When importing or exporting goods, companies must make sure their documents comply with customs regulations.
Certificates of origin and HS codes are essential elements which are part of this. When it comes to customs, be it Canadian, American, European or any other part of the world, there is no room for improvisation.
As an importer or exporter, you are responsible for the information you provide in your documents. Let CQI guide you and allow your product to clear customs the right way.
Having your certificates of origin, HS codes, and knowing the exact amount of taxes to be applied and the customs tariffs in effect in your target market will help you comply with the various requests from customs authorities and allow you to develop good relationships with your customers and distributors abroad. Your brand’s reputation will also benefit from your contacts’ positive comments, as they will have had quick and easy access to your products. Because at the end of the day, selling your products with peace of mind, problem-free, and making buyers want to come back is the goal!
At CQI, we can help you find your HS codes, complete your certificates of origin as well as figure out the taxes and customs tariffs applicable to the export of your products. A simple phone call to CQI could save you a lot of trouble at customs. Don’t hesitate to call on our experts for guidance.
Certificates of origin are required for trade between countries that are part of trade agreements such as the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Free Trade Agreement (CUSMA) or the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in the European Union. They certify that the items exported to a country that is part of a free trade agreement have been wholly obtained, produced, manufactured or processed in the countries that are signatories to the agreement. Certificates of origin allow your customers to benefit from preferential tariffs when entering your products into their country, which is a significant advantage for your business development. Moreover, certificates of origin can be requested by customs administrations, importers, forwarders or banks for the payment of letters of credit. They must therefore be compliant. CQI can help you fill them out.
In effect since 1988, the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, commonly referred to as the “Harmonized System” or “HS”, includes approximately 5,000 commodity groups. This system is used by more than 200 countries to develop customs tariffs and to establish and facilitate the exchange of trade data. It is important to know the codes that apply to your products. Incorrect coding of your product could result in fines, delays and loss of privileges. This is a crucial part of the process. Once again, CQI is there to help you with this important step towards export.
Many countries have trade agreements with Canada. These make it easier to export your products. A harmonized tax between two countries or provinces is an agreement on a single tax rate for the trade of goods. As for customs tariffs, some countries have fees that must be paid upon entering your goods. It is important to target and identify the tariff barriers that may apply to your export product. Sometimes taxes, import duties or quotas are imposed. In other cases, trade alliances favor goods and services from one country over another. It is important to be on the lookout, to monitor this sector of activity and to keep informed. CQI has mastered this information and will be more than happy to share it with you.
Why gamble when you have access to a team of experts dedicated to your success in export markets? At CQI, we will:
Make your customs experience a simple and successful adventure in the global marketplace! We can also assist you at every step of your export process with our Horizon 360TM Export Coaching Program. For your export projects, think CQI!