| |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
"Downsizing"
and "delayering" in the 1980's and 1990's coincided
with dramatic reductions in tariffs such that few companies now
can justify the cost of in-house expertise in Customs and Trade
Law beyond that necessary for clearing imports and exports
through Customs. |
|
| With globalisation,
forwarding agents are now more often asked to handle
transactions which are complex and involve a greater knowledge
of Customs Law than they can bring to bear in the time
available. Some 60% of cases brought against companies are
due to errors by forwarders, yet the company directors are
liable. |
|
| Many changes to
Customs systems are in the offing. Disputes over the adequacy of
import/export systems give rise to many disputes with Customs
and costly amendments. Companies may need advice and support in
the choice of in-house v. out-house solutions, distributed v.
centralised systems. |
|
| If there is a
problem or a new market opportunity, there is no "Corporate
memory" to help decision-making e.g. where to site the
European distribution function, what systems are needed, what
Customs and Trade approvals are needed. |
|
| Thus few companies
use their rights of appeal against decisions of local officers
or can judge the gravity of the issue. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
