If your company is experiencing a problem with a foreign customs house, make sure you’ve correctly identified the problem.
Most common customs-related problems:
Misclassification |
Duties higher than anticipated |
Customs office won't clear the shipment to your buyer/importer |
Customs office invoking health, sanitary, or safety issues |
Labeling issues involving a certificate of origin, weight, ingredients, marks, etc. |
Inadequate documentation provided by the exporter |
Issues involving the import or packing regulations of the receiving country |
To resolve customs problems, try the following:
Involve the buyer/importer. Chances are they can help or at least find out what needs to be done to resolve the problem. |
Involve your shipping company. Most shippers are responsive to the customs problems faced by their customers. |
Involve your insurance company. |
Contact the foreign customs' office. |
Contact the Commercial Service office in the appropriate country. |