While working for client A we identified that a quota had been opened for goods which the client imported from the Far East. The client was able to import the goods for a period of three months without payment of customs duty thereby achieving significant savings.

(Quota: A reduction in the duty rate applicable for a limited quantity of imported goods.)

Company B imports a range of products from the USA paying duty at 6.5%. On examining the nature and functionality of the products we identified the possibility that some of the products could be classified under a different tariff heading at a lower rate of duty.

We obtained Binding Tariff Information (BTI) for all the products. The BTI’s provided confirmation that some of the products were classifiable at the lower rate. The company obtained a refund for the overpayment of duty on the goods that were incorrectly classified and achieved significant ongoing savings arising out of the new classification.

(BTI: Provides traders with tariff classifications that are legally binding.)

Client C which had invested a significant amount of money in developing its customs practices and reporting procedures, found that its duty costs were falling despite a significant increase in business.

Our investigation identified that the computer program written for customs reporting purposes had not been updated to reflect changes in the company’s material management and IT systems. The company made a full disclosure to customs.