Regulations
What is a non-tariff regulation?
Rule restricting imports/exports.
Which document shows product value?
Commercial invoice.
A product without labeling is:
Non-compliant.
What can customs inspect?
Goods and document.
Missing label?
Conditional or reject.
Give three examples of a non-tariff regulation.
Labeling, permits, certifications, quotas, marking.
Which document shows packaging details?
Packing list.
Missing certification leads to:
Delay or rejection.
Why do authorities inspect goods?
Verify compliance.
Food product without sanitary certificate.
Reject.
Which products usually require sanitary certificates?
Food products
Which document may certify product origin?
Certificate of origin.
Electronics without safety mark are:
Non-compliant.
What happens if goods fail inspection?
Delay, fines, rejection.
Electronics missing certification.
Reject or conditional.
Why do countries impose non-tariff regulations?
Safety, health, environment, consumer protection.
Which document may be required for food imports?
Health/sanitary certificate.
If ingredients are missing in cosmetics:
Product is non-compliant.
Can customs physically open packages?
Yes.
Shipment has all documents but label is incorrect.
Conditional clearance (fix required).
Which are the main objects of tariffs measures?
To protect national activities, influence on the assignation of resources and distribute and increase tax collection.
A shipment arrives with a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading, but the values declared in the invoice do not match the quantities listed in the packing list. What problem does this create for customs and what actions may be taken?
This creates a discrepancy/inconsistency in documentation, which raises suspicion of:
Customs actions may include:
A cosmetic product includes all required documentation and labeling, but an ingredient used is banned in the importing country. Is the product compliant? Why or why not?
No, it is non-compliant.
Even if documentation is correct, the product itself violates health/safety regulations due to prohibited ingredients.
During inspection, customs finds that the physical goods do not match the description in the commercial invoice. What risks does this represent and what actions can customs take?
Risk of misdeclaration, fraud, or smuggling.
Customs may:
A product has: Correct invoice, Correct packing list and Missing certification.
Conditional or reject or hold shipment depending on regulation.