Customs and International Trade compliance are amongst the major challenges facing companies that are engaged in the import or export of goods and services.

By taking a proactive approach to compliance, companies can realise benefits that would not otherwise be obtained. These benefits can lead to reduced costs, improved supply chain reliability, lower risk of audit or penalties and increased profitability.

The global nature of the modern supply chain compels us to consider a wide range of issues in all of the markets in which we operate. The following list gives a flavour of the topics to be addressed.

Tariff Classification (HTSUS), Origin of goods, Value of goods, Customs procedures, Customs duty, Value Added Tax (VAT), Free Trade Agreements (FTA), Anti-dumping duty, Quota, Export Licence, Import Licence, Certificate of origin, Pre-shipment inspection, Inco Terms, Import restrictions, Trade sanctions.

By addressing the issues relevant to the business needs and implementing the appropriate procedures and controls, companies can reduce their compliance risks while maximising the benefits to be obtained.

Supply chain security programs such as the European Union's Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) program can be valuable tools in assisting companies to meet their compliance obligations. In addition to the security aspect of international trade, these programs focus on ensuring that companies have the appropriate procedures in place for dealing with the topic list mentioned above.

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Customs Audit

A customs audit is a process of verifying the compliance of a business with customs regulations. During the course of an audit customs will examine a company’s import and export records, and related accounting and inventory transactions. Where a company has additional customs procedures in place these will also be audited to ensure compliance with the conditions of the procedure. Failure to comply with customs legislation and procedures may result in sanctions been imposed.

Our services include pre audit assistance to help you prepare for the customs audit, we provide support during the audit itself and post audit assistance to implement recommendations arising out of the audit.

We also provide independent assessments of company’s customs procedures. This is based on customs audit practices and includes a review to establish if the existing practices are best suited to company’s business model.

You may wish to consult our questionnaire to better understand how your customs practices impact on your business.