Customs declarations, documentation and understanding buyer/seller responsibilities form a vital part of your ability to trade with other countries.
This has always been the case, and companies that have traditionally imported and exported regularly have been required to learn – and align with – specific obligations and processes. Since the UK left the EU, despite the existence of a free trade agreement, many businesses have had to implement new processes and learn how to produce the required documentation for goods to leave and/or enter the country.
International Business Audit
All UK companies that trade in goods with overseas countries will at some time be subject to an audit from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
An audit of a three-year import/export period is required (under UK customs legislation) to review a company’s international trade activities. The aim is to ensure that the UK’s borders are working effectively and that the correct taxes are being paid to HM Treasury.
HMRC expects a company to have satisfactory procedures in place to effectively control the accuracy of the customs declarations submitted in its name.
International Trade Matters can provide valuable advice and support to any company involved in importing or exporting goods. Members of the specialist team can conduct a review of your customs exposure through a site visit, and will identify any areas of concern in knowledge or processes – making sure that your company is prepared and, most importantly, compliant.
Documentation
Getting the correct documents completed with the correct information
Filing import and export paperwork can be something of a minefield. Experience provided by International Trade Matters Ltd specialists can be vital in navigating the many forms and declarations required for a simple export – especially if you’re doing it for the first time.
Our specialists can help you to improve things too. By implementing tried and tested systems, you may be able to reduce the amount of administration time spent shipping to overseas clients.
Compliance topics
Expertise is on hand to help you navigate the great many areas of international trade compliance, including:
How can we help?
What do WE know?
The team at International Trade Matters includes specialists with decades of experience in trade compliance, customs declarations, documentation and standards to help you navigate the new requirements for trading with the EU or to better develop your worldwide trading efficiency and compliance.
Preparation is key
If you left the house to go abroad on holiday without packing the right clothes, tickets and passport, you probably wouldn’t get very far…
…You wouldn’t have a very relaxing vacation if you made it to your destination either.
Preparing your systems and documentation for international trade can help to prevent last-minute snags and deal-breakers when you go to market. At best these will slow you down, at worst, you can lose valuable customers and/or incur unforeseen fees.
How can International Trade Matters Ltd help?
Whether you’re just starting as an importer or exporter or have an established operation, the specialists at International Trade Matters are able to assess your processes and provide expertise for every stage in the journey. This can include guidance on good documentary practice to ensure shipments don’t incur costly delays, choosing the right Harmonised Tariff Codes to avoid overpaying duty and understanding buyer and seller risks and responsibilities.
Here are just a few of the compliance areas where International Trade Matters provides expertise:
…and much more…
To discuss International Trade Compliance with one of our specialists, contact us today: