Haunted by customs nightmares? Unmask the secrets to hassle-free clearances this Halloween
Vampires, witches, ghosts and skeletons may be the stuff of Halloween nightmares. But for small businesses, the real frights can be much closer to home.
Dealing with customs can be a daunting task, with potential pitfalls lurking around every corner. Just as you would prepare for trick-or-treating, you must make sure your clearances are perfect to avoid ghastly fines or delays.
And brokers aren’t immune from punishment, too. There have been cases of heavy penalties and fines for those who deliberately declare incorrect information to try to avoid paying duties. As well as this being costly, it can also cause significant reputational damage and mean accreditations can be revoked. This is why we always do the right thing for our clients.
Here are some spooky customs processes for importers and exporters to consider:
Beware of deadlines
Always hit your deadlines as missing them can lead to delays, fines, or even the seizure of your goods. Always ensure all required documentation is submitted well in advance to avoid any last-minute surprises.
Increased paperwork due to Brexit
Changes brought about by Brexit have increased the paperwork demands to be able to import and export goods.
These include:
· Businesses must now have a valid GB EORI number.
· They need to classify their goods in accordance with the trade tariff.
· After the classification they might have to decide if those goods need to pay VAT and duties, and if any special licences are required.
This sounds like a complex process but our team are always on hand to help navigate these terrifying challenges.
Know your VAT
It is down to our clients to decide if they want to declare zero per cent VAT or the standard 20. It is vital that their classification is correct as it can result in underpaying and, therefore, spooktacular fines. Our specialist customs team can help you know your VAT.
Varied regulations
The possibilities with customs clearances can be endless. Different types of products have different regulations.
These are some of the products to consider:
· Alcohol – generates large revenue as excise is paid by the litre.
· Products of animal origin – deadly bacteria and viruses can be carried by animal products so they have to be specially monitored. They require a notification to HMRC every time there is an import of this kind.
· Seeds and plants – new imports of this kind into the UK could cause environmental and ecological issues. These are closely monitored to preserve native species.
What to consider when choosing a customs broker
Tatiana Trindade, our customs team leader, says: “Good communication is a must. You will need someone who is always there to assist and take care of any problems. It’s also important to consider response times to queries given the complexities mentioned above.
“But it is also impossible to not consider cost. Low prices tend to mean sacrificing quality of service, however, that’s not the case with us!”
To find out how our specialist team of customs experts can support your business, get in touch here.