Customs Health Check: How We Support You

Most companies hope they’re ready if customs walks in. Few are confident. That uncertainty is costly—and that’s where we come in.

Customs audits aren’t rare.

They’re data-driven, risk-focused, and can hit companies hard if processes aren’t airtight. But with the right guidance, preparation, and support, you can stay ahead.

At Customs Manager Ltd, we’ve helped importers across industries implement a proactive approach that keeps audits at bay and operations running smoothly. Here’s how we frame our health check approach:

Our health check assesses readiness in seven key areas, helping you identify gaps before customs does.

1. Classification Accuracy

Authorities constantly monitor tariff classifications. Incorrect codes are always discovered.

Our approach: Sample relevant product lines. Identify sudden duty spikes or mismatches. Correct codes, update master data, and file corrections proactively.

2. Valuation Hygiene

Valuation errors are the top trigger for audits.

Our approach: Rebuild customs values on recent entries. Flag related-party transactions lacking pricing evidence and missing freight, insurance, or assists. Adjust entries and refile as needed.

3. Origin & FTA Proofs

Duty savings are only real if properly documented.

Our approach: Match each FTA claim to supplier declarations and rules of origin. Identify expired or unlinked proofs, secure long-term supplier statements, and isolate non-qualifiers for correction.

4. Special Tariffs & Reliefs

Extra duties are easy to apply; reliefs are often overlooked.

Our approach: Review Section 232/301 duties, exclusions, and special programs. Correct errors, claim eligible reliefs, and recover overpaid duties wherever possible.

5. Broker Controls

Your broker supports compliance—they don’t own it.

Our approach: Audit POAs, SOPs, error logs, KPIs, and escalation flows. Address repeated errors, implement broker scorecards, retrain staff, and assign accountability.

6. Recordkeeping & Retrieval

Quick access to complete records is non-negotiable.

Our approach: Test retrieval for a sample of 50 entries. Flag missing invoices, packing lists, or proofs. Centralize records in a searchable system with retention rules.

7. Governance & Cadence

Compliance is an ongoing process, not a one-off.

Our approach: Conduct quarterly reviews across finance, sourcing, and engineering. Track refunds, error rates, and KPIs. Assign owners for each action item.

How We Can Help

We help clients stay ahead of customs with proactive processes, targeted training, and hands-on consultancy. Whether you need a team workshop, tailored guidance, or a full audit prep, our services ensure you’re ready when customs knocks.

Take the Next Step

📺 Training: Join our online sessions to learn how to audit-proof your operations. Look at www.customsmanager.org/events for our upcoming training.

📩 Consultancy Services: Schedule a health check with our experts—identify gaps, fix issues, and reduce risk. Start with a free call at www.customsmanager.org

💡Trade Intelligence: With a Pro subscription, you will always be up-to-date and get important guidance on how to bulletproof your customs compliance, too. Visit www.customsmanager.info for a free newsletter.