Preliminary cargo inspection and customs examination

Before customs declaration, it may be necessary to inspect the cargo and verify whether the actual type, quantity, weight, marking and other characteristics of the goods match the supplier’s documents.

REGULUS GROUP arranges preliminary inspection at a customs terminal or temporary storage warehouse. If an examination is ordered by the customs authority, our specialist attends the procedure and performs the work required for customs clearance.

Preliminary cargo inspection and customs examination services cover:

When preliminary inspection may be needed

•    the supplier’s description is incomplete or unclear;

•    the EAEU CN code cannot be determined accurately from the documents alone;

•    the brand, model, quantity, weight or serial number must be verified;

•    there is doubt that the actual cargo matches the invoice or packing list;

•    packaging is damaged, a seal is broken, or shortage or loss of cargo integrity is suspected;

•    the goods are food products, products subject to veterinary control, medicines or other goods for which production and expiry dates, batch number or temperature-controlled storage conditions must be checked;

•    identification and an identification sheet are required for declaration;

•    goods regarded as cultural property must be presented to an expert organisation for an expert opinion;

•    articles made of precious metals are subject to mandatory assaying and hallmarking and the fineness of the precious metal must be determined or confirmed;

•    an expert assessment is required to determine or clarify market value, particularly for used goods;

•    inspection is required in other cases provided for by law.

Customs examination ordered by the customs authority

•    the name, type, intended use and main characteristics of the goods;

•    the trademark, brand, model, item and serial numbers;

•    the actual quantity, unit of measurement, net and gross weight;

•    marking on the goods or packaging and details of the manufacturer and country of origin;

•    where relevant, the batch number, production and expiry dates, and storage conditions;

•    the number and integrity of packages, external condition, damage or shortages;

•    the conformity and integrity of seals and other means of identification;

•    consistency with the invoice, packing list, certificates and other accompanying documents.

How we assist

•    confirming the applicable procedure and required documents;

•    coordinating presentation of the cargo to customs, a conformity assessment body, expert organisation or other competent body;

•    assisting with movement to the inspection site, opening packages and arranging the necessary conditions;

•    attending the opening and examination of the cargo;

•    providing the competent body or organisation with the necessary documents and information;

•    helping verify actual cargo details against the documents during preliminary inspection;

•    helping correct information and prepare or supplement documents if discrepancies are found;

•    continuing customs clearance after the customs examination, taking account of the recorded findings.

Preliminary inspection establishes the actual details before declaration and reduces the risk of inaccurate declaration.

The customs authority determines the scope of a customs examination. It is a routine form of customs control and does not in itself indicate that a violation has been found. The authority conducts the examination and records its findings in the relevant customs document.

A properly organised inspection or examination helps establish the facts in time, provide the necessary information to the competent bodies and avoid unnecessary delays.