Tuesday 27 January 2015

What is the Role of a Customs Clearance Agent?

The job that a customs clearance agent does is a specialised one that has to take into account the legislation of every country involved in the process of shipping goods. It involves being very organised and methodical, accurate and being able to communicate with all parties involved in importing and exporting goods around the globe.

Every country has its own different rules when it comes to customs, so the role involves making sure that we keep up to date with any changes to ensure that these regulations are carefully adhered to. The process involves preparing all the correct paperwork and/or electronic documents for each case, calculating and paying the required amounts of taxes on behalf of the customer, including all duties and excise taxes, and acting as the first point of communication for the importer/exporter and the governmental authorities involved in each case. As you can imagine, it’s a specialised job.

Customs Clearance Agents also have to make sure that they are up to date with the Tariff Schedule (or Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS)), as well as the listing of duty rates for imported items, and all regulations governing imports, submit it to the relevant government agencies to notify them - and arrange any clearance that’s needed for specific cargo.

A Customs Clearance Agent has to be accredited with ports, customs authorities and border agencies, as they will have to arrange to pass all necessary documentation on at customs and arrange for any inspections that have to take place.

At t.ward we have many years of experience in customs clearing UK imported goods for both private and commercial customers. We can help you obtain clearance for your goods through customs throughout the world and we’re also happy to advise you on import duty, tax and international tariff codes and permits.

 Contact us if you’re looking for advice or assistance on:

• Customs clearance advice for Far East sea freight imports for FCL / LCL
• Customs clearance in all UK Ports (for example - Felixstowe, Southampton, Grangemouth)
• Air freight customs clearance
• Tariff clarification
• Import and export licences
• Temporary imports
• Duty and tax planning

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