Import declaration

Import declaration is a document listing the imported products, their quantities and describing their parameters. The declaration is necessary in the case of importing goods to some of the countries all over the world. It is the basis for clearing the products from customs control. Filling in the declaration is a duty of the importing party of licensed customs broker, who have the possibility of acting on behalf of the importer (Bowering 2018, p. 6.).

Examples

Some of the countries requiring import declaration are:

• Australia – for goods shipped by air, sea and international mail from abroad
• Countries of the European Union – for products imported from third-country suppliers (countries not belonging to the EU)
• Switzerland – for products from abroad (including the orders from the European Union)
• Republic of Macedonia – where attempts are discussed to improve the system of accepting the declarations and shorten the waiting times (Bilijan, Trajkov 2016, p. 94.).

Additional requirements

For most of the countries, the import declaration is the fundamental document determining import allowance. In some of them it might also be necessary to deliver other documents, like authorisations and/or pre-notifications. Apart from that, delivering the license for the declaration is exporting party's liability (Krotov 2011, p. 73).

Critique and solutions

The form of import declaration is a document that accompanies invoices for the orders. The product types and quantities should be the same in both documents (Rhyne et al. 2012, p. 3.). Filling in the form in a correct way requires thorough verification of data and is discussed to be a time-consuming formality (Biljan, Trajkov 2016, p. 94). It forces the importer to focus not only on the trade itself, but also on the bureaucracy connected with sales. The company responsible for the documentation is able to begin preparing the declaration only after having received the required documents from the exporting party (invoice, list of products packed and bill of lading) (Keretho, Naklada 2011, p. 22.). The solution to this problem seems to be automatization of data management. An efficient system could simplify the process and allow the importer to concentrate their efforts on transactions. Implementation of such a system might prove to be facilitated thanks to the fact that the declarations could be sent paperless.

Advantages of Import declaration

Import declaration has a number of advantages:

• It is a legal document that proves that the imported products comply with all applicable laws and regulations. It is also an important document in determining the taxes and duties that are to be paid on the imported goods.
• It helps to protect the importing country from illegal imports. By providing detailed information about the goods, the import declaration provides an extra layer of protection against any illegal imports.
• It provides detailed information about the imported products, including the country of origin, the materials used, weight, size and quantity. This helps to ensure that the importing country is not subject to any unfair trade practices.
• It helps to ensure that the importing country gets the full value of the imported goods. With accurate details of the imported products, customs officers can assess the value accurately, thus avoiding any potential loss of revenue.
• It helps to determine if the imported goods are subject to special tariffs or other taxes. By providing detailed information about the products, the import declaration helps to ensure that the right taxes and duties are applied.
• It helps to make sure that the importing country is not subject to any unfair competition. By providing detailed information about the imported products, the import declaration helps to ensure that the importing country does not become the target of unfair competition from other countries.

Limitations of Import declaration

The limitations of import declarations include:

• Inaccurate or incomplete information – incorrect information provided in the declaration can result in delays in the customs clearance process, or even fines.
• Incomplete documentation – certain types of imports may require additional documents, such as certificates of origin or proof of payment, in order to be cleared.
• Limited scope – import declarations are only applicable to goods moving across international borders, not domestic shipments.
• Registration requirements – many countries require importers to register with the customs authority in order to be allowed to import goods.
• Complex regulations – customs regulations vary from country to country and are subject to frequent changes. This can make it difficult for importers to keep up with the latest requirements.

Other approaches related to Import declaration

One approach related to Import declaration is to provide additional information about the goods that are being imported. This can include the following:

• The country of origin of the goods: This is important in order to determine the origin of the goods and to comply with any applicable trade agreements.
• The value of the goods: This is necessary to determine the amount of any applicable duties and taxes.
• The description of the goods: This is important for customs clearance and for determining if the goods are subject to any additional taxes or fees.
• The quantity of the goods: This is necessary for customs clearance and for determining the appropriate duties and taxes.

In summary, import declarations are documents needed to clear goods from customs control. They provide information about the value, origin, description and quantity of the goods being imported.

Import declaration — recommended articles

Export declaration — Consular Invoice — Shipping bill — CMR convention — Sea waybill — Waybill — Export license — Ultimate consignee — Shipping note

References

• Bilijan, J., Trajkov, A. (2016). Customs Risk Management - Time of Declaration Processing by Control Cannels. „Economy & Market Communication Review / Casopis Za Ekonomiju i Trzisne Komunikacije”, 6(1), p. 93–108.
• Bowering, G. (2018). Does e-commerce and the growing availability of trade data mean that the customs declaration may no longer be required? „World Customs Journal”, 12(1), p. 3–16.
• Keretho, S., Naklada, S. (2011). Analysis of export and import processes of selected products in Thailand, „ARTNeT Working Paper Series”, 103, p. 16-24.
• Krotov, I. (2011). Customs Union between the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Community. „World Customs Journal”, 5(2), p. 133.
• Rhyne, A. L., Tlusty, M. F., Schofield, P. J., Kaufman, L. E. S., Morris Jr, J. A., & Bruckner, A. W. (2012). Revealing the appetite of the marine aquarium fish trade: the volume and biodiversity of fish imported into the United States. „PLoS One”, 7(5), p. 3.

Author: Joanna Możdżeń