CUSTOMS AUIDT

How we work?

To help business move goods quickly, Customs cannot scrutinize every transaction. Instead audits are used to confirm the integrity of information supplied to us. Customs principal objective is to maximize voluntary compliance and eliminate future errors.

We want to help you achieve and sustain compliance over time – not just improve compliance on “hit-and-miss” basis. This means you need to look carefully at all your customs-related business systems, processes, and procedures.

Audit follows these steps:

Failure to retain adequate records

• All relevant commercial documents must be retained for five years from the date of the transaction with Customs.

Imports incorrectly entered

• All imported goods must be declared to Customs in accordance with the approved form, be accurately described and correctly classified using the Harmonized Tariff, and any surplus goods reported. Items not ordered, samples and promotional merchandise must also be entered.
• If merchandise is received but not included in the Customs entry, an application to lodge an amending entry should be made immediately. Voluntary payments of additional duty will not be penalized. In a self-assessment environment, importers could be subject to penalties if errors are detected during an audit.

Customs value does not include all associated costs

• All costs associated with the goods are legally required to be considered when determining the Customs value. These may include costs relating to advertising, assists, commissions, credits, escalation charges, indirect payments, rebates, research and development or royalties.

Origin incorrectly identified

Failure to disclose related transactions

Self-Assessment

• Remember, every person dealing with Customs has a chance of being audited. If you make false or misleading statements to Customs you will face the prospect of the imposition of fine, penalty and Confiscation.