5 Customs Clearance Mistakes That Cost Businesses Money
After 25 years of customs clearance at Riga Airport, we have seen the same mistakes cost businesses money over and over. Here are the five most common ones.
Mistake 1: Wrong HS code classification. The Harmonized System code determines your duty rate, VAT treatment, and whether additional permits are needed. A wrong code does not just mean paying the wrong duty — it can trigger a customs inspection that delays your entire shipment.
Mistake 2: Missing or incorrect certificate of origin. For goods from countries with EU preferential trade agreements, a valid certificate of origin can significantly reduce or eliminate customs duties. Many businesses either forget to request it from their supplier or receive one with errors that customs rejects.
Mistake 3: Incomplete commercial invoice. The invoice must include: seller and buyer details, goods description, quantity, value, currency, delivery terms (Incoterms), and country of origin. Missing any of these fields can delay clearance.
Mistake 4: Not preparing documents before cargo arrives. Cargo in temporary storage at the airport incurs daily fees. We regularly see businesses lose hundreds of euros simply because paperwork was not ready when the shipment landed.
Mistake 5: Ignoring excise and regulatory requirements. Certain goods — electronics, food products, cosmetics, medical devices — require additional certifications or inspections beyond standard customs clearance. Discovering this after your cargo arrives is expensive.
Most of these mistakes are preventable with proper preparation.
At LETT 2000, we review all documentation before submission and flag potential issues before they become costly delays. Our AEO certification means customs authorities trust our declarations, resulting in fewer inspections and faster release.
The best customs clearance is the one where nothing goes wrong. That starts with getting the details right.
