Should You Do It Yourself or Employ Customs Clearance Agents UK For Small Importers?

Operating a business is hard, there is a never-ending list of jobs to do and red tape and regulations can make the simple day-to-day running of a business feel like a gargantuan task. And that's before you take into account issues such as dealing with international shipping, freight forwarding or customs clearance. At Atlantic International as customs clearance agents uk for small importers, we focus exclusively on freight forwarding which means that we have to deal with UK Customs clearance on a daily basis.

Although we would always advise anyone dealing with international shipments to engage the services of a company like ourselves, this guide is written in the hope that it can explain the various things you need to consider if you are transferring inventory from abroad.

Regulations Constantly Change Make Sure You Don't Get Caught Out

When it comes to regulations concerning business, the only certainty is that they will constantly change and evolve. It could almost be argued that it is a full-time job to keep track of all of the various changes, but unfortunately, a lack of understanding or knowledge will not be viewed as a valid reason if you fall foul of any regulations. As the business owner complying with the regulations is your responsibility so you need to be fully up to date with any changes that are made. Before each shipment is due to land check official government websites and consult with customs experts to ensure that you are working towards the latest regulations.

Always Ensure That You Have Classified Your Goods Correctly

Any time you ship goods they have to be classified, and it is essential for, duties, taxes and regulations that you classify your goods properly. The quickest, safest and most efficient way to do this is by using the UK Trade Tariff to find the correct commodity codes for your various products. To a certain extent, this process can be automated using certain tools, but if you are unsure it is always best to seek professional assistance to avoid any costly mistakes or errors.

Take Advantage of Authorised Economic Operator Status (AEO)

AEO Certification is an excellent tool to have in your arsenal. It allows you to benefit from a more streamlined and simplified custom procedure, including reduced customs controls. Obtaining AEO status is a way of demonstrating a commitment to compliance and security, essentially showing that you are a trustworthy company. If you do not wish to go through the extra processes of gaining AEO status, then you could use a customs provider such as Atlantic International who is already AEO compliant. That is why it may be a sensible decision to employ the services of Atlantic International who are custom clearance agents UK for small importers.

Training Training Training

Training is always money well spent, and it can easily deliver an outstanding return on investment, particularly in regards to customs clearance. If your staff are suitably trained and have the requisite knowledge, they can then navigate the rocky path of customs procedures with ease.

Find A Reliable Customs Broker or Freight Forwarder

Experienced and well-established customs clearance agents uk for small importers are acknowledged experts with regards to customs procedures and a quality company such as Atlantic International takes great pride in always being there to support, advise and facilitate any movement of goods for their clients. This would include a range of different tasks, including but not limited to documentation, tariff rates and any communication that may become necessary with customs authorities. Another key benefit of using a company like Atlantic International is that the world of freight forwarding does not always run smoothly, as essentially there are so many potential things which can go wrong. With a company such as Atlantic International by your side, they can react quickly to changing circumstances and situations resolving problems before they get even more complex.

Take Time and Ensure That All of Your Documentation is Completed Accurately

There are very few if any people who enjoy the boredom and frustration of endless paperwork, but an investment in completing all paperwork properly can reap dividends further down the line, and ensure the smooth transition of your documentation through customers. There is a lot of paperwork required for international freight forwarding including invoices, packing lists, shipping documents, and certificates of origin all of which must be completed properly and to the highest standards.

Make Sure That Your Have Prepared Properly For Border Checks

Without delving too deep into the complexities of Brexit, the reality is that border checks are now much more common than they may have been in the past. Factor in the expectation that your goods are likely to be inspected. These inspections are likely to focus on compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations. Always be honest, open and transparent, with customs authorities during these inspections, to ensure that the process goes as smoothly and quickly as possible.

Special Customs Procedures Can Speed Up The Process If You Know About Them

There is a huge advantage to knowing and understanding the system. Research and get to grips with the benefits of temporary admission, custom warehousing, and inward processing when applicable. Not only can these procedures save you time, but they can also save you money and provide you with some degree of flexibility when it comes to managing your customs obligations.

There Will Be Duty and Tax Payments So Ensure You Are Prepared

Cashflow is the key to running a successful business, which is why you must have a full and comprehensive understanding of any duties and taxes that will apply to your products. Make sure to budget for these items so that they do not cause unnecessary pain. It might even be worth exploring all of your options such as deferment accounts which are designed to assist you with managing your cashflow more efficiently. In conclusion, this article has only highlighted some of the many hoops that need to be jumped through when importing or exporting goods. Whilst it is entirely possible to deal with all of these things on your own, the question you should be asking is “Is dealing with this type of scenario a productive and beneficial use of my time? If the answer is no, then it might be easier and more cost-effective to utilize the expertise of a specialist company such as Atlantic International.

To discuss your specific requirements and come up with a personalized solution contact our friendly customer service team today on 01527 874 980