Express Carriers Want Freedom to File Import Declarations Worldwide

(American Shipper – Chris Gillis)

Express carriers voiced concern this week that the World Trade Organization and World Customs Organization appear to be “retreating” on a previous commitment to eliminate national mandates for companies to file import declarations to customs administration via customs brokers. The Brussels-based Global Express Association told the heads of the WTO and WCO in a December 2 letter that the use of customs brokers should not be a requirement for companies to interact with national customs administrations.

“Mandated use of the services of a favored professional group is a symptom of and contributor to political corruption,” warned John P. Simpson, director general of the association, which represents UPS, FedEx, DHL and TNT.

Express carriers, with their capacity as both transporter and importer, believe they are technologically and regulatory sophisticated enough to interact with customs administrations directly. “Customs brokers can provide highly valuable services and many importers choose to use the services of customs brokers even when they are free to submit their own declarations,” he added. “But customs brokers like all other professionals should rely on the market for their business, not government coercion. Governments should not be in the business of mandating use of private commercial services.” Read more here.