If you’re in the happy situation of never having worked with international customs then we envy you. Like it or not though, when engaging in international trade, at some point you have to know how to handle customs – and it can be extremely difficult, with some countries presenting complex regulations that’ll have you re-evaluating the value of doing trade with them at all.

Thankfully we can help twice over – once by providing you with this quick guide, but more importantly by doing it all for you! Read on to learn more…

Countries with the Most Challenging Customs Regulations

Not all countries are the same. You might be used to dealing with the European bureaucracy or have shipped cargo over to the US, but step outside of these known entities and it becomes a lot harder. Here are the five countries renowned for having some of the most difficult customs experiences:

• Brazil – Brazil is infamous for its ridiculously lengthy customs clearance process. It has some really strict regulations and a complicated tariff structure that makes importing anything an exercise in extreme patience. To pass customs without problems, it’s important to have both local understanding and some top-notch documentation.
• China – Having your goods inspected can be extremely disruptive, but when you ship to China it becomes expected. China has extremely strict regulations, high tariffs and a great deal of red tape – expert management is essential. Recently, global political tensions have led to increased scrutiny for some imports, and come 2025, it is likely to get worse.
• India – India has varying regulations that depend on the port of entry, making it more complex that it might first be imagined. Valuation and classification are often a problem, leading to delays, especially when the paperwork is not 100% watertight. Expect bureaucratic delays if you don’t have experienced help.
• Russia – It may come as no surprise to have Russia on this list; even before recent events, Russia was known for having complex requirements that were frequently changed. Now, with international sanctions due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, importing into and exporting from Russia has an additional layer of complexity as well as ongoing ethical concerns. 
• Chile – Chile’s customs process can be lengthy and complicated, particularly when it comes to handling perishables or electronics. Recent economic measures have also meant imports face additional scrutiny as the government works to protect domestic businesses.

Common Customs Challenges

Three problems crop up time and time again. To minimise your problems when it comes to exporting, it’s worth paying particular attention to these areas:

• Errors in documentation – Paperwork is the biggest problem when it comes to working with customs in any country. What might seem like a minor mistake can cause long and expensive hold-ups, with simple errors like missing a detail on a commercial invoice or packing list turning an otherwise smooth shipping run into a major headache. It’s well worth spending the extra few hours checking all documentation with a fine-toothed comb before signing it off.
• Restricted or prohibited goods – What may be fine in one country isn’t always acceptable in another, especially when it comes to food, pharmaceuticals, or hazardous materials, where strict controls are often in place. It’s essential that you know the restrictions on the goods you are shipping to avoid facing huge fines or having your shipment rejected. 

• Valuation and classification – Properly valuing and classifying your goods affects the duties and taxes involved, and if there’s one thing officials are determined to get right, it’s tax. Making a mistake here with an incorrect valuation or misclassification can mean those taxes are under or overpaid, and both cause significant problems, with delays and penalties.

How to Clear Complex Customs

If this all sounds difficult, that’s because it is! There are a few things you can do to reduce the chance of a problem and make everything go just that little bit smoother:

• Keep up-to-date – Customs regulations change frequently and often without warning (or seemingly so). It’s important that you stay on top of any changes by regularly researching and rechecking the regulations of the countries you ship to.
• Be a perfectionist with documentation – Thorough documentation is your best friend. No matter how bureaucratic the country’s customs are, if the documentation is right, then it’s right. When you make sure your commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin are all complete and accurate, things become a lot easier.
• Partner with a freight forwarder – Things are always easiest if you let an expert do it for you! Freight forwarders deal with customs every day – it’s our job! We do everything possible to keep ahead of the game, ensuring your cargo gets to wherever it is going without any problems. 

Why Millennium Cargo is the Answer to Customs Challenges

Using Millennium as your freight forwarder will save you time, money, and those distressing headaches! We have a team of dedicated customs specialists with long-standing relationships with partners in all major countries, as well as a passion for keeping on top of the ever-shifting global trade industry. We will work with you to make sure everything is in place for a smooth shipment, with your goods being cleared by customs with efficient ease.

To find out more, contact Millennium Cargo today.