news & insights

Customs rules differ between the United States and the European Union, and the differences catch many shippers by surprise. A shipment that clears quickly in one direction can be held for days in the other. The good news is that most delays are avoidable if you prepare early and work with a team that knows both systems. Here are the habits that keep cargo moving.

Get the basics right

• Classify your goods correctly: every product has a customs code that decides the duty you pay and the rules that apply, and a wrong code is one of the most common reasons for inspections and fines.

• Declare the true value: undervaluing goods to reduce duty can lead to seizures, penalties, and long delays, so always declare the real transaction value and keep the invoice to prove it.

Plan before the cargo moves

Send your documents to your forwarder before pickup, not after. Early review lets us fix errors while the cargo is still at your warehouse, and it allows us to file customs entries so goods can be released soon after arrival. We also check whether your goods need extra permits for the US or the EU.

We handle customs clearance on both sides of the Atlantic and keep you updated until your cargo is released.

Customs rules differ between the United States and the European Union, and the differences catch many shippers by surprise. A shipment that clears quickly in one direction can be held for days in the other. The good news is that most delays are avoidable if you prepare early and work with a team that knows both systems. Here are the habits that keep cargo moving.

Get the basics right

• Classify your goods correctly: every product has a customs code that decides the duty you pay and the rules that apply, and a wrong code is one of the most common reasons for inspections and fines.

• Declare the true value: undervaluing goods to reduce duty can lead to seizures, penalties, and long delays, so always declare the real transaction value and keep the invoice to prove it.

Plan before the cargo moves

Send your documents to your forwarder before pickup, not after. Early review lets us fix errors while the cargo is still at your warehouse, and it allows us to file customs entries so goods can be released soon after arrival. We also check whether your goods need extra permits for the US or the EU.

We handle customs clearance on both sides of the Atlantic and keep you updated until your cargo is released.