Customs Regulations: What’s New to Know for Your Shipments
This is a gentle reminder about a key aspect of our shipments: the preparation of documentation, particularly the commercial invoice or proforma. It is really important to make sure everything is in order to avoid problems at customs.
With the new regulations now in effect, there are some penalties that can be triggered if there are errors in the declaration. Mainly:
- If you declare charges that are less than the actual amount, there will be no penalty unless some details are missing, in which case there could be a penalty of between 150€ and 1,000€.
- On the other hand, if the charges are higher than those declared, in addition to the recovery of fees, the penalty can go from 100% to 200% of the amount due, with a minimum of €1,000
It is important to remember that the commercial invoice is a required document on exports to countries outside the European Union and must be drafted clearly and in detail.
Here are some important details to include to avoid any problems:
- Shipper and exporter: who ships and who exports
- Consignee and importer: who receives the goods and who is responsible for importing them
- Transportation cost: indicate the cost of transportation
- Description of goods: be precise and detailed
- Value and currency: indicate the value of each item
- Invoice number: must be unique
- Preferential origin: if applicable, remember to indicate this!
Also, do not forget to prepare the Free Export Declaration (DLE), which is essential to confirm that the goods have no export restrictions. Be sure to:
- Check that the EORI code is active
- Check that the goods have no prohibitions placed on them or in the destination country
- Follow regulations regarding dual-use goods.
In conclusion, careful preparation of documents is crucial to ensure efficient and compliant shipments. Make sure the documentation is complete and truthful to avoid delays and penalties.
