As a leading digital customs service provider, we see a move towards digitised processes for many of our customers. There are many benefits of interfacing with your customs broker.
Key Focus Points When Interfacing With Your Customs Broker
Compliance
Ensure you have all necessary documents and permits in place, especially when you ship to embargoed or sanctioned countries. Keep in mind that getting a permit to ship dual-use goods can take up to twelve weeks.
Health and Safety
When it comes to goods like foodstuffs and consumer products, organisations like the Dutch NVWA (Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority) have rules, regulations, and checks in place to make sure all imported goods are safe for the public.
Preferential Origin
The European Union has many trade agreements with countries around the world. There are arrangements for reduced import tariffs or no duties for specific products or product groups in these agreements. Make sure your information is complete and provide it upfront so we can assist you in making sure that you can use preferential rates where applicable.
Third-Party Logistics Providers
If you work with a logistics service provider, we advise you to create a direct EDI connection with your customs broker. If all questions that arise with your broker need to go through your logistics provider, it takes more time and effort for all involved than necessary. In most cases, the logistics provider doesn’t have the correct information to answer the questions.
Groupage Shipments
The Netherlands has simplified customs procedures in place for groupage shipments. Customs Support can simply add your address in the Netherlands to its permit and declare goods to that address. The United Kingdom has no such procedures. Customs Support can act as a control tower when importing shipments into the UK to ensure a smooth import and coordinate any potential checks.
Type and Complexity of the Goods
Some of the goods you are exporting or importing may need additional licenses, or a restriction like a quota applies. This needs to be verified before you ship your goods to ensure you are not confronted with unexpected delays or costs.
Downtime
Your digital customs service provider needs to have backup systems in place to minimise downtime. When a system goes down, and there is no backup, the customs processes revert to manual operations. It takes much more time to process shipments manually than when a digitised system handles these.
Sharing Data to Non-EU Countries
Companies need to make sure they follow GDPR legislation when they share data with non-EU countries. Some of the information transmitted through EDI connections may be confidential, so you need to make sure you are fully aware of how parties in the third country treat your data.
Liability
When you automate and digitise processes, it is essential that all parties involved are clear about and agreed on who is responsible for what, so liabilities are clear.
Do You Want to Know More About Interfacing With Your Customs Broker?
If you want more information about interfacing with your customs broker or have any questions, please contact one of our specialists. They are happy to answer any of your questions and get you started with digitising your customs processes.
