Industries
Duties, documents and Incoterms.
How to choose · Customs and international trade
Incoterms rules allocate tasks, costs and the point where risk passes between buyer and seller. Choose by deciding who can control each leg best, which party is better placed to clear customs, what mode of transport is used, and how much risk each side can insure. Name the exact place and the rules edition in the contract, and avoid terms unsuited to containerised or air cargo.
Comparison · Customs and international trade
Brokers bring expertise in classification, valuation and procedure, and often handle many entries daily. Self-filing gives control and can reduce per-entry cost at high volume but demands trained staff, software access and responsibility for compliance. In most systems the importer remains accountable for accuracy even when a broker files. Rules and licensing vary by country.
Cost factors · Customs and international trade
Landed cost combines the goods price, transport, insurance, customs duty, import taxes and handling fees. Duty depends on classification, customs value and origin, while taxes depend on local rules and may be recoverable. Errors in classification or valuation are the most costly mistakes. Rules vary by country, so confirm with the customs authority or a licensed adviser.
Requirements · Customs and international trade
Core documents are the commercial invoice, packing list, transport document and customs declaration, plus origin certificates, licences, permits and product-specific certificates where required. Delays mostly come from inconsistencies between documents, vague descriptions and missing permits. Requirements vary by country and product, so confirm with the customs authority and your forwarder before shipping.