Vigilant investigation can reduce charges AS MUCH as 70% can be saved by properly checking customs’ schedules calling for the payment of various duties, according to Bill Barnes of Customs Investigations and Audits (CIA). These schedules are often the result of customs’ current focus on inspections of cargoes, as part of the authorities’ emphasis on ensuring collections are maximised, he told FTW. “Importers, bond store operators, rebate registrants, excise manufacturers and the like are increasingly coming under the scrutiny of inspectors – as they attempt to attain their targeted collection totals,” Barnes said. Reductions, however, can be obtained through “vigilant investigation and proper presentation” of the facts, he added. “Not all businesses have the time, knowledge or resources to conduct an in-depth investigation into the schedules presented to them by customs – and often, although with great reluctance, they pay the amount called for.” But, Barnes stressed from his experience as a consultant in this field, if done properly, these schedules can be reduced – sometimes by substantial amounts.
