29/01/2019
Custom agreements across the globe
…I’m really sorry Mr Smith, your samurai sword is not allowed to be shipped to the UK…
Most Global Mobility professionals reading this will probably repeat the above quotation at least a couple of times before it sinks in. “Shipping a Samurai Sword?” “Into the UK?” “Seriously?!?” And quite rightly. It’s not the kind of discussion that we in Global Mobility hear very often.
However, the above snippet from a recent telephone conversation between a move coordinator here at DT Moving and a VIP assignee is an appropriate reminder to us all about one of the most important, but rarely discussed, matters of any international relocation: customs regulations in the host country. It’s an item that we ignore at our peril, whether we like it or not.
Indeed, with Britain’s exit from the EU (29 March 2019) only months away, we are on the verge of a new era in the management and processing of goods coming into Britain from European Union countries.
We await, with bated breath, confirmation of the Brexit deal that the UK and European politicians finally agree, and the subsequent effect that this will have on Britain’s customs border. We are, at this moment in time, unaware of the exact changes that will take place, but changes there will certainly be!
For now, leaving Brexit to one side, let’s take a look at the current customs landscape…show some real (and peculiar) customs rules, delve into the implications of getting it wrong, and provide some tips on the best approach for both individuals and corporate employers.
The Current Customs Process
All international removals (excluding intra EU moves at this point) are subject to customs clearance formalities on arrival at destination port, whether that arrival is at sea, airport, cargo terminal or border crossing.
Every country has the right to examine such unaccompanied household goods and effects before granting clearance and release. And every country has different customs requirements and expectations for unaccompanied household goods and effects.
In Russia, pre-1950 items have to be registered with authorities otherwise they cannot be re-exported when you leave; in Nigeria, items that are less than six months old cannot be taken into the country; in some Middle Eastern countries there are restrictions on religious items or films containing nudity; in Saudi Arabia, you cannot import equipment capable of sending or receiving radio signal. And so the list goes on – in China regulations are regionalised, meaning something acceptable in Beijing may not be authorised in Chengdu.
Implications of Getting it Wrong
Ignoring the different regulations, or not understanding them, can have serious cost and service implications, as follows:
Re-Shipping Costs: if, for example, a piano with ivory keys hasn’t been granted a CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) certificate in advance of the move, then the destination country can refuse entry and the item will need to be returned to it’s country of origin until the certificate is granted.
Demmurage Costs: the charge from the shipping line for delayed operations of loading/unloading at airport / sea port. This cost is typical for consignments where customs paperwork has not been completed satisfactorily.
Customs Duties: Duty fees, varying from country to country, are applicable for items including cars, alcohol and perfume
Delivery Delays: if items are held at port or returned to the origin country then this can delay delivery of the consignment.
Not to mention additional temporary accommodation costs caused by a delay to delivery of all / part shipment or indeed the risk – on a corporate sponsored move – that the assignee becomes dissatisfied or unproductive as they get embroiled in matters detracting from their core role.
The Good News!
The good news is that with correct advice in advance and ongoing counselling during the packing process at origin, the cost and delay scenarios above are rare.
The customer should initially be provided with a customs regulation factsheet, containing all prohibited items, all restricted items, all necessary documentation.
These requirements and restrictions should then be reinforced by a dedicated move manager verbally and in writing before and during the packing process.
The same move manager is available to answer any questions that the assignee and/or Mobility team have surrounding the customs process.
The dedicated mover’s packing leader should be aware of these same restrictions and report any discrepancies or potential issues with the goods they are packing to their office based move manager.
What can Customers Do?
Appointing a FIDI affiliate relocation provider is a good start. Preferably one that has achieved FAIMPLUS accreditation, the highest level quality certification (audited by Ernst & Young) that can be achieved within the international moving industry.
Do not move items that are liable for duty or likely to attract delay or refusal by customs officials. (For Global Mobility / HR Managers, ensure appropriate restrictions are applied to both the Global Mobility Policy and Moving Allowance to discourage the movement of such items)
Request that your appointed mover has the latest customs guidance and is applying this guidance to every move they undertake on your behalf.
Request that your appointed mover immediately reports, during the packing process, any items that are outside of allowance or categorised as prohibited or restricted on FIDI’s customs guidance.
The list goes on and on, but by using the hints and tips provided above, you are unlikely to be in breach of customs restrictions and regulations. Don’t forget, these regulations are constantly being updated on a per country basis, so please rely on your nominated mover to guide you at the time of your move.
By Tim Daniells, Client Account Manager, DT Moving