The importance of a Customs Health Check.

Authored by: Arjo Groenendijk - Managing Advisor, Gaston Schul

Why monitoring customs and trade regulations is crucial for international businesses

When your business engages in international trade you must navigate numerous customs and trade-related regulations. General customs legislation covering classification, origin, and valuation represents just the tip of the iceberg. Beyond these subjects, your product-range itself, health and safety regulations, markets in which you operate and relations with your subcontractors and customers are topics that come into play when you participate in international trade. The extensive array of laws and constantly evolving regulations will impact your processes. For this reason, it's essential to monitor these laws and regulations closely, ensuring you maintain control while successfully navigating the complex world of international trade.

The overlooked impact of origin, valuation, and Incoterms in a trade war

In recent weeks we have seen a global trade war developing that, in the media, is mainly reported on concerning the topics of tariffs and accompanying duty-percentages. However, equally important topics like product origin determination of finished or semi-finished products, customs valuation, Incoterms customs procedures such as inward or outward processing are never mentioned. Yet, these elements can be equally important for businesses seeking to determine the most strategic course of action in times of economic turmoil.

Customs Health Check: Uncovering gaps, risks, and optimisation opportunities

A Customs Health Check, an audit on your customs process performed by one of our Customs & Trade Advisors will reveal if you are in control of your processes. It will also determine if there is a possibility for your business to optimise processes, implement a smarter strategy and even reduce costs.

In today’s rapidly evolving and highly regulated international trade environment, staying compliant is not only essential to avoid penalties but it is also critical to maintain efficiency and competitiveness. A Customs Health Check helps your business identify hidden compliance risks, streamline operations, and uncover potential cost savings. Especially in times of economic uncertainty, such a proactive approach ensures your customs strategy supports business continuity and strengthens your position in the global supply chain.

Turning tariff challenges into savings: The role of a Customs Health Check

In response to recent U.S. tariff increases on certain goods, businesses importing or exporting affected products have been able to reduce their duty exposure by reassessing the origin of semi-finished products or by applying customs procedures such as inward processing. These strategies, when correctly implemented, can reduce the applicable duty tariff to be paid, or even temporarily suspend duties altogether, leading to tangible financial savings. In such cases, the Customs Health Check can reveal overlooked opportunities that have impact almost immediately.

From analysis to action: What to expect during a Gaston Schul Customs Health Check

Gaston Schul’s Customs & Trade Advisors will start the Customs Health Check by initially conducting an investigative analysis. Based on this analysis an action plan is prepared after which an in-depth investigation on pre-identified subjects is performed. The results and findings of the Customs Health Check, including a follow-up action plan and our suggestions will then be presented in a written report.

The exact content of a Customs Health Check may differ depending on the nature of your business and your processes but in general entails the following elements:

• An initial analysis of the business structure
• Assessment and re-validation of customs related procedures
• A check on customs licenses and their correct application
• Assessment on correct application of classification, origin, and customs value
• Verification of compliance with customs decrees
• A check on the correct follow-up on export controls and sanction legislation
• A check on contracts and agreements with customers and subcontractors
• Specific aspects, tailored to your specific operational and regulatory landscape

All-in-one customs advisory tailored to your business: Health checks, compliance, and regulation support

Within Gaston Schul Advisory services, we offer advice and consultancy in the field of customs and international trade in the broadest sense of the word. This consists of project-based support (available at your location if needed), performing Customs Health Checks, duty optimisation processes, performing audits, and answering any questions about legislation and/or its application in writing. Our work not only relates to customs, fiscal representation, excise, and sanctions legislation, but also to matters such as CBAM and EUDR.

Bridging legal expertise and operational know-how in customs advisory

Our Advisors are all qualified at a bachelor’s or master’s degree level and have many years of experience in both advisory roles and customs agency practice, gained within and outside Gaston Schul. This unique combination of legal expertise and practical experience enables us to deliver high-quality legal advice alongside practical solutions tailored to our customers' needs.

The strategic value of a Customs Health Check in a shifting trade landscape

In an increasingly complex international trade environment, marked by shifting regulations, rising tariffs, and growing compliance obligations, a proactive and well-informed customs strategy is more critical than ever. The Customs Health Check offered by Gaston Schul provides businesses a valuable insight into the state of their customs operations. It not only identifies compliance risks but also highlights practical opportunities to streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency.

Whether your business is facing new challenges due to changing trade policies, like increased U.S. tariffs, or simply aims to strengthen its customs framework, a Customs Health Check is an essential step toward gaining control and staying ahead. With the combined legal expertise and hands-on experience of our Customs & Trade Advisors, we are well-positioned to help you turn customs compliance into a competitive advantage.