More customs checks on import clothing
4 June 2018
The declared value of imported clothing and the associated commodity code(s) have been a subject of attention of customs for a long time. There are regular doubts whether these are correct. When a value or commodity code has been declared incorrectly, import duties are evaded. That is why customs has announced an increase in checks on imported clothing. This involves both document checks as well as physical inspections. Shipments that have to be inspected will, unfortunately, incur delays.
Document checks
The declared value of goods must always correspond to the total price paid for goods. When customs have reasonable doubts about this, a document check is performed. Customs will then ask you for a written explanation and rationale for the price of goods and supplementary costs. In addition, documents will need to be provided that support this explanation, such as:
- Proof of payment to the supplier
- Sales contract for the production of the items of clothing
- Correspondence relating to the purchase
- Possible bills of resale
Every document check will be performed manually by a customs agent. This will take an average of about 2 to 3 days. Your goods can, unfortunately, only be released after the document check has been performed.
Physical inspections
Aside from document checks, more physical inspections will also be performed. This involves the goods being physically inspected by a customs agent. In this way, customs can determine whether the declared commodity code corresponds to the properties of your goods. On average, a physical inspection will take 4 to 5 days, after which your goods can be released.
More information
Should customs select your shipment for inspection, we will inform you of this directly. We will, of course, take care of all correspondence with customs for you. Ritra Cargo has no influence on which shipments are selected for inspection.
Do you have any questions regarding the extra inspections by customs on imported clothing? Feel free to contact us.
Read the official announcement by the customs tax authority here.
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