Freight Forwarding
Creating a Clear Customs Handover with Your Freight Forwarder
A practical division of responsibilities between traders, freight forwarders and declaring agents before cargo moves.
Distinguish the roles
The freight forwarder may arrange transport, documents and delivery, while a declaring agent submits permit applications. The importer or exporter still owns the commercial facts, product details, values and licence status unless a written agreement states otherwise.
Use a pre-alert checklist
Send the invoice, packing list, transport document, arrival details, container or airway-bill information, permit status and delivery instructions before arrival. Highlight any missing licence, valuation or classification issue.
Define exception ownership
Agree who handles a permit rejection, invoice correction, storage approval, missed cut-off or consignee delay. Clear escalation prevents several parties from waiting for one another while charges accumulate.
