Today (26-01-2025) marks International Customs Day, a perfect opportunity to reflect on their crucial role in our distribution chain. For Vivochem, cooperation with Customs is essential to ensure our international operations run smoothly. But what does this cooperation entail in practice? We spoke with Chantal Bisschop, who oversees customs-related and logistics matters related to imports and exports. She provides us with insight into the work of the export department and its cooperation with Customs.
How is Vivochem's export team structured, and what does your work entail?
'Our export team consists of four colleagues. Three colleagues work as sales export specialists, focusing on expanding our markets and maintaining strong relationships with customers and distribution partners. As the fourth colleague, I am responsible for handling customs and logistics matters related to imports and exports. Together, we ensure a smooth import and export process, always complying with international laws and regulations.
We aim to deliver products to customers around the globe through an efficient and reliable distribution network. In doing so, we prioritise customer satisfaction, quality, service, and good value for money.'
Can you tell us something about your cooperation with Customs?
'Customs plays an essential role in our daily operations. They ensure that everything we import and export is safe and in accordance with the law. This includes checking chemicals and excise goods we transport to ensure they comply with all national and international regulations.
They also ensure that (hazardous) substances (e.g. dual-use) do not end up in the wrong hands and that our products move safely through the chain. Their role in processing excisable goods is crucial for the correct handling of taxes and legal compliance.
In short, Customs' work is not only important for our business, but also protects society and the environment.'
What advantages does working closely with Customs bring?
'Cooperation with Customs brings many benefits. It enables us to work more efficiently and serve our customers better. This allows us to provide a smooth and reliable export experience.'
Your department is working on several licence applications. Can you tell us a bit more about those?
'Our department is working on several license applications, including the AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) and Customs Warehouse licenses. These licences improve our cooperation with Customs and provide benefits such as fewer physical checks, faster shipments and more flexibility in our logistics processes.
The Customs Warehouse licence allows us to store goods under customs supervision without paying import duties or taxes immediately. This offers more flexibility in our logistics processes and enables us to serve our customers faster.
Additionally, the AEO licence strengthens our reputation as a reliable trading partner and provides benefits such as priority in Customs clearance and reduced administrative costs. As a result, we can import and export products more swiftly while ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.
In summary, these licenses help us save time, improve efficiency, and streamline our processes, ultimately benefiting both our business and our customers.'
How complicated is it to obtain licences for the import and export of chemicals?
'Applying for licences is quite complex. We must provide a lot of information and process descriptions and comply with strict safety and environmental regulations. This requires accuracy and time, but the benefits are substantial: we avoid problems and delays at Customs and can improve our processes.'
What are the main challenges Vivochem faces in complying with export Customs regulations?
'There are three main challenges we face:
- Complex regulations: Customs legislation varies by country and changes regularly. Keeping up with these changes and ensuring that all export documents are accurate and current are ongoing challenges.
- Classification of chemical products: Our products require specific customs (HS) codes and classifications. It is essential to correctly identify these codes to avoid delays or fines.
- Timely delivery: Customs procedures can lead to delays, especially when unexpected controls occur. Our challenge is to streamline these processes to ensure our customers receive their products on time.
With our knowledge, experience and structured approach, we continue to tackle these challenges effectively. Our goal is always to be compliant while providing the best service to our customers.'
How do you ensure that all export shipments are Customs-compliant?
'Training and education are essential in this. Our team participates in regular training sessions and courses, including basic Declarant training, to stay updated on customs regulations and procedures. Additionally, we enforce strict internal controls to ensure the accuracy of all documentation, from certificates of origin to safety data sheets. This approach helps us ensure that our shipments comply with all applicable regulations.'
What are the advantages of letting Vivochem handle customers' exports?
'Outsourcing exports to us offers customers many advantages:
- Time and cost savings: We manage the entire Customs clearance process, relieving customers of the burden of complex administrative tasks. This not only saves time but also helps avoid additional costs due to errors or delays.
- Specialist knowledge: Our team is well-trained in Customs rules and procedures, including the requirements for chemical products and dangerous goods.
- Reduced risks: Through our expertise, we reduce the risk of delays, fines or rejected shipments.
- Efficiency and speed: We ensure shipments are processed quickly and correctly so customers receive their products on time.
- Complete service: Customers can focus on their core business while we professionally handle logistics and Customs matters.
Reliability: With years of experience and a strong network of logistics partners, we offer a transparent and reliable service.'
How do you handle changes in international customs legislation or trade regulations?
'International regulations are constantly changing, but we have a proactive approach. We closely monitor international developments and changes in laws and regulations. We do this through official Customs newsletters, trade literature and agency updates. Our team also regularly attends trade meetings with industry associations. In addition, we work closely with external Customs specialists and logistics partners who have specific knowledge of changing regulations in different countries and sectors.
Our internal procedures are designed to be flexible, allowing us to respond quickly to legislative changes. We utilise modern software solutions that enable us to integrate regulatory updates into our workflows efficiently. Furthermore, we maintain proactive communication with our customers, promptly informing them of any changes in international regulations and discussing how these changes may impact their shipments. This approach helps us remain compliant and ensures a smooth process.'
To what extent are global geopolitical tensions affecting your export and import processes, and what measures are you taking to address these challenges?
'The current global geopolitical tensions affect our export and import process. Our industry heavily relies on international trade, and these tensions can result in challenges such as trade restrictions, sanctions, fluctuating exchange rates, and disruptions in logistics chains.
At Vivochem, we tackle these challenges with a proactive and flexible approach. This strategy enables us to minimise the effects of geopolitical tensions and continue providing our customers worldwide with reliable and efficient export and import solutions.'
Lastly, what would you like to say to Customs on this special day?
'Customs is an indispensable partner in our work. Thanks to their efforts, we can rely on the controlled and well-organised import and export of our products. We want to thank them immensely for everything they do!'
