In all Customs offices around the world, general controls are carried out with common characteristics. It’s simple, to pass the control, you have to meet the requirements.
In addition to these controls, each Customs office has its own. Therefore, it is necessary to be aware of the country’s restrictions, tax rates and documentation requirements.
When international merchandise is exported or imported, it must go through Customs. And this is the one that gives the go-ahead or not. It is therefore essential to comply with its regulations.
Today we are going to know what are the main problems that usually occur with Customs procedures and what special requirements are requested in Spain.
Most common failures in Customs formalities
Merchandise without documentation
Normally the merchandise travels with the necessary original documentation. However, in some cases, the documentation is sent by courier to speed up the process.
This often means that the merchandise is not documented at Customs. The solution is to wait for the original signed and stamped documentation to arrive.
Incorrect original documentation
If there is any type of error in the documentation, it is not considered valid. In these cases, it is necessary to present the correct version of the certificate, license or authorization.
Fraud in the declaration of goods
Fraud is considered when the declared value or type of merchandise does not correspond to what is specified. If the merchandise is considered illegal in the country, it is seized.
If it is not illegal, the penalty, if any, and the actual difference in fees must be paid. Once the payments have been made, it can be withdrawn from Customs.
Invoice without INCOTERM
The Incoterm must appear on the invoice. It explains the costs and obligations assumed by buyer and seller in an international trade transaction.
Sales invoice with VAT
This is a very common problem, since it is thought that VAT must be included in all invoices. But it is wrong to apply VAT to invoices for goods to be exported.
What documentation is required for international trade from Spain?
As mentioned above, each country has its own requirements. In Spain, for international trade, this documentation is required:
- Sales Invoice
- Packing list: is a list created by the sender, which completes the invoice information. It displays information related to the package and shipment.
- Clearance authorization: so that the freight forwarder can represent the exporter at Customs and process the Single Export Document or SAD.
- Transport document: Delivery note for courier services, AWB for air transport, CMR for land transport and BL for sea transport.
- Certificate of origin: EUR, ATR or FORM A for import and EUR or ATR for export.
Each Customs office has its own rules, and it is necessary to know and respect them in order to avoid problems. For this purpose, it is best to be well informed or to leave it in the hands of professionals.
At SpainSur Forwarders we are experts in Customs management. We take care of your cargoes, both for export and import.
We are concerned about completing customs formalities in the shortest possible time and trying to minimize costs for our customers. Learn more about our services!