Customs and foreign trade advisory

Assessment and deliverables

We build the assessment from the goods’ composition, function, origin and transaction terms. A supplier’s tariff code is useful evidence but should not be accepted as a complete India-side classification analysis.

The deliverable can include a classification issue note, import or export policy checklist and document discrepancies for discussion with the customs broker. Any exemption claim needs its own notification and condition review.

Prepare a product brief for the actual model and shipment configuration, including how the goods work and what is included in the supply. Identify accessories, consumables and separately priced items. Keep uncertain technical facts as supplier questions, since a commercial product name may not explain the characteristics needed for the assessment.

Prepare the evidence

• Technical product literature and composition
• Commercial invoice and packing details
• Origin, supplier and intended use
• Existing classification advice and authorisations

Compare the technical literature with the invoice, packing list and purchase terms. Record inconsistencies in model numbers, quantities or descriptions before passing the file to the broker. Keep origin evidence distinct from the place of dispatch, and retain the documents behind any proposed preferential-treatment claim for its separate review.

A practical example

A product bundle may contain components with different regulatory treatment. Establish whether it is classified and licensed as a set or as individual items before finalising the shipment.

For a bundled product, list the components, their individual functions and how they are packaged and supplied together. If the commercial arrangement later changes to separate shipments, flag that change for reassessment. An earlier conclusion about one configuration should not be reused simply because the supplier markets both arrangements under the same product name.

Scope and fees

Customs assessment, port clearance and physical examination remain outside advisory control. Brokerage, valuation opinions and disputes are separately scoped.

The proposal identifies the transactions and periods covered, client approvals, query support and professional fees. Government charges and external certifications are separate unless expressly included.

The handover states the goods and transaction reviewed, assumptions, unresolved evidence and questions for the broker or specialist adviser. Keep a copy of the final shipment documents used to confirm the facts. Any subsequent authority query or change in product specification needs its own follow-up; a prepared advisory note does not establish that a shipment has cleared customs.