Import volumes push up customs stops

Chinese imports create new challenges JOY ORLEK THE SHEER volume of increased inbound material combined with Customs’ determination to stamp out smuggling and collect the duties payable are pushing up the number of customs stops to unprecedented levels, in the view of TNT country general manager Tim Steel. “This is exacerbated by the fact that China is the largest growing source market, and the ability to get suppliers in those countries to adhere to customs requirements is challenging. “Their definition of a sample, for example, is very different from ours, but as they become more sophisticated in their dealings with world trade, that is likely to start changing,” said Steel. While deliberate tax-dodgers are responsible for a number of these infractions, there are also those who lack the understanding of procedures. The result is more customs stops than in the past with Customs creating more work than it has been able to handle. “But they have reacted positively,” says Steel. “They’ve put in new teams and we’re working closely with them as an industry to help streamline the process.” He believes that Customs has adopted a far more co-operative approach than ever before. “It’s all a matter of communication and building trust and understanding. We’re working with them to apply their rules and regulations .”