Customs & compliance
Clearance planned before the cargo moves.
Most holds are predictable. Classification errors, missing certificates, and mismatched values are visible on paper — if someone reads the file early enough.
Our process
Four checks, before and after departure
Pre-shipment document review
Invoice, packing list, and product description checked against destination requirements before booking is confirmed.
Classification & valuation
HS code confirmed with supporting rationale; declared value tested against freight and insurance components.
Entry filing coordination
Documents transmitted to the destination broker with a written checklist and named contact on both sides.
Post-clearance review
Duty reconciliation and document archive, so the next shipment starts from a known baseline.
Documentation
What a clean file contains
Requirements vary by destination and product. This is the baseline set we verify on every commercial shipment.
| Document | Prepared by | Checked for |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Shipper | Value, Incoterm, currency, line-item accuracy |
| Packing list | Shipper | Piece count, weights, dimensions, marks |
| Bill of lading / air waybill | Carrier | Consignee, notify party, description consistency |
| Certificate of origin | Chamber / shipper | Origin criteria, preferential treatment eligibility |
| Insurance certificate | Insurer | Coverage scope, insured value, Incoterm alignment |
| Import declaration / entry | Broker | Classification, duty calculation, release status |
Documentation
A note on classification
An HS code is not a formality. The same product classified one chapter over can change duty by double digits, and retroactive adjustments are expensive. We document the rationale behind every classification we file, so the position is defensible if it is ever challenged.
Common questions
Do you handle clearance at destination, or only at origin?
Both, through vetted brokers in each market. We coordinate the file from origin and stay accountable for the handoff — you do not have to manage two vendors who have never spoken to each other.
Can you clear cargo that was booked with another forwarder?
Usually yes, provided the documents are obtainable and the cargo is not already in a formal hold. We will review the file before quoting so there are no surprises.
What happens if customs requests additional information?
We respond within the same business day where possible, tell you exactly what is required, and give a realistic estimate of the delay. Storage and demurrage exposure is flagged immediately, not on the final invoice.
Do you support duty drawback or preferential origin claims?
We prepare and check the supporting documents for eligible programmes and coordinate with your broker or advisor. Final eligibility determinations rest with the customs authority.
How do you handle dangerous goods?
With a documented DG file: UN number, packing group, SDS, and carrier approval before booking. Not every lane accepts every class, so we confirm acceptance in writing first.
Send us a file for review.
If a shipment is already booked and the documents are not confirmed, send them over. A second read is cheaper than a hold.