In international transportation, even when cargo reaches the port or border on time, a small mistake at the customs clearance stage can hold a shipment for days. The bill for that wait comes back as demurrage, storage charges and missed delivery dates. The Özd Global customs team shares the seven mistakes it encounters most often in the field, together with the fix for each.
1. Wrong or incomplete HS code
The harmonised system (HS) tariff code determines the duty, required permits and inspection regime for a product. A wrong code creates the risk of underpaid duty, penalties and retroactive assessments. The fix: review the product's technical specifications with your customs broker and settle the tariff before shipping.
2. Inconsistencies between invoice, packing list and bill of lading
Weight, quantity, value or product description written differently across the three documents is the most common reason customs authorities order a physical inspection. All transportation documents should be generated from a single data source and cross-checked before the vehicle departs.
3. Missing or incorrect certificate of origin
Without an ATR, EUR.1 or certificate of origin you cannot benefit from preferential duty rates. Trying to arrange the document after departure increases both time and cost. The fix: plan the certificate of origin at the order stage.
4. Misunderstanding Incoterms
Delivery terms such as EXW, FOB, CIF and DAP define which party clears customs where and where risk changes hands. When the Incoterms in the contract do not match the actual operation, costs land on the party that did not expect them.
5. Forgotten permits and conformity documents
Many items, including food, cosmetics, electronics, chemicals and medical products, require CE, TSE, health certificates or ministry permits. Having these documents ready before the goods reach customs keeps the logistics process moving without interruption.
6. Incomplete customs value declaration
Failing to include freight, insurance, royalties and packaging in the customs value results in additional duty and penalties later. An accurate value declaration is the cheapest customs clearance method in the long run.
7. Planning customs separately from transportation
When the customs broker, carrier and warehouse work without knowing about each other, the truck waits at the port, the documents sit in an office and the cargo stays in the warehouse. Customs clearance should be designed as part of the transportation plan before the cargo departs.
Integrated customs clearance with Özd Global
Özd Global manages customs clearance from the same operations centre as its road, sea and air freight transportation services. Your documents are checked before the truck or container leaves, HS codes and value declarations are settled in advance and permits are tied to the schedule. As a result, customs-related waiting and penalty risk disappear from your logistics chain. Contact us for your export and import customs clearance needs.
