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Importers often try to avoid customs clearance processes, relying entirely on the customs broker. On the one hand, the broker is a customs expert, possesses relevant experience and, ultimately, … receives a commission for his/her work. It seems that the importer should not be involved in the processes managed by the customs broker. On the other hand, such self-exclusion can result in very unpleasant financial and reputational consequences. This article considers the most common misconceptions of importers in cooperation with customs brokers, which cause losses for both sides.

Customs may carry out post-clearance verification of the preferential origin of goods. As a result, a letter from customs might appear on the importer's desk stating that the preferential tariff … treatment has been denied. In this article, we look at what is the process of post-clearance verification of preferential origin set out in some of the free trade agreements of Canada, the UK and the EU. Also, we provide practical examples and suggestions on how the preferential origin-related risk could be managed by importers.

While many countries of the world find it morally correct to act regarding the importation of forced labor products, in the case of Xinjiang cotton the actions will be very difficult to achieve. … Countries may enact “feel good” laws forbidding importation of such products and international bodies can develop guidelines and principles in commerce, but without the proper enforcement tools nothing can be accomplished unless these laws and guidelines can be enforced.

As is well known, the war started by Russia in Ukraine affects a wide range of areas, both security and economic. It may also affect aspects related to imports and exports between Israel and … Ukraine, which have signed a free trade agreement (FTA) in 2019. The reminder on that comes from the European Commission, which on February 23rd, 2022 released a notice to importers regarding imports from the non-government controlled territories of the Donetsk and Lugansk oblasts of Ukraine.

The rules of non-preferential origin are specific provisions, developed from principles established by national legislation or international agreements ('origin criteria'), applied by a country … to determine the origin of goods.

As of September 1st, 2021, there are new rules of origin in the European structure of the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean (PEM) Convention that apply in parallel to the previous rules of origin as part … of a transitional phase. They are called 'transitional rules'. The new rules of origin provide breathing space in the machinery sector (HS chapters 84, 85 and 90) for those companies that have to work with small margins.

To provide proper customs information, an importer needs knowledge. Online resources make acquiring it easier than it used to be. We overview online resources available in Canada for tariff classification, … adjustments to transaction value, the origin of goods, commercial invoice, customs accounting declaration, calculation of duties and GST. This information is also useful for European (and other) exporters who sell their goods to Canada and want to know more about the import requirements of the country of destination.

Let’s examine one specific pitfall importers/exports frequently fall victim to when trading under the auspices of a free trade agreement.

It has almost been a year since the end of the Brexit transition period, meaning most businesses will have started settling comfortably into their new routine. However, it is important to remember … that the new trading relationship between the UK and EU is still evolving and 2022 is the host of some big changes. For example, certain easements that were introduced to facilitate trade will expire, multiple new systems will be introduced, and sanitary and phytosanitary controls will commence for the first time. So, if you think your business has mastered trading across the new border, then think again. In this article, we outline three pitfalls that could disrupt your supply chain and what you can do to avoid them.

Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed on 21 March 2018. The AfCFTA is the latest of many regional integration initiatives that go back to the years … prior to the colonization of Africa, of integration efforts by the colonial powers, and of initiatives by the independent African States.

China Customs plays a key role in the administration of rules of origin, from their formulation to their implementation. Insiders who follow trade and Customs reforms in China may have noticed … the emergence, in recent years, of new expressions and terms in this domain, such as “self-service printing of certificates of origin”, the Electronic Origin Data Exchange System (EODES) and “intelligent examination”. This article explains each of these terms.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is becoming the world’s largest existing free trade agreement in terms of economic size. Aimed at further integrating the economies of Southeast … and Northeast Asia, the RCEP sets high requirements on Customs in terms of procedures, processes and performance. This article looks at the agreement from a Customs perspective and puts forward suggestions for its effective implementation.

When buying or selling goods across a border, it is considered good business practice to understand the rules applied on the other side of the border. This is because the decisions you make when … selling the goods can have a significant influence over the decisions and responsibilities of the business buying them on the other side.

Editorial word. Customs legislation applies in a customs territory, so knowledge and understanding of territories are significant. They are of various types, such as the customs territory of … the Union, special fiscal territories, third countries, as well as overseas countries and territories (OCTs). The territories change and the most recent example is Brexit: when the UK's customs territory was established, for example, Northern Ireland became part of two customs territories. The OCTs were impacted by Brexit as well. The EU used the opportunity to review relations with OCTs and adopted new legislation. Mrs. Zofija Pečiukonienė kindly agreed to overview the developments.