The global market offers companies great opportunities. However, the globalization of trade also presents specific challenges. One such challenge is customs clearance when goods cross one or more customs borders. The different and volatile national regulations are often difficult to keep track of. Having an experienced and reliable customs service provider like Gerlach Customs is an invaluable asset.
Customs-Related Tasks: Internal Solution or Outsourcing?
Compliance consumes resources. This is always the case, whether it involves legal requirements, administrative regulations, or customs provisions. Companies may lack these resources when they want to focus on their core business.
In cross-border trade with third countries, goods must always be declared to the relevant customs authorities. The import, export, and transit regulations are confusing and can lead to errors in complex customs procedures. How can companies best tackle the challenges posed by customs in a globalized world?
The issue is similar to legal matters. When it comes to legal compliance, companies must decide whether to establish an internal legal department or to outsource legal advice. Small companies often lack the resources to set up their own departments. The same can be true in terms of customs.
Customs Regulations Change Often and Quickly
Depending on which goods are shipped to which countries and in what quantities, companies may face difficulties to comply with the various customs regulations. These regulations can change frequently, even aside from U.S. import duty rates, which are currently subject to frequent changes. Violating customs regulations can result in additional payments or severe penalties. Deliveries may also be delayed. This negatively impacts customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Diversity Creates Complexity
The more diverse a company’s international flow of goods, the more complex the customs tasks become. Thus, working with an external customs service provider is advisable for many small, medium-sized, and large companies. While company employees focus on their own tasks, the service provider ensures compliance with all customs regulations and facilitates the smooth, timely, and cost-effective cross-border movement of goods – provided the company teams up with a competent and experienced partner like Gerlach.
Customs Services from Gerlach for Over 140 Years
Gerlach is the largest neutral provider of customs services in Europe, offering a wide range of global services. Currently, the company is represented at over 70 locations in eleven European countries. As a wholly owned subsidiary of DHL Group, Gerlach benefits from an international partner network in several other European countries. This equates to over 1,000 customs experts and consultants in 27 European countries. Additionally, Gerlach’s global partner network extends to over 200 countries.
Customs is becoming increasingly complex and requires true specialists with the necessary customs expertise. As a customs service provider for more than 140 years and with more than 1000 employees, we have the knowledge and operational experience to support our customers. As part of the DHL Group, we are also involved in the policy committees of the EU Commission and the EU Parliament and are informed at an early stage to keep our customers’ supply chains running.
Thomas Weins, VP Customs & CEO Gerlach Germany
Know-how and Services Under One Roof
Companies lose control of customs processes when they engage a large number of carriers for international trade. These carriers handle customs formalities either directly or through third parties. This increases the risk of irregularities. Customs and logistics solutions from a single source are a better option. At Gerlach and DHL, logistics and customs expertise are combined under one roof. These services work together seamlessly, allowing companies to benefit from accelerated customs clearance and reduced foreign trade costs.
Gerlach Customs Services
Gerlach offers customs services that ensure a smooth supply chain for import, export, and transit shipments. Gerlach offers simplified procedures and support with
- Customs declarations for import in simplified and standard procedures
- Export processing in simplified and standard procedures
- Transit procedures including provision of guarantees
- Fiscal representation for import shipments delivered to another EU country after customs clearance
- Other customs procedures (inward processing, outward processing, etc.)
- Preparation of customs documents (EUR.1/A.TR/T2L, etc.)
This is also handled by Gerlach:
- Consulting Services
- Support with applying for authorizations, such as setting up deferment accounts
- Processing inquiries and notifications from customs authorities
- Archiving all relevant import, export, and transit documents
Knowing the changes in the regulations, good data quality and data availability guarantee smooth processes at the border.
Do you need support with your customs processes?
Contact our colleagues at Gerlach Customs. Gerlach is the leading neutral provider of customs services in Europe and offers the full range of customs services.
Dealing With Customs Challenges – Gerlach Can Handle It!
Professional customs services offer companies many benefits. They free up resources, speed up processes to increase efficiency, reduce costs by avoiding errors, and improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Gerlach, the leading European customs service provider, supports you in all matters relating to the successful organization of your cross-border trade, including import, export, and transit duties, as well as complex customs solutions. Our colleagues at Gerlach Customs look forward to hearing from you.
