Getting into a State!

At a recent conference I was reminded how new-comers and even experienced global shippers can be blinded by assumptions that they don’t even realise they are making.

In this case it became clear that some people believed that a Country has only one set of laws no matter which port or airport you choose to #import to or #export from.    Whilst this is true in some countries it is certainly not true in others.  Take the USA for instance – there is Federal law and then there is State legislation.   Taxes differ between States which can wreck your costings.   Some goods can be imported into New York but are forbidden in Los Angeles – you will come to understand this as they are confiscated and destroyed at your expense!!!   It is not just the USA that has these differences – do you know if this applies to the countries you work with…..????

Contract Terms

The International Chamber of Commerce INCOterms 2010 have now been in use for some time.  However modern international trade still throws up many questions and issues.  Part of the problem is the interaction between #INCOterms, the sales contract and the freight contract.

This is still true even if you think you don’t have all or indeed any of these for your transaction.   Contracts can conflict with one another and even if you don’t have a written contract you do have one based on the standard trading terms and conditions of the companies you are working with e.g. BIFA terms for freight agents.  Which contract or set of conditions takes precedence?   Are they covered by different legal jurisdictions?   To avoid unwelcome complications and costly headaches check, compare and resolve these.  

Spot the difference!

My professional hobby is teaching #piano and #viola playing to pupils of all ages.   However on this occasion I can combine my two professions!   Take a look at the two links below and consider the #customs #classification position:

 

http://www.couriernews.com/view/full_story/21616338/article-Bejeweled-violin-a-highlight-at-silent-auction#ixzz2KGS7UXGU

http://www.classicfm.com/music-news/latest-news/fuse-gold-violins/

Consider – a musical instrument is by definition meant to be played and most importantly should be capable of being played.   

What do you think?    Take a second look at the first link – the #violin bow has also been bejewelled – that might well render it unusable.   So is the bow and violin a ‘set’ in customs terms or are they separate?   Is one an artwork (zero duty reduced VAT)?

Customs work is fun isn’t it?!?

www.morley-consulting.co.uk