Customs & Trade Compliance

1. Overview

SafeTransit EXPRESS is committed to full compliance with all applicable customs and trade regulations in every jurisdiction where we operate. This policy governs the import, export, and transit of goods through our network and establishes the standards expected of all shippers, consignees, and business partners utilizing our international logistics services.

Our Customs and Trade Compliance program is designed to facilitate lawful trade while preventing the illegal movement of goods, ensuring proper duty assessment, and maintaining the integrity of the global supply chain.

2. Import Regulations

2.1 Customs Declaration Requirements

All imported goods must be properly declared to customs authorities. Shippers and importers are responsible for providing accurate information including:

• Accurate description of goods in commercial language
• Correct Harmonized System (HS) tariff classification codes
• True transaction value and terms of sale (Incoterms)
• Country of origin and preferential trade agreement eligibility
• Weight, quantity, and unit of measurement
• Any applicable permits, licenses, or certificates

2.2 Valuation

Customs valuation must comply with WTO Valuation Agreement principles:

• Transaction value is the primary basis for customs valuation
• All additions to value must be declared (freight, insurance, royalties, assists)
• Related-party transactions must demonstrate arm's-length pricing
• Transfer pricing documentation should be consistent with customs declarations
• Advance ruling requests recommended for complex valuation scenarios

3. Export Regulations

3.1 Export Controls

SafeTransit EXPRESS complies with all applicable export control regimes including:

• US EAR: Export Administration Regulations (Commerce Department)
• US ITAR: International Traffic in Arms Regulations (State Department)
• EU Dual-Use Regulation: EU Regulation 2021/821
• Wassenaar Arrangement: Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Technologies
• National controls: Country-specific export licensing requirements

3.2 Export Documentation

Required export documentation includes:

• Commercial invoice with complete buyer/seller details
• Packing list with detailed contents description
• Export license or license exception documentation where applicable
• Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing for US exports exceeding thresholds
• Certificate of origin for preferential duty treatment claims
• End-use/end-user certificates for controlled items

4. Duties & Taxes

4.1 Duty Assessment

Import duties are assessed based on the tariff classification, customs value, and origin of goods:

• Duty rates vary by product classification and destination country
• Preferential rates available under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
• Anti-dumping and countervailing duties may apply to specific products/origins
• De minimis thresholds apply for low-value shipments in many jurisdictions
• Temporary import provisions available for goods re-exported within specified periods

4.2 Payment Responsibility

Responsibility for duties and taxes is determined by the agreed Incoterms:

• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Shipper responsible for all duties and taxes
• DAP (Delivered at Place): Consignee responsible for import duties and taxes
• CIF/FOB: Consignee typically responsible for destination country charges
• SafeTransit EXPRESS can arrange duty payment on behalf of either party (brokerage fees apply)

5. Restricted & Prohibited Goods

5.1 Prohibited Items

SafeTransit EXPRESS will not transport goods that are prohibited by law, including:

• Narcotics and controlled substances
• Counterfeit goods and intellectual property violations
• Items subject to CITES (endangered species products)
• Conflict minerals without proper due diligence documentation
• Goods originating from or destined to sanctioned countries, entities, or individuals
• Goods prohibited by destination country import regulations

5.2 Restricted Items (Require Additional Documentation)

• Pharmaceuticals and medical devices (requires health authority permits)
• Food and agricultural products (phytosanitary certificates required)
• Dual-use technology items (export license verification required)
• Firearms and ammunition (requires import/export permits)
• Cultural artifacts and antiques (export certificates required)
• Chemicals subject to Rotterdam Convention notification

6. Sanctions Compliance

SafeTransit EXPRESS maintains a comprehensive sanctions compliance program:

• All parties screened against OFAC SDN List, EU Consolidated List, and UN sanctions lists
• Automated screening of all shipment parties at booking, pickup, and delivery stages
• Denied party screening of all new customers, suppliers, and business partners
• Country and territory-based sanctions compliance monitoring
• Sectoral sanctions assessment for restricted industry transactions
• Escalation procedures for potential matches requiring compliance review

7. Documentation Requirements

Standard documentation required for international shipments through SafeTransit EXPRESS:

• Commercial Invoice: Detailed goods description, value, terms of sale
• Packing List: Package-level detail of contents, weights, dimensions
• Bill of Lading/Air Waybill: Transport contract and receipt of goods
• Certificate of Origin: Required for preferential duty claims
• Permits & Licenses: Any goods-specific import/export authorizations
• Insurance Certificate: Cargo insurance documentation where required
• Customs Power of Attorney: Authorization for SafeTransit EXPRESS to act as customs broker

8. Trade Agreement Utilization

SafeTransit EXPRESS assists customers in leveraging preferential trade agreements:

• Origin determination and qualification analysis
• Certificate of origin preparation and verification
• Supplier declaration management for EU preferential origin
• USMCA/CUSMA origin certification support
• Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) compliance
• Binding origin information applications where appropriate

9. Authorized Economic Operator (AEO)

SafeTransit EXPRESS holds AEO certification and equivalent trusted trader status:

• EU AEO-F (Full) — Customs Simplifications and Security & Safety
• US C-TPAT Tier III — Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism
• UK AEO — Post-Brexit customs simplifications
• Mutual Recognition Agreements providing expedited processing globally
• Reduced inspection rates and priority processing at borders

10. Record Keeping

SafeTransit EXPRESS maintains customs records in compliance with regulatory requirements:

• All customs documentation retained for minimum 5 years (7 years for US transactions)
• Electronic records stored in secure, auditable systems
• Records available for customs authority inspection upon request
• Post-clearance audit cooperation with regulatory authorities

11. Non-Compliance Consequences

Failure to comply with customs and trade regulations may result in:

• Seizure and forfeiture of goods
• Financial penalties and additional duty assessments
• Criminal prosecution for willful violations
• Loss of importing/exporting privileges
• Suspension or revocation of AEO/C-TPAT status
• Termination of SafeTransit EXPRESS services

12. Contact

For customs and trade compliance inquiries, classification assistance, or documentation support:

• Trade Compliance Team: customs@safetransitexpress.com
• Customs Brokerage: brokerage@safetransitexpress.com
• General Inquiries: Visit our Contact Page