The first question that comes to our mind is why is this documentation so important? Why change the way we've been doing it? This is the way I have always done it before.
In my opinion as a custom broker, the invoice is the most important document to focus on when importing or exporting merchandise into any country. From this document Customs officials must determine proper classification of the merchandise, value, duties, collection of data, risk assessment, compliance and enforcement of regulations from other agencies. Also from the same document your custom broker must classify, valuate, pay duties and transmit information to customs based upon on this.
In describing the merchandise, the most relevant and detailed the information pertaining to the goods is much better than a generic description. This will greatly assist customs officers and your custom's brokers to correctly determine proper classification and additional requirements if applicable. Most countries have adopted the Harmonized Tariff Schedule under the umbrella of the World Customs Organization, such publication has a nomenclature for all imaginable products.
My suggestion as custom broker expert who has been doing this for a long time is this. that Iif customs is relying on this system, it only makes sence towill facilitate the interpretation of the description by utilizing the same language they use. Another suggestion based in on my experience as customs broker is the utilization of international terms of delivery, this will assist customs and your custom broker in correctly determining value of your goods by adding or deducting charges if applicable. In addition to other considerations such as; discounts, warranties, packing, packaging, royalties or licensing that might be included or not in the price.
In some countries customs will not release any shipment when a generic description is utilized. It will only be released until when a specific description is provided. This is really important as since lean inventory methods are becoming more extensively used and companies do not want to have resources tied in inventories.
In my experience as a customs broker, I am not trying to imply in any way, shape or form that if you follow these guidelines, it will guarantee an immediate release but it will avoid unnecessary delays or additional request for information by customs officials.
Francisco Ramirez, Jr. helps businesses to flawlessly import or export merchandise across the US borders. He is a managing partner of Automated Customs Experts Group, Inc. in San Diego California. His upcoming book teaching importing, exporting and logistics teaches companies how to avoid the most frequent importing and exporting mistakes will be out in near future.
