subject: Efficient Worldwide Parcel Delivery Depends On Knowing Countries Conventions [print this page] Much of the Revised Kyoto Convention of 1999 forms the blueprint for modern customs operations. A major aim is to provide international trade practitioners with unified and transparent standards which they can expect to encounter when sending goods worldwide.
The customs authority of each individual country or territory is solely responsible for giving advice on any charges which apply to shipments into their jurisdiction, and in order to help them do this, companies, individuals or agents operating on their behalf, must declare the nature of their shipment and its value.
Customs officials have the power to delay or halt the passage of any delivery into their country, but by far the most common reason for them doing so is the incorrect completion of paperwork. It is also vital that they can quickly contact the intended recipient of a consignment which is another reason why clear addressing is so important.
Inability to contact the recipient of a package to verify its details is a prime cause of packages being delayed, and if no such contact can be made, a parcel may be held, returned to its sender, or even destroyed for any of which the sender may be liable to pay extra costs.
Contacting customs before a package is sent with its details, including its value, and enquiring whether any further documentation is required can often eliminate in-transit hiccups. Attaching details of any correspondence on this matter, along with the packing manifest, is a good idea, as this will help the customs authorities trace any correspondence about a shipment.
In some countries where corruption is known to be a problem, it can be especially useful to enlist the help of customs authorities, to assure them that your package, its contents and the reason for its shipment are all genuine and legitimate.
In some countries, an authorised delivery service agent or outside broker must be nominated to liaise with the authorities in the event of any queries arising. A courier service can advise in this event, but any charges incurred as a result of using such third parties are the responsibility of the sender.
by: Carlos Sintan
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