Check origin, permits and restricted goods

Interactive explainer

From information to customs release

01 Describe
Identify what the goods are, who is trading and where they originate.
02 Document
Align invoice values, packing details and any required authorisations.
03 Review
The declarant submits information; customs may request evidence or inspection.
04 Release
After applicable checks and payments, arrange release and onward delivery.

Understand the scope

Do not equate the shipping country with the country of origin. Gather manufacturing locations, material information and supplier evidence. Determine whether the shipment needs ordinary origin information or a preferential claim, then check the specific rule and acceptable proof. Repacking goods or changing their shipping route does not by itself establish a new origin.

Prepare and verify

Screen the actual product, destination, intended use and parties against applicable restrictions. Ask about import and export permits, safety or health approvals, labeling and any inspection before shipment. A document acceptable for one market may not satisfy another market's requirements. Check the holder, product description and quantities on every permit against the intended shipment.

Complete the process

Assign an owner to each approval and track validity, quantities and product scope. Resolve missing approvals before dispatch, and have the broker verify the declaration references. Keep supporting evidence; a certificate alone does not justify an unsupported origin or preference claim. A preferential claim needs its own eligibility review; ordinary origin evidence is not automatically sufficient.

Worked example

Clothing might use fabric from country A, be sewn in country B and leave a warehouse in country C. Do not label C as origin simply because it is the dispatch point. Gather the production steps and apply the relevant origin rule; assess any preferential claim separately against its conditions.

Common mistakes

Common errors include assuming all certificates are interchangeable or checking a permit only after cargo departure. When records disagree, trace each field to its source instead of choosing the most convenient value. Correct the source and affected documents, identify the approved version, and tell the broker what changed before filing.

Next actions

Create a permit register with expiry dates, remaining quantities and owners. Keep the decision, supporting evidence and responsible person's name together. Set a review trigger for changes in the product, supplier or destination, so the next shipment starts from checked information rather than an unquestioned copy of the last file.

Before you ship

Confirm origin using production evidence.
Check restrictions and permits before dispatch.
Match approvals to the exact goods shipped.

Official references

General planning guidance. Requirements and charges depend on the goods, destination and service; confirm the applicable rules before shipping.