Ltd.
举报内容
The customs clearance fee is the cost for the time it takes the customs clearing agent/broker to process your customs entry. This will ensure the correct customs procedure code is used and import duty and VAT (if applicable) has been declared correctly. You may incur additional fees such as a deferment fee too if you do not have a deferment account to pay the import duty and VAT. The less commodities you have within a shipment the simpler the customs entry can be.

已翻译

赞

2 Choose the right freight forwarder

Not all freight forwarders offer the same level of service, expertise, and reliability when it comes to customs clearance. Some may have more experience and connections in certain markets or sectors, while others may have more competitive rates or flexible terms. Therefore, you need to choose the right freight forwarder for your needs and goals.

You can research and compare different freight forwarders based on their reputation, track record, customer reviews, certifications, and accreditations. You can also ask them for references, testimonials, or case studies of their previous or current clients. You can also request quotes from multiple freight forwarders and evaluate them based on the value and quality of their service, not just the price.

添加您的观点

3 Negotiate the fees

When selecting a freight forwarder, you should negotiate the customs clearance fees to get a better deal. You can ask for discounts based on volume, frequency, or loyalty; reductions or waivers of additional fees; alternatives that may lower customs clearance fees; and value-added services that may enhance the process. However, it is important to be respectful, professional, and realistic when negotiating. Understand the freight forwarder's perspective and constraints, and be prepared to walk away if you cannot reach an agreement.

添加您的观点

Andrew Kennedy

Logistics Manager at Kitagawa Europe Ltd.
(已编辑)
举报内容
If the shipment you need customs cleared is a single commodity (all the same item) shipment and requires no specialist customs requirements you can, in most instances, negotiate a lower customs clearance cost with your customs clearing agent. This is because your shipment will take the shortest amount of time to be processed. If your shipment is complex with many commodities you may be charged additional fees (on top of the customs clearance) for the extra commodity lines as this will take longer to be processed. Always ask for a breakdown of the customs clearance cost - it should be something you can be told straight away.

已翻译

赞

4 Communicate clearly

Communication is essential for successful negotiation and customs clearance, and you need to communicate clearly and effectively with your freight forwarder throughout the process. Make sure to provide accurate and complete information about your goods, such as the description, value, quantity, origin, destination, and classification. You should also provide any relevant documents, such as invoices, packing lists, certificates, or licenses. Clarify your expectations and responsibilities with the freight forwarder, including the delivery time, service level, payment terms, dispute resolution, customs clearance fees, and scope of service. It's important to follow up and monitor the customs clearance process with your freight forwarder, provide feedback or ask questions if needed. Additionally, verify the receipt of your goods and the invoice of the customs clearance fees. By communicating clearly with your freight forwarder, you can ensure a smooth and efficient customs clearance process and avoid any misunderstandings or disputes.

添加您的观点

5 Review and evaluate

After the customs clearance process is completed, you need to review and evaluate the performance of your freight forwarder and the outcome of your negotiation. This includes checking the invoice to make sure it matches the agreed amount and breakdown, as well as looking for errors, discrepancies, or overcharges. Additionally, you should assess the quality, speed, and reliability of their customs clearance process and how they handled any issues or challenges. Furthermore, providing feedback to your freight forwarder regarding what you liked and didn't like about their service can help build a positive relationship. By doing this, you can learn from your experience and make better decisions for your import/export operations in the future.

添加您的观点

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

添加您的观点

Import/Export Operations

+ 关注

给文章评分

我们借助人工智能创建了此文章。您认为这篇文章怎么样？

很棒不太好

举报此文章

查看全部

How can you negotiate customs clearance fees with a freight forwarder?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Understand the fees

2 Choose the right freight forwarder

3 Negotiate the fees

4 Communicate clearly

5 Review and evaluate

6 Here’s what else to consider

Import/Export Operations

给文章评分

感谢您的反馈

更多Import/Export Operations相关文章

更多相关阅读内容

How can you negotiate customs clearance fees with a freight forwarder?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Understand the fees

2 Choose the right freight forwarder

3 Negotiate the fees

4 Communicate clearly

5 Review and evaluate

6 Here’s what else to consider

Import/Export Operations

给文章评分

感谢您的反馈

查看其他技能