BIFA - Benefits of using a freight forwarder - June 2022

7 Facilitation of Customs and Frontier activities Services Offered

Trade is being increasingly monitored and regulated by officialdom. We have seen the growth of regimes such as the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) scheme which aim to encourage compliance by focussing on:

• Adherence to documented procedures

• Taking corrective action

• Training

• Self-Assessment including documented audits • External assessment, usually by Customs authorities

Many BIFA Members are

accredited to the AEO standard indicating a commitment to customs compliance which will benefit potential customers.

At an operational level a freight forwarder will be able to: • Prepare and submit

It is important for the client to recall that forwarders can only provide guidance, the ultimate decision making and responsibility for customs and other regulatory compliance rests with the importer and exporter.

• Maintain and retain customs records accurately • Assist with other Government departments such as DEFRA • Have access to various government IT and commercial inventory systems to facilitate customs entries and monitor clearance and release.

customs declarations in line with customer and customs requirements • Provide guidance to enable customers to make decisions on customs related matters • May operate additional procedures which assist clients such as a Customs Warehouse, or Simplified Declaration authorisation

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