What is Customs Compliance with Freight Forwarding?
Getting your shipment from one place to another isn’t always as simple as a good freight forwarder may make it seem. There are a number of obstacles that get in the way for both import and export. A key one of these challenges is customs compliance, as there are many regulations and pieces of legislation that surround goods of varying types as they enter and leave a country.
At Allegro Freight Forwarding, we have over forty years of experience in managing freight. This, combined with our trusted connections and full understanding of regulations and compliance, puts us in a unique position that allows us to deliver results.
In this article, we’ll be discussing the details behind customs compliance, the differences between a freight forwarder and a customs broker, and how to select the right forwarder to ensure your shipments are transported smoothly.
If you’re interested in our services, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’ll connect you with a named contact who can provide the solutions you need.
What is Customs Compliance for Freight Forwarders?
Customs compliance can be a daunting prospect, but it can be made simpler by breaking it down. To begin with, customs compliance is defined as the adherence to the trade regulations of the country that is receiving your goods – either through import or export. This by nature includes customs at the shipment’s destination.
In the UK, there are a number of organisations involved with border control such as:
- The HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
- The Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
- The Rural Payments Agency
These bodies oversee the regulations surrounding products that cross into the UK.
Funds need to be managed to deal with the bond guarantees that relate to duty and tax payments. Specialist software is used for communicating with the HMRC computer systems which are used for reports, records, and payments. These are some of the other hurdles freight forwarders face when dealing with customs compliance.
What is the Difference Between a Forwarder and a Customs Broker?
Customs brokers differ from freight forwarders in many ways. However, the main way that their functions are separate is that a customs broker cannot deal with the transportation of goods.
A customs broker focuses solely on the regulations involved with international trade. Among others, their services can include:
- Import & export
- Classification codes
- Origin rules
While a customs broker has specialist knowledge that enables compliancy with customs and regulations, they are not the only ones to have access to this expertise.
While there are differences between a freight forwarder and a customs broker, there doesn’t need to be for you. Use a reliable freight forwarding provider like Allegro to skip the hassle, leaving the details up to us. Find out more about our services.
The Benefits of Using a Freight Forwarder to Manage Customs Compliance
Using a freight forwarder to handle your customs compliancy comes with a number of benefits over using a customs broker. These may include:
- Less administration
- Better communication
- Reduced costs
- Streamlined shipping
- Other services that may be included like warehousing
In particular, Allegro Freight Forwarding offers an end-to-end forwarding solution that is driven by our over forty years of experience and innumerable connections to reputable shippers and legislative bodies.
Start taking advantage of a freight forwarder’s benefits today by getting in touch with the team at Allegro.
How to Choose the Right Freight Forwarder for Customs Compliance
Making sure that you choose the right forwarding service for your freight can be tricky. It is important to choose a shipper with a good understanding of customs compliance and regulations, as this will ensure a smooth delivery for your goods.
The Allegro Freight Forwarding team is in a perfect spot to navigate the complexities of customs compliance, supplying you with a tailored service that will provide convenience and reassurance. We’re BIFA certified and comply with all regulations set by the Chamber of Commerce. Whatever it is that you’re after, we can find a solution including for:
- Air Freight
- Sea Freight
- Road Freight
- Rail Freight
We can provide a seamless, professional experience that handles both import and export with the option to have a fully managed solution or other additional services.
Full-Service Freight Forwarding with Allegro
Make sure that you are using a fully certified, trusted freight forwarder to ship your goods. They will have the connections and expertise needed to make sure that your expectations are exceeded through vigorous compliance.
At Allegro Freight Forwarding, we work hard to make your life easy. Our team can fully manage your freight, from choosing the transportation method that’s best for you to navigating the complexities of customs and borders. Our end-to-end solution takes all the hassle out of shipping by collaborating with our sister company to supply your logistics needs.
Contact a member of the team – the solution to your forwarding needs could be just one call away. Check out our range of services, or find out more about freight forwarding with our article on its differences with logistics.