It has been a long time since we needed to perform customs duties for general trade between the UK and the EU. At least a generation, if not longer, depending on how you determine a generation. So it is no surprise that there are many questions to be asked.
Whilst we may not have all the answers (better to be honest than pretend otherwise), we shall list below as and when they arise.
Question: Can Ital Logistics action customs formalities on our behalf?
Yes.
Question: Can we complete our own customs for groupage movements?
Whilst the answer is yes, we would prefer that we complete customs for all general standard entries. This is to keep direct control over clearance, as we cannot load goods which have not received permission to proceed (P2P). Only when there are very specific requirements for which you will most probably have procedures in place, for example shipments of Alcohol or Tobacco which travel under bond, would we consider it beneficial to maintain the status quo.
Question: Is Ital Logistics set up for CFSP?
We have facilities in place to accommodate this system, but we discourage its use. Why? Whilst it does allow for deferring Duty payments for up to 6 months, it involves revisiting the same job over and over again. So why put off till tomorrow what you can do today with a standard import procedure?
Question: Can Ital Logistics be our customs broker?
Yes. We have invested in technology to enable us to action on your behalf.
Question: “We cannot produce the commercial invoice until the goods are collected. Is this a problem?”
It may be. Until the goods are cleared for export, we cannot collect. If HMRC requests ‘Route 1’, this requires a commercial invoice providing to support the customs entry.
Question: “We don’t know our invoice number when we make the booking because we cannot produce the invoice until goods are despatched. Is this a problem?”
Not necessarily, but a reference must be provided which can provide an audit trail back to the commercial invoice. But please see the previous question for why ideally an invoice being available is preferable.
Question: Does Ital Logistics hold AEO status?
No. We were considering this pre-pandemic, but have stalled it for ‘obvious’ reasons. Will we revisit this? It depends on whether the advantages of AEO remain after Brexit.
Question: Will Ital Logistics continue to work between the UK and EU?
Damn right we will! The business hasn’t developed for 20 years to let customs procedures to put us off!
Question: Will Ital Logistics take a holiday break at the beginning of January?
Absolutely not. It will be ‘all hands to the pump’ to ensure our customers’ cargoes continue to flow.
Question: Does Ital Logistics have any ‘standard’ charges for delays not caused by the haulier or Ital Logistics?
Not ‘standard’. Each case will be unique in itself. Whilst there is potential for ‘dead freight’ charges should consignments not obtain P2P clearance in time to load, we would plan as best to avoid and mitigate such occurrences. It’s all about working together through potentially problematic times.
Question: If we are shipping to one customer at one location yet invoicing a different company in the same country, who’s EORI number need to go on the documents?
This would be the EORI number of the company being invoiced as they would be the importer and would be responsible for customs formalities.
Question: If we are shipping to one customer at one location yet invoicing a different company (or same company but a head office) in a different country, who’s EORI number need to go on the documents?
If both parties are in the EU, this would still be the EORI number of the company being invoiced as they would be the importer and would be responsible for customs formalities. If one or more parties were not in the EU, there are multiple possibilities and would suggest discussing on a case by case basis.