Moving from a national business to an international one is a major step, but also a nervous one. You are confident in your own country – it’s an environment you know inside out – but the global market has its own quirks, and it’ll take some time to get used to them. Don’t worry, once you are settled, it’ll become simple – and we’re here at Millennium Cargo to help you all the way.
One of the first hurdles you’ll need to overcome is the dreaded world of customs and excise. There’s no need to panic, though – we’re experts! Here are a few essential tips to make sure your international customs experience is as trouble-free as possible.
Understand HS Codes
Your goods’ HS (Harmonised System) codes are how customs authorities know what you’re shipping without tearing it open to check. Getting the code right means a smooth pass through customs with the correct tariff paid; get it wrong and you can expect extra duties, unwanted delays, and even a chance of your goods being seized.
You might also hear of CN codes and TARIC codes when shipping to the EU – these extensions of the HS code just break it all down a little further for the correct European tariff. Whether HS, CN, or TARIC, though, they’re easily available online and easy to look up. Don’t just guess!
Getting the code right is vital, so if you’re a little confused, just let us know.
Prioritise Good Documentation
Missing or incorrect paperwork is the main cause of customs delays – and in a world of digital efficiency, there’s no need to be tripped up by documentation. Making sure your invoice and consignment note are all in order is essential – they contain all the details of your shipment so it can be tracked and moved around the world without problems.
When you partner with Millennium Cargo, we ensure that your documentation is accurate and complete before the shipment leaves the country. We can advise on the right systems to put in place to make the whole affair a breeze.
Consider Country-Specific Rules
No two countries are exactly the same. The chances are you’re shipping to a select few, so it’s worth taking the time to research the idiosyncrasies that make your destinations unique – and then follow their guidelines.
It may be that you need to adhere to specific packing regulations, avoid certain materials, or do a little extra paperwork – getting it all ready in advance will avoid issues later.
Factor in the Cost of Duties and Taxes
Making sure you know who is responsible for paying what is important. Despite some common misconceptions, most customs duties are paid for by your customers, which is good for you, but your specific terms may differ.
In shipping, these agreements are known as Incoterms and can define whether you’re responsible for any import duties or taxes. Making sure your Incoterms are clear before you ship is essential. Learn more about Incoterms in our recent article here.
Give Yourself Extra Time
Don’t promise your customers a timeline you are not 100% sure about – that makes you a poor link in the supply chain. When it comes to international customs, things can take longer than you expect, and only experience is going to give you the knowledge you need to make a spot-on estimate. Be realistic and factor in a little extra time to pass through customs – especially if it’s your first international shipping experience.
At Millennium Cargo, we’ll do what we can to give you a strong estimate, but even with all our years of expertise, we can’t account for everything! That extra headroom in your delivery timescale is essential to avoid letting down your customers.
Communicate Well
Keep your communication channels open – with your customer and with your freight forwarder. If there’s anything that needs clarification, then being able to respond immediately will help (and do remember time zones!). The faster you respond, the quicker everything gets moving again.
Plus, if there is a delay, letting your customer know is respectful and will keep them happy. There’s nothing worse than waiting and waiting without knowing what’s going on, so don’t put them in that position if you don’t have to.
Work with Millennium Cargo
We’re going to be honest: if you want a smooth shipping process with efficient customs interactions, then partnering with an experienced freight forwarder is vital, especially if it’s your first time. And we’re the best in the business.
When you partner with Millennium Cargo, you get a personal account manager who will be there with you every step of the way, making sure that your cargo gets to its destination with the minimum of fuss. We’ve been at this for decades, and know exactly what customs officials are looking for – we’ll pre-check your documents, make sure your codes are all in order, give you a reasonable estimate on time, and be there to talk to whenever you need us.
Give us a call at Millennium Cargo today and get your goods on the road without delay!