Summer Checklist: Your Customs Wins
- Arne Mielken
- Jul 31
- 4 min read
Summer Checklist: Boost Customs Compliance: Make this summer count. Use the quiet season to level up your customs compliance, reduce costs, and prep for a busy autumn.
If you're not on annual leave this August, now’s the perfect time to sharpen your customs compliance and cut hidden import costs.
With many authorities operating at reduced capacity, use the downtime to fix gaps, optimize procedures, and prep for a high-pressure autumn.
Here’s exactly what to prioritize before trade flows pick up again.
Arne’s Takeaways
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Key Questions Covered in This Blog
What customs compliance tasks should I complete during the summer?
How can I save money on customs costs before autumn?
Which tasks will make my trade operations more efficient?
What should a customs consultant recommend during downtime?
Abbreviations Used In This Blog
HMRC: His Majesty's Revenue and Customs
EU: European Union
UK: United Kingdom
USA: United States of America
DDP: Delivered Duty Paid
AEO: Authorised Economic Operator
"Slow season? Not for customs professionals. It's your golden window to clear the decks, reduce risks, and save serious money." Arne Mielken, Managing Director, Customs Manager
Fancy a Call?Book a Free Customs Strategy Session: Let’s identify your summer priorities and create a tailored action plan. Book here Get Weekly Game-Changing Updates with Customs WatchNever miss an update. Subscribe to our flagship Customs Watch EU&UK or Customs Watch USA newsletters for expert-led updates. Sign up at www.customsmanager.info |
What customs compliance tasks should I complete during the summer?
If you're working while everyone else is on holiday, make it count. The summer slowdown is your chance to work on your customs systems, not just in them. Use this quiet time to do what gets ignored during peak periods.
Start with a compliance audit. Review your import/export documentation. Spot errors before HMRC or EU Customs does. Check for outdated authorizations, expired rulings, or missing broker instructions. Make sure your EORI, AEO, and customs authorizations are valid and correctly recorded in all relevant systems.
Update your tariff classification database. Misclassification is one of the top causes of overpayment and fines. Get expert support if your team isn’t confident in classifying complex products.
Review your preferential origin statements. Are you claiming FTAs or not? Check supplier declarations, movement certificates, and whether your goods truly qualify for 0% duty under deals like EU-Japan or UK-Australia.
Practical Expert Recommendation: Run a DIY Import Health Check: Print out 10 random import entries and check duty, tax, valuation, classification, and origin. Fix issues now. |
How can I save money on customs costs before autumn?
Cost savings in customs don’t always require a fancy digital solution. A thorough summer review can unlock real savings.
Start with your duty drawback and reclaim opportunities. Have you overpaid duties? Are goods returned? Damaged? Used in manufacturing? Some may qualify for full or partial refunds.
Then explore inward processing relief (IPR) or Customs Warehousing. Many firms pay duties unnecessarily because they haven't explored the full range of available customs procedures. These are especially valuable for e-commerce, manufacturers, and wholesalers.
Don’t forget valuation. Are your freight, insurance, or commission charges properly included or excluded? Valuation errors are another frequent problem.
Practical Expert Recommendation: Map Your Top 20 SKUs: Run a customs cost analysis on your most imported products. Look for savings in valuation, origin, and duty reliefs. |
Which tasks will make my trade operations more efficient?
Start with customs broker management. Are your instructions clear? Do they follow your SOPs? Are entries audited and reported? Now's the time to re-align brokers with your expectations.
Next, review your Incoterms.
Especially for DDP transactions, where you're liable for customs. Is this still the right approach? Could you renegotiate to DAP or CPT to reduce your burden?
Automate low-value declarations.
Review your internal customs reporting processes.
Use tools like Excel dashboards or plug-in BI tools to track entries and errors.
Practical Expert Recommendation Set Up a Quarterly Broker Review: Track error rates, service levels, and compliance gaps. It keeps partners accountable and reduces hidden risk. |
Summary
Task | Tool | Benefit |
Compliance Self-Audit | Entry review + SOP check | Catch errors before customs does |
Cost Analysis | SKU-based customs review | Identify hidden duty overpayments |
Broker Review | Monthly KPI dashboard | Improve service and reduce mistakes |
Sources & Further Information
HMRC Customs Guidance
EU Taxation and Customs Union
CBP U.S. Import Guidance
WTO Trade Facilitation Info
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Who We Are
Customs Manager Ltd. is a consultancy and training firm dedicated to simplifying and strengthening Customs, Import/Export Compliance, and Sanctions for businesses trading in the EU, UK, and USA. We also run a premium Trade Intelligence Service at www.customsmanager.info, designed to keep you up to date with breaking updates and expert analysis.
Disclaimer
Please note that the information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice. While our aim is that the content is accurate and up to date, it should not be relied upon as a substitute for tailored advice from qualified professionals. We strongly recommend that you seek independent legal and tax advice specific to your circumstances before acting on any information contained in this article. We accept no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage that may result from your reliance on the information provided in this article. Use of the information contained in this article is entirely at your own risk.
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