How to self-create customs declarations

Declaron is a customs clearance solution that lets you save time and money by creating and self-managing your own customs declarations online and steps in to act as a customs clearance agent on your behalf to Revenue, in the event of any delays.

This means you can save time on paperwork, clear your goods faster, while being sure you are compliant and audit ready. If you are looking for a customs clearance agent in Ireland, then you and Declaron could be a better way to self-create customs declarations.

Declaron is a new Irish start-up launched in 2020 by BDO and Fexco. They are working to make things a bit easier on Irish businesses and encourage people to get their customs processes and procedures fit for purpose.

The company was specifically set up to address the lack of available agents in the Irish market, with a focus on ensuring compliance and the accurate completion of declarations. This minimises the risk of delays at ports and prevents the risk of audits later on. They support their customers by providing webinars, practical guides and educational initiatives focused on customs clearance requirements. They’re also offering free helpful information on their website for all Irish businesses. Confusion amongst Irish businesses around Brexit continues, as the promised clarity of the detail of the deal between the UK and EU has failed to materialise. This is, unfortunately, leading to further delays at ports.

Customs paperwork is complicated and it can be hard to know just where to start – especially when the clock is already ticking – so they suggest beginning by addressing the following checklist of questions to your business and going from there.

Have you agreed INCO terms?

INCO terms are the roles and responsibilities) between you and your connected 3rd parties, specifically who is responsible for creating and managing declarations and when? This will play a big part in understanding what you need to do next.

• Do you have an EORI number set up?
  The EORI online registration service allows you to register for an EORI number online. If you are a trader who imports or exports goods into or out of the European Union (EU), you will need an EORI number. This number is valid throughout the EU. It is used as a common reference number for interactions with the customs authorities in any Member State. To use the service, you will need your Revenue Online Service (ROS) login details and a valid ROS digital certificate with a registration for customs and excise in ROS.
• Do you plan to use a cash upfront (TAN account) or a deferred account method for payment of your duties?
  Once you are registered for an EORI number, you will be assigned a Revenue Trader Account Number (TAN). This is a secure channel through which you can make payments, for example pay import duties.Your import duty payments must be made online through the Revenue Online Service (ROS). You can do this by selecting the ‘Customs and Excise’ payment option and either:
  • provide the required details of your credit or debit card
    or
  • use the option to transfer money from your (the payer’s) bank account by Single Debit Instruction (SDI).You may
    allow your customs clearance agent to use your TAN account on your behalf. If you wish to do this, you should complete the Customs and Excise clearance agent form at www.revenue.ie.

The customs deferred payment system (bank direct debit scheme) is a facility whereby you or your agent is authorised to defer payment of Customs Duties. Authorisation will require provision of a bank guarantee or cash deposit and compliance with the conditions of the authorisation. Once approved, payment of taxes and duties arising may be deferred for payment by direct debit to the 15 day of the following month.

• Do you know the correct tariff classifications for your goods?
  Declaron have a handy recorded webinar on tariffs available on their website. Registered Declaron customers have access to a more detailed one during onboarding.
• Have you appointed a customs agent to act on your behalf, or taken the relevant steps to assess the financial impact and implemented the resource requirement of an in-house solution?
  You can find the relevant Customs Clearance forms at www.revenue.ie. Details on how this would work with Declaron specifically are available on their website.

You can contact Declaron here for further information [email protected] or at www.declaron.ie