Illegal Transshipment? Big Mistake

Don't get clever with Customs. Routing goods through other countries doesn’t change their origin – and the consequences can be brutal.

Navigating Customs with Transparency: Understanding the True Origin of Goods and Its Impact.

In the world of Customs Compliance, there’s no room for shortcuts — especially when it comes to declaring the Country of Origin. Yet some companies still believe they can game the system by routing goods through third countries to avoid Import Regulations, tariffs, or even sanctions. Let me be clear: that’s not a loophole — it’s illegal transshipment.

Whether you operate in the EU, UK, or USA, falsely claiming origin can trigger Customs audits, seizures, and criminal investigations. In today’s trade environment, enforcement is smarter, penalties are harsher, and the reputational damage can be irreversible.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through what illegal transshipment is, how Customs authorities detect it, and what importers, exporters, and compliance officers must do to avoid costly mistakes. If you're in Trade Compliance, this is one blog you can't afford to skip.

Key Questions Covered in This Blog

• What is illegal transshipment, and why does it matter?

• Can routing goods through a third country legally change their origin?

• What are the legal consequences of falsely declaring country of origin?

• How do Customs authorities in the EU, UK, and USA detect and enforce transshipment violations?

• What should importers and exporters do to avoid falling foul of transshipment rules?

Who We Are – Customs Manager Ltd.

We are a global customs consultancy firm helping you master Customs, Import Regulations, Export Compliance, and Sanctions in the EU, UK, and USA. We run a Trade Intelligence Platform at www.customsmanager.info, designed to keep Customs, Export Controls, and Trade Compliance professionals ahead of the curve.

Abbreviations Used In This Blog

• COO – Country of Origin

• CBP – U.S. Customs and Border Protection

• EU – European Union

• UK – United Kingdom

• FTA – Free Trade Agreement

"Trying to game the system with false origin claims isn’t clever – it’s criminal. Don’t risk your business on a fake label."– Arne Mielken, Managing Director, Customs Manager

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