If you are overwhelmed by the whole import/export Which countries process, you can simplify the process by getting help from a specialist who understands both the are covered logistics aspects (physically moving goods) and the commercial aspects (who pays what costs and when, including who is legally responsible by GSP? for completing customs declarations and other critical paperwork). Due to the large number of suppliers manufacturing Not understanding the customs rules in the country products, the main country that is worth noting is of origin may result in higher duty being paid or India. If you have, or are sourcing a supplier, here’s a penalties for mis-declaration, this is where having list of countries that are entitled to GSP preferences. an expert can save money So, you may want to get How does it work? someone to deal with customs for you. The exact rules vary depending on the country the Working with a goods are being imported into. Within the UK, for goods being imported under the GSP scheme for freight forwarder the reduced UK duty rate the importer, you must ask the exporter for a Form A (Certificate of Origin). Freight forwarders are specialists in international The certificate must be stamped and signed by a logistics and can arrange the transport of your particular government authority in the country of goods from their point of origin right to your door. export to prove its validity. With this, the goods can Many freight forwarders also offer customs be declared as eligible for the GSP scheme. brokerage services, so they will handle everything The qualifiers that determine if you’re eligible for from collecting the shipment from your supplier to these duty relief schemes and how much you can delivering it to your store or warehouse in the UK. save are types of goods and their country of origin, Freight forwarders will use a network of local set by the ‘rules of origin’. transport and logistics providers to move your To claim a trade preference, you need to: products, wherever in the world they start out. • Get the correct commodity code for This can be especially helpful if you don’t yet have your goods. local contacts where your supplier is based. It also means that you will only deal with one person to • Make sure your goods comply with the rules manage all the details of your shipment, removing of origin. much of the stress. • Be able to provide proof of where your goods came from. • Make sure you comply with transport rules. The small business guide to import and export 16