WCO announces HS code changes for 2012

Doesn’t it seem like we just went through this? Well, actually that was back in January 2007! Yes, it is time for the 5-year changes to the Harmonized Tariff Codes.

The WCO has published a paper describing (at the 6 digit levels) the changes that are being implemented and each WCO member state will make changes to their tariffs accordingly. As you may remember from the last go around, depending on what you are shipping, this may have a minimal impact to your parts database or a radical one. There seems to be a lot of changes in Chapter 3 (Fish) and 29 (Chemicals) and then a smattering of other changes throughout the tariff. It definitely doesn’t seem to be as huge in apparel and other retail areas as the last time but more focus on foodstuffs.

If you do have to make changes to your classifications on a grand(ish) scale, make sure all your service providers or systems get these updates to ensure you maintain the highest levels of Customs Compliance.

Since this is only a year or so away, it would be best to do an analysis to make sure you don’t have to go through such a review/reclassification exercise. You don’t want to go down to the wire and find that you not only have to reclassify your goods but then you have to distribute to all your providers to ensure you don’t put yourself into an error and thus penalty situation.

Strong & Herd LLP Blog - Import / Export Services: Freight companies and Customs Compliance

Strong & Herd LLP Blog - Import / Export Services: Freight companies and Customs Compliance: "Though I know this doesn't apply to all freight forwarders and clearing agents but why are so many still getting import declarations and exp..."

Freight companies and Customs Compliance

Though I know this doesn't apply to all freight forwarders and clearing agents but why are so many still getting import declarations and export declarations to customs wrong - even when they have been given clear instructions. What can we do about it? HM Revenue & Customs and the Export Control Organisation expect exporters and importers to control their freight companies - you given them written instructions with key information: EORI (VAT Number), Customs Procedure Code (CPC), commodity code (tariff number), export licence number, customs authorisation numbers, eg for IPR, OPR, Warehousing, etc. The import or export customs declaration comes back from the freight forwarder (if you are lucky) and one or most of the details are wrong. Perhaps with the increase in AEO approved companies this problem will fade but it seems that training for both companies exporting from the UK and companies importing into the EU is essential. In the meantime customs compliance takes up a lot of time in our office - instructing, checking, double checking, chasing forms, reporting errors and chasing amendments. Any comments?