Lions, breaching kits, armoured vehicles. What does customs clearance for unusual goods look like?
Customs clearance is not just a routine procedure associated with typical international trade. “In our industry, every day can bring a completely new challenge. Unusual goods, such as lions from Ukraine, violins or breaching kits, require knowledge of regulations and the ability to solve non-standard problems,” says Joanna Porath, owner of the AC Porath customs agency.
Customs clearance is a complex process that involves not only checking documents and calculating customs duties, but also classifying goods, verifying the origin of products and ensuring compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary requirements. In the case of unusual goods, the procedures become even more complicated – they often require consultation with various authorities, obtaining additional permits or meeting special safety conditions.
Customs clearance of lions
Each type of goods may be subject to different regulations, and a customs agent must be familiar with the specifics of the industry they are dealing with.
“One of the most unusual customs clearances we have dealt with was the rescue of several lions from Ukraine. Customs clearance of live animals travelling from a third country to the EU required the presentation of many different documents in original form,” explains Joanna Porath.
Many criteria had to be met simultaneously, and the necessary documents included: clearance authorisation, veterinary certificate, CITES permit, CHED declaration, and donation documents.
‘The lions safely crossed the Polish-Ukrainian border and arrived at their new homes in the United Kingdom and Belgium,’ adds the owner of AC Porath.
Sampling – not for everyone
Clearances that require sampling, e.g. of liquid chemicals transported on ships in special tanks, pose a particular challenge. “This is a real logistical and technical challenge. Not every inspection company undertakes this task, because it requires special qualifications and authorisations, which depend on the product class, e.g. class 3 is flammable liquids, and class 6 is toxic and infectious materials,” explains the owner of AC Porath.
The person performing this task must be authorised to board the ship, know the specifics of the goods and know how to safely take samples and then deliver a properly prepared certificate of analysis. ‘Sometimes damage to a vessel can lead to a leak, and a poorly affixed label on a tank can delay the release of the entire shipment from the port,’ adds Joanna Porath.
Breaching kit or torture device?
One of the most bizarre cases encountered by the customs agency was the clearance of a breaching kit for opening and breaking down doors. The customs office initially considered the goods to be… a torture device. ‘It turned out that the equipment was not subject to the restrictions imposed on torture instruments, but the importer had to issue a special certificate confirming that the product was not included in the list of such instruments,’ recalls AC Porath’s president.
The biggest pricing challenge, on the other hand, is advertising materials for large events. Each item must be priced separately: scarves, cups, medals, packaging, lanyards, T-shirts, mascots. In addition, the organisation’s consent is required to use its logo.
Military equipment – when security requires documentation
Categories of goods that require a particularly meticulous approach include armoured vehicles, weapons and ammunition. In this case, restrictive regulations on trade in weapons and military equipment apply.
“Clearance of this type of goods is a real test of knowledge of international export control regulations. Each item requires separate classification and appropriate permits, and security procedures are much more stringent than for standard goods,” explains Joanna Porath.
Sanctions and supply chain control
Customs clearance also involves meticulous verification of all participants in the trade process. “We have to check every participant in a transaction for international sanctions, which requires constant monitoring of lists of entities subject to restrictions,” emphasises Joanna Porath.
Transport routes are equally important – goods cannot be transhipped in countries subject to sanctions, such as Russia, which often forces a change in traditional trade routes. An additional challenge is the correct determination of customs value, especially when goods pass through third countries where additional services are provided.
“Any costs incurred for cargo outside the EU must be added to the customs value, which often complicates calculations and requires detailed documentation of the entire logistics chain,” explains the owner of AC Porath.
Boundless diversity
The list of goods cleared by AC Porath reflects the richness of international trade. These included cutlery, doormats, saunas, cod livers, pig ears, sheepskins, violins, porcelain, excavators, felt-tip pens, bottles, iPads, iPhones, drones, coal, soda, erotic accessories, live aquarium fish, scrap metal crushers and many others.
“Our work involves constant learning and adapting to new situations. Every day can bring a completely new challenge that requires knowledge not only of customs regulations, but also of the specifics of a given industry or product,” concludes Joanna Porath.
