This Halloween, we explore five tricks you should beware of when clearing foodstuffs – and how Customs Support Group keeps customs sweet for you so that you can clear the border on time.
#1: Different phytosanitary and document requirements
Growers and traders are required to follow the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM). The compliance of these rules is proven by Phytosanitary certificates, which must accompany all shipments.
But, did you know that there are different levels and interpretations of the ISPM depending on the product you are trading and where it’s coming from?
For example, different plants have targeted measures surrounding the need to eradicate pests. For your Halloween pumpkin, the targets are “cucumber green mottle mosaic virus” and “Tetranychus kanzawai”. There are six methods for confirming compliance, including “country free” as a waiver for pumpkins of certain origins.
Customs Support Group helps you to ensure phytosanitary compliance so that you aren’t held up at the border. Whether it’s checking your documentation with you pre-arrival, processing end-to-end customs clearances to process EU/UK information quickly and accurately, or helping you perform due diligence – we’ll keep you moving with minimal risk or delay.
#2: An extra document for seeds
You may miss the requirement for a sprout and seeds certificate as it is not always required on your import declaration, and you may assume that a Phytosanitary certificate covers it. However, failure to show one during a physical inspection by customs could result in your shipment being refused at the border.
CSG keeps your supply chain safe by working with a compliance-first mindset. During your goods classification, we will ensure that all documentation requirements are covered and that you and your supplier have everything in place before there is a problem.
What’s more, you can keep track of all of your documents inside your own customer portal – ensuring that you always have quick access to the documents you need when time is of the essence.
#3: A changing or longer commodity code
The correct classification is key to getting your customs right, yet it’s so easy to get wrong with foodstuffs. Ingredients, package sizes, carbonated or non-carbonated – they can all mean a different code, and in different countries.
Even within the same country, your base code can be the same for two products with the same ingredients, but still be different because of the quantities of those ingredients.
For example, many countries within Europe add extra digits to their standard commodity code depending on the concentration of sugar within a beverage. This is both for statistical and import duty calculations.
Customs Support Group provides help with obtaining binding tariff information so that you can be sure your classification is correct. Additionally, our software solutions help you to map commodity codes and tax rates globally so that you can save time and have the information you need to make decisions quickly.
#4: Don’t get egged!
If you’re moving cookies, cakes, and other baked goods which may contain eggs – make sure the eggs are compliant. As an animal product, the origin of your eggs is an area of interest for food authorities at the border. Even if your goods have been baked within a country which is deemed safe, you can still have your foodstuffs rejected if the eggs are found to come from another country.
When you are working with CSG, we ask you these questions ahead of time. If there is something inside your processed foods which could cause an issue, you can rely on us to help you identify it.
#5: Banned ingredients
As well as banned origins, some ingredients are completely banned in some countries.
For example, when importing trick or treat confectionery, you may miss that additive E425 (konjac gum) is prohibited in the EU because of the risk of choking. If E425 or konjac gum is found to be an ingredient in your jelly sweets, then your shipment will be rejected at the border.
CSG helps you to avoid expensive, avoidable mistakes like these by working with you during the classification process to identify potential problems.
Do you need help with customs regulations surrounding foodstuffs?
Customs Support Group is Europe’s leading provider of customs and trade solutions, helping you to move goods globally whilst remaining efficient and compliant.
Supported by our network of offices in 14 countries throughout Europe, we keep your food supply chain running on time with minimal disruption at the border. No tricks, only treats.
If you could benefit from customs services in the EU and UK, need advice on keeping your food supply chain compliant, or want to see how our solutions can unlock the performance improvements hidden inside your customs function – contact us for more information.