Customs Documentation
Whether you're Importing or Exporting, it's critical that your documentation is clear, correct and concise. We offer a full service to assist in this, including Incoterms, preparation of Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists/Delivery Notes, Declaration Analysis, , Customs Pre-alerts, Customs Valuations and provide the Import and/or Export Declaration should you need it. We can even show you how to amend the documentation should your carrier make mistakes.
Why do we need accurate Documentation?
All businesses are responsible for the Import and Export of their products. Unless they supply the correct information on their documentation, they'll undoubtedly add to the costs and delays of International trade. In addition, simple omissions and mistakes can lead to Compliance violations
Commercial Invoices and Packing Lists
A Commercial Invoice is the Passport for your goods as they begin their journey to destination or make the final leg home. They form the basis of your Customs Declaration paperwork, containing most of the information required for accurate, compliant documentation. A clear and concise Commercial Invoice is the basis of your Customs pre alert to your carrier. Remember, your Customs documentation is only as good as the information that you supply.
Declaration Analysis
So, you've Exported your goods and they're on their way or you've Imported and you may already have received them. You have the Customs Declarations from your carrier and all seems fine. Or is it? Increasingly, many small parcel carriers can make mistakes on Customs Declarations and that rebounds on your business - it's your responsibility to ensure that the information is correct. Hillfort can show you how to analyse your Customs Declarations, potentially saving you money and defending you against Compliance breaches.
Customs documentation Amendments
When you find discrepancies in your Customs paperwork, more often than not, you can avoid the costly and time consuming task of asking your carrier to make the amendment with HMRC. Why do this you may ask, the carrier has made the error, why should you undo it? The simple answer is that in the long run, it will save you time and money. There is only a 90 window to make the necessary amendments and during that time, depending on the nature of the transaction, the goods may well be in limbo until the documentation is corrected. Using HMRC supplied templates, we can demonstrate how to make Simple amendments to documentation in one email to HMRC.
Customs Pre Alerts
Did you know, that you can pre alert your carrier when you Import and Export? You can provide information such as HTS Codes, Values, Customs Procedure Codes, Country of Origin, EORI/VAT numbers, Licensing requirements and exemptions - all of which will reduce friction, potentially lower costs and help you remain Compliant. Hillfort can advise how to do this and supply templates to make this a simple, first step toward successful Imports and Exports.
Incoterms 2020
Setting the correct Incoterms determines the whole status of the transaction - Where does the risk start and end for both parties, who arranges freight, is the shipment insured? Many questions that can be answered by one simple statement on your Commercial Invoice.