The Most Important International Shipping Laws and Regulations You Need To Be Aware Of

International shipping laws and regulations are important for the facilitation of global trade and without them, the movement of goods across borders would be inefficient and quite frankly, chaotic. With these laws in place however, the transportation of goods, documentation requirements and safety regulations are standardised to ensure security at borders and efficient international trade.

For businesses who regularly import and export goods internationally, understanding these laws and regulations is vital to ensuring a seamless and effective supply chain. Our aim at Jenkar is to help you stay up to date with the latest regulations in shipping and customs to ensure that your business is always compliant. Our latest guide provides an overview of the most important international shipping laws and the regulatory bodies that you need to be aware of for successful logistics operations.

What Are International Shipping Standards?

First things first, we need to cover what exactly is meant by international shipping standards and regulations. These are sets of laws and guidelines that are created by regulatory boards and international councils to ensure the safe and efficient transport of goods across international borders.

Regulations can affect customs duties and taxes, documentation requirements and most
importantly the restriction of certain goods crossing borders. Each country has their own set of rules and regulations for imports and exports, meaning businesses must be informed and
compliant with these varying standards.

Customs Regulations

While each country sets its own customs rules and regulations depending on the type of goods and their origins, there are some common customs regulations that every business must follow. These regulations prevent illegal goods being smuggled across borders and ensure compliance with international trade agreements. When preparing goods for shipment overseas, a business must complete a customs declaration, either themselves or by a freight forwarder.

What is a customs declaration?

A customs declaration is a document that provides detailed information about goods that are being imported or exported across international borders. This document is an essential part of the customs process so customs authorities can assess duties, taxes and the compliance of goods with national regulations.

What does a customs declaration form include?

A customs declaration typically must include:

● The shipper’s name, business name and address
● Consignee’s name and address
● The country of origin of each item
● A detailed and precise description of the products
● The value, quantity and weight of each item
● EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number – required for customs
clearance in the EU
● Harmonised System (HS) or Commodity Code
● Applicable certificates, licences or permits
● Commercial invoice and packing list

Additional International Customs Standards To Know About

Here are some additional key international standards that are worth familiarising yourself with;

● HS codes are six-digit numerical codes used to classify and identify the type of goods
being imported into a country. They also help to determine tariff lines, rules and customs
duties. The World Customs Organisation (WCO) administers the HS and updates it every
five years.
● A Harmonised Tariff Schedule (HTS) code however is made up of 10 digits (the first six are
the same as the HS code) and is specific to the U.S. HTS codes allow custom officials in
the U.S. to determine the duties that need to be paid on a shipment.
● CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)
is an international agreement between governments. The treaty ensures the protection of
wild animals and plants in international trade and that they don’t threaten the survival of
species in the wild. This extends further than just live animals and plants however to the
products that derive from them such as food products, leather goods, medicines and
wooden musical instruments to name a few. CITES accords for the protection of more than
40,000 species of animals and plants.
● Rules of origin help to determine where your goods originate from (where they’ve been
manufactured or produced) and if they’re covered in trade agreements. They’re an
essential part of trade agreements and allow customs officials to apply the correct duties
to goods. Rules of origin apply to all goods, even if they’re covered in the UK’s trade
agreements.
● Short for International Commercial Terms, Incoterms are a set of rules that define the
responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international trade. They clarify who is responsible
for paying freight costs, documentation, insuring goods, and covering any tariffs at various
stages of the shipping process.

International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code

Shipping goods internationally by sea is one of the biggest industries in the world and certainly one of the most popular freight transport methods. Therefore regulating this industry is vital for the safety and efficiency of global trade.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is responsible for all aspects of international
shipping, from ship design to operations to shipping emissions regulations, ensuring that the
sector remains safe and environmentally friendly. For example, the IMO requires that all ships
carry automatic identification systems (AISs) to automatically share information on a ship’s
position, course and speed with other vessels to avoid collisions and monitor trade.

One of the most important IMO shipping regulations however is the IMDG Code, an international standard that details the requirements of shipping individual hazardous substances, materials or articles. The Code covers information such as correct packing methods, container traffic, stowage and the segregation of incompatible substances. The IMDG Code categorises the dangerous goods into different classes and subdivisions such as explosives (Class 1), gases (Class 2) and flammable liquids (class 3).

Shipping Container Laws

Shipping container rules and regulations are designed to ensure the safety and security of goods moved via sea. Under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), it is required to verify the gross mass of a packed container. This information is critical to ensure the correct stowage and stacking of containers in order to prevent collapse or loss overboard.

Additionally, the Freight Containers (Safety Convention) Regulations 2017 is a set of standards
that are designed to establish consistency in the safe construction, maintenance and handling of freight containers to protect both people and the environment.

SOLAS & MARPOL

While most trade agreements and import/export regulations remain unaffected under these
conventions, sea freight is subject to extra laws and regulations it must comply with. International conventions such as SOLAS ensure that maritime operations prioritise safety and the environment. They set comprehensive maritime safety standards, covering areas like ship design, equipment and crew training to protect lives at sea.

The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) on the other hand sets sustainable standards vessels must follow in an aim to minimise pollution from ships, including strict regulations on oil discharge and air emissions.

The Impact of Non-Compliance With International Shipping Laws

Failing to comply with international shipping regulations, especially laws surrounding imports and exports, could have a detrimental impact on businesses involved in global trade. Non-compliance could lead to hefty fines and penalties depending on the severity of the case. Further financial loss could be seen if customs authorities seize goods at the borders, charging extra for retrieval.

If a shipment is expected to not comply with a country’s trade laws, it could be held at border
control for a period of time, leading to significant delays and disruption to supply chains. In some cases, businesses could face legal action for customs violations, resulting in further fines, legal fees and potential trade sanctions.

Partner With A Trusted Freight Forwarder

As you can see, non-compliance with international shipping laws and regulations can have a
pretty significant impact on a business, leading to costly fees and supply chain disruptions.
Understanding international shipping laws and regulatory bodies can be complex and the
potential to make mistakes is always present.

Partnering with a trusted and reliable freight forwarder can help you navigate the complexities of global trade with ease and confidence. At Jenkar, we have an expert team who are dedicated to knowing everything they need to know about international trade, customs clearance and handling the necessary paperwork. By working closely with our team, you can rest assured knowing that your cargo is being handled efficiently and in full compliance of the relevant regulations.

Jenkar ensures a seamless shipping experience, with a solution tailored to meet your exact
business needs. Get started with moving your goods across borders securely and efficiently with Jenkar Shipping today. Request your free freight quote now and discover how our services can streamline your supply chain operations.

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The post The Most Important International Shipping Laws and Regulations You Need To Be Aware Of appeared first on Jenkar Shipping.

Changes To GB Safety and Security Import Controls Suppliers Need To Be Aware Of

The Changes

From 31st October 2024, Safety and Security (S&S) declarations will now be required for all goods being imported from the EU, not just animal, plant or plant-based products. This means that imports from the EU will now be subject to the same control measures as imports from the rest of the world. These changes are part of the UK Government’s plan to strengthen border controls and ensure that all imported goods meet the country’s safety and security standards.

Great Britain’s departure from the European Union has led to many changes within the freight forwarding industry. Following the departure, England, Scotland and Wales are no longer part of a safety and security zone with the EU. Therefore from 2020, the Government has been gradually introducing border controls and these new import requirements for goods from the EU is the latest update to occur.

What Is A Safety & Security (S&S) Declaration?

A S&S declaration is a document that is used by border authorities to assess the potential risk of goods crossing the border into the UK. Updated safety and security regulations now require pre-arrival and pre-departure information for all consignments entering and leaving Great Britain for the EU.

Safety and security data for goods being imported are submitted by making an entry summary declaration via the S&S GB service. These must be completed with accurate information before any goods arrive at the border.

The Impact

The introduction of these latest safety and security regulations are going to add new complexities to importing from the EU. Businesses will need to navigate a more intricate set of regulations and compliance requirements, ensuring that all documentation and information is accurate. Importers who don’t comply with these requirements will likely face significant delays, potential fines and the rejection of goods at the border.

How To Prepare For GB Import Control Changes

To prepare for the upcoming changes, road transport operators are being urged to familiarise themselves with the new declaration process to avoid issues. Carriers and businesses that import goods into the UK that haven’t yet registered for the S&S GB service must do so as soon as possible and ensure they are familiar with the system to maintain seamless shipping operations.

If you require any further information regarding the newest safety and security import controls and how to navigate them, then don’t hesitate to contact us. At Jenkar Shipping, we pride ourselves on staying at the forefront of industry standards and regulations so we can provide an exceptional service for our clients. Our dedicated team of experts are always ready to assist you with your shipping needs, no matter how big or small.

Keep Updated

Stay up to date with the latest trends, news and updates in the freight forwarding industry to ensure that your logistics operations are always optimised for efficiency.

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The post Changes To GB Safety and Security Import Controls Suppliers Need To Be Aware Of appeared first on Jenkar Shipping.

How To Navigate Customs Clearance With Ease

When shipping goods from one country to another, there’s one step of the process that can’t be avoided – customs clearance. Customs clearance is a very important aspect of international freight shipping as it plays a vital role in maintaining the safety and security of a country’s borders. This ensures that harmful or dangerous goods aren’t entering countries and only safe and legitimate items are reaching consumers. 

There’re a lot of rules that come with importing and exporting goods however. Understanding them can get pretty confusing, especially as they differ from country to country. But that’s what we’re here for. Let us break down the customs clearance process and how you can navigate it with ease to ensure smooth and efficient logistics for your business.

What is customs clearance?

Customs clearance is where officers from the relevant countries inspect goods and the corresponding documentation to ensure all shipments that are arriving or leaving are compliant with the customs regulations. This includes the safety, health and environmental standards of a country. 

The customs clearance process will also ensure that all documentation is correct and that all duties and taxes have been paid.

How does customs clearance work?

Before a shipment can leave or enter a country, it will first arrive at customs. This is where a customs official will inspect the provided customs documents. Depending on the method of shipment that is being used, the customs document required can vary. For example, the documents that are used during the air freight process are specific to that method of shipment. 

Import duties and taxes will then be calculated. The final charges are dependent on the types of goods, the value of them and the regulations of the country they’re being shipped to. Once these are paid by the shipper, final checks are then made on the goods to ensure they comply with local laws and regulations. The all clear is then given and the goods are free to make their way to their final destination.

How can I improve the customs clearance process?

Ensure customs documentation is complete and accurate

Making sure that all of your paperwork and documentation is correct is vital in ensuring that the customs clearance goes smoothly. The most significant documents that are used in this process include: 

● Commercial Invoice 

● Bill of Lading 

● Packing List 

● Certificate of Origin 

If documentation isn’t fully completed or even if it has the slightest mistake on it, customs won’t clear your cargo and it will instead remain in holding. Whilst here, you will incur extra holding charges. This will also cause delays to your shipment and you could end up missing your delivery date if this happens.

Understand international trade laws and regulations

Import and export regulations change constantly, sometimes as quickly as overnight, and keeping track of what’s the latest can be difficult. The procedure that you followed during your last shipment may not be the case this time around. 

That’s why it’s important to keep on top of the latest industry news, trends and developments to ensure that you’re not caught unaware and run into any problems.

Package and label cargo correctly

Making sure that your cargo is packaged correctly and has the right labels on them is going to speed up the customs process significantly. This also means putting your documents in an easy to find location for custom agents. When clearing your cargo, a customs agent will also make sure that your packaging is durable and secure to avoid any damages or accidents during transit.

Use an experienced freight forwarding company

With an experienced and reliable freight forwarder at your side, this will make the customs process much more straightforward and easier to understand. A freight forwarding company is going to know everything there is to know about international trading laws, documentations and clearance requirements. Leveraging a freight forwarder to handle customs clearance on your behalf is going to save you a lot of time, allowing you to focus your attention elsewhere.

Navigating Customs Clearance with Jenkar

Understanding customs clearance and how to navigate it with ease is vital for anyone involved in logistics and international trade. Doing so will make the process much smoother and ensure that your goods are making it to their destination swiftly and securely. 

Navigating this area of logistics with ease however can be daunting. You need a partner who understands the complexities of customs compliance and look no further than Jenkar Shipping. 

At Jenkar, we’ll work with you to understand your business and your shipping needs to provide you with a bespoke and seamless solution. Our internal documentation team will take the hassle of understanding confusing paperwork and customs documentation off your hands and complete this for you, ensuring all the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed.

With years of experience in the industry, we pride ourselves on our ability to streamline the customs clearance process, minimising delays and reducing the risk of unexpected costs. Our team stays up to date with ever-changing customs procedures and maintains direct links with the majority of UK sea and air ports, giving you peace of mind that your shipments are in expert hands. 

Discover the difference of experienced and seamless customs clearance with Jenkar Shipping. Get in touch with a member of our friendly team today to start your journey today.

Keep in the Know

Stay up to date with the latest trends, news and updates in the freight forwarding industry to ensure that your logistics operations are always optimised for efficiency.

Jenkar warehousing and delivery support for the Trinity Leeds glass roof

Have you ever seen Trinity Leeds‘ domed glass roof? Behind the scenes, the project required careful warehousing, stock management and time-critical deliveries of architectural glass panels. The construction team needed reliable storage facilities and coordinated delivery services to manage hundreds of fragile, high-value components. Jenkar provided the warehousing and distribution services that supported the build, […]

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The post How To Navigate Customs Clearance With Ease appeared first on Jenkar Shipping.