In trade and transport, you have to reckon with the need to go through many different procedures. These are related to, among other things, checking the correctness of your documents or compliance with the laws of the country. In addition to the standard customs clearance, a customs inspection may also happen to you. Find out what such a procedure looks like, how to prepare for it and what you should know about it.
What is customs control?
Customs control is a series of specific actions that are carried out by the customs authority with regard to a specific transported cargo. The procedure take place both during standard customs clearance and can be carried out randomly and at random by the competent service during the transportation of goods.
Performing customs inspections is aimed at detecting deliberate violations of the law, pointing out negligence, but also errors in the entire process of implementing the procedure. Performing such actions and finding irregularities can significantly delay the delivery of cargo to its destination, increase the costs associated with transportation, and sometimes prevent the entry of certain items into the country.
Most often, a customs inspection is performed in the case of errors or deficiencies in documentation when there is a suspicion that the value of goods declared for clearance has been underestimated, as well as when customs officials suspect that smuggling may have occurred.
How does the customs inspection proceed?
During a customs inspection, the completeness of the documents and whether they are filled out correctly are checked first. It is also determined whether any reported information about the goods complies with regulations. Customs inspectors performing customs control are also authorized to take samples of transported cargo and inspect them. They can inspect the goods, count or weigh the cargo, and take other types of measurements. It is also possible to check the parameters and characteristics of items, as well as to determine their type, assess their customs value or condition.
It should be remembered that the person who imports should participate in the customs inspection and search, and in his absence designate a person who will be present on his behalf during the activities of customs officials.
How to avoid customs inspection and is it possible?
Unfortunately, even if the goods are declared for customs clearance and in a situation where the documentation does not contain any errors, it may happen that the shipment in question will be declared for random customs inspection. However, if we have done everything in accordance with the regulations and as it should be, we do not have to worry about anything. Once all procedures have been completed, the goods will be allowed to enter the market.
If irregularities are detected during customs inspection, the cargo will be detained until the matter is clarified or the documents need to be completed. A misdemeanor will also be determined, and an appropriate financial or administrative penalty will be imposed in connection with it. In the case of a more serious situation, the case will be referred for further investigation.
In order to avoid unpleasantness, possible penalties or downtime in the organization of transport, it is worth taking very meticulous care of the preparation of commercial and transport documentation. If we do not have confidence or time to do this, it is worth entrusting this task to professionals.