International Trade: Responsibilities

customs/compliance

Feb 2, 2021

By Yves Lacelle

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International Trade: Responsibilities

In our last article, we learned that nothing should be left to chance in international trade. The global market is a challenge for companies. When our goods cross a border, it can become very complex to move them. Different countries have different laws! Being well prepared will help reduce the risk of late delivery and unforeseen expenses.

Before making a purchase abroad, you are responsible for evaluating the cost of your product and its admissibility to the country. We will soon address the various departments that determine standards and requirements for a wide variety of products, for example, Transport Canada for vehicles, Health Canada for pharmaceuticals and drugs, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for food products and wood packaging.

With respect to costs, you must first negotiate the purchase price and determine who will take responsibility for transportation, who will take the risk up to which point, and who will handle the customs formalities. It is important to understand that there are three steps in transportation. The first is pre-carriage from the seller's factory or warehouse to the airport of departure, port of departure or consolidation centre. The second is the main transport by air, sea, truck or train. Lastly, the third is post-carriage from the airport of arrival, port of arrival or deconsolidation centre to your premises. For clearing customs, there are two steps, the export declaration and the import declaration, which includes the payment of duties and taxes and the presentation of any permits or licences that may be required by Customs authorities. The seller and the buyer may assume all of these responsibilities or share them. In another article on incoterms, we will see how each of these steps can affect the cost of your purchase. The sound use of incoterms will be very helpful to you. Moreover, there is no doubt that you will find the services of a customs broker and a freight forwarder beneficial.

Some time ago, the primary goal of customs was to collect revenues for the government. However, with the industrialization of countries and increased competition from world markets, other goals have been added:

  • Protection of industries. This protection has been achieved through the addition of tariff and non-tariff barriers such as quotas, permits and various regulations, and through the application of Canada’s trade policies, including the collection of duties and trade data. Canada’s intention is to increase the competitiveness of Canadian industries in global markets by introducing legislation to reduce or eliminate tariffs.
  • Border protection. Customs must enforce the many laws that govern the arrival of goods and travellers and, where applicable, ensure that the requirements of other governments are met with respect to the importation of certain goods. These measures are meant to protect the environment, health and safety of Canadians.
The collection of duties remains, but is no longer as important a function as in the past because of the reduction or, in some cases, the elimination, of tariffs. These reductions are often the result of trade agreements (free trade) between Canada and other countries or special measures under Canadian law.

Rates may go down or disappear, but the commitment to protect national interests remains. This is often seen in trade disputes between member countries of the World Trade Organization over agriculture or the difficulties faced between Canada and the United States in the interpretation of some of the free-trade agreement terms. Removing non-tariff barriers seems more difficult than removing tariffs.

Although the collection of duties has become a secondary function, this aspect of customs remains very important. We have to remember that Customs is a government department that continues to enforce the law and impose the applicable sanctions and penalties. Errors or omissions can be very costly!

In summary, the presence of Customs at the border helps to:

  • Control the illegal entry of goods into Canada
  • Prohibit the entry of goods that may endanger our health, environment or agriculture, and
  • Improve our competitiveness by managing trade agreements and import and export policies
Most importers are now using the services of a customs broker to perform various customs-related duties. The importer appoints a customs broker or agent through a Power of Attorney and pays fees to the brokerage firm to properly perform the work on his or her behalf. However, it is critical to understand that, even if a broker or agent is used, the importer is the person ultimately accountable to Customs and, as such, will be held liable for assuming the consequences or penalties for any failure on his or her part to comply with Customs laws or regulations.

The importer must know and assume certain responsibilities in order to remain compliant with the various requirements of Customs. At a glance, these requirements may appear numerous and difficult to meet, but many of them are generally addressed in the company’s internal procedures, such as inventory control, accounting and record-keeping.

For transactions directly linked to Customs, the broker must act in a professional manner and perform services in accordance with requirements on behalf of the importer. In order to run smooth and effective customs operations, there must be close cooperation between the two parties.

Here are some examples of the importer's responsibilities toward Customs:

  • Declare accurate information at the time of importation in documents, including details on the goods imported
  • Obtain permits or licences for controlled goods
  • Produce a voluntary declaration of goods that were involuntarily omitted at the time of importation
  • Make payment of duties and taxes
  • Correct customs transactions within the required timeframe when necessary
  • Retain documents for a period of six years after the date of importation, including documents used to corroborate information on the value, origin and customs classification of imported goods
Here are some examples of the importer’s responsibilities toward the broker:
  • Supply necessary details to determine the appropriate tariff classification, value and origin of goods
  • Inform the broker of any change in the company’s activities that could result in the reduction or elimination of duties
  • Give reasonable advance notice in the event of urgent shipments
A distinction must be made between a customs broker and a freight forwarder: a customs broker has duties related to customs operations, while a freight forwarder is responsible for arranging the transportation of goods.

There is no law preventing an importer from carrying out its own customs brokerage, but the practice is becoming increasingly difficult for the following reasons:

  • Customs procedures are complex and constantly evolving, making it difficult and unprofitable for the importer to develop and maintain the required expertise in-house.
  • The broker is able to clear goods through Customs quickly, prepare transactions properly and pay duties and taxes in a timely manner.
  • The closure of several Customs offices and the introduction of new electronic clearance methods are making it more difficult for some importers.
Customs brokers can offer a wide variety of services, which can vary depending on their clients’ needs. In general, the traditional services provided by most brokers are as follows:
  • Prepare import and export documents upon request
  • Obtain permits or licences
  • Obtain release of goods
  • Ensure local delivery of goods
  • Prepare customs declarations for payment of duties and taxes (B3 and CF7501)
  • Prepare claims (B2 and Drawbacks)
  • Provide consulting services
W2C stands out from other brokers by its extensive availability during and outside regular business hours, by its training program on various subjects throughout the year, and by its very high level of expertise.

Much like the importer has responsibilities toward Customs and the broker, the customs broker also has responsibilities toward Customs and the importer. Here are a few examples:

  • Provide professional services in compliance with Customs laws and regulations
  • Respect the confidentiality of client information and documentation
  • Take all necessary steps to provide services in accordance with the client’s wishes
  • Provide the client with a copy of all documents prepared on his or her behalf
A freight forwarder can provide a wide variety of services, since his or her role may include all services required for the transportation of goods from point A to point B anywhere in the world. Simply put, the freight forwarder can offer all services for door-to-door delivery.

When reading all this information, it becomes increasingly clear that international trade requires a great deal of preparation and the participation of numerous stakeholders in the field. Do not hesitate to contact us – we will be pleased to help guide you through the import jungle.

About the author

author picture

Yves Lacelle

Strategic Advisor - Business Development and Training

With over 40 years of experience in the customs field, Yves has a very thorough understanding of everything related to this environment. His meetings with companies from all over the world have allowed him to acquire an extensive knowledge of international trade. He has given several seminars and customs training courses to companies and has found solutions for clients having problems with customs authorities.

Guiding a team to provide the best customer service bears no secrets for Yves. His ability to communicate and educate his business partners makes him a golden ally for those who aspire to comply with customs regulations.

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