In some trade agreements, an importer can claim a preferential duty rate using information the importer holds that confirms the origin of the goods. This is known as ‘importers knowledge’ and can be used as an alternative to an exporter origin declaration.
However, the compliance requirements that must be met by the importer can be difficult to obtain, especially when many importers easily mistaken the origin of goods as they think this is simply where they are being delivered from.
Depending on the rules of the trade agreement being implemented at import, the importer may be required to hold the following evidence if a customs audit were to arise:
Importers must hold the relevant evidence as mentioned above, if a preference duty is being claimed.
Importers should ensure that their import customs declarations are completed correctly if being represented by a third party. (Direct and Indirect representation).
If an import declaration is made to ‘Importers Knowledge’ and the evidence is not seen to have been in place at the point of import during HMRC audit, the liability for duty and any penalty will fall to the importer.
At Westmond Logistics, our distinctive qualities shine through:
