Leading customs consultancy LS Customs is warning companies to ensure their documentation is in order so they can be prepared should they be subject to HMRC compliance checks.
HMRC can conduct compliance checks with little to no notice on customs activities, going back three years. If a company is found to be failing to adhere to due process they can face unlimited fines.
LS Customs provides a compliance audit service, with its expert team acting as auditors to police companies’ systems and then offering advice to protect should any issues arise.
These audits include reviewing the trail for Returned Goods Relief (RGR), correct commodity coding of items, and licences for dual-use materials.
Gordon Matson, Director at LS Customs, said:
“Our people know what HMRC is looking for and can offer both policing and protection services. They are highly skilled in identifying any issues in systems and processes which need to be rectified in order to be operating in a compliant manner. The fine threshold from HMRC is unlimited, so an investment in an independent audit is one that all companies should consider to ensure that all is in order.”
The LS Customs team would choose declarations within a three-year limit to review. The client then has a period to prepare and review documentation before an in-person or remote audit to ensure compliance with general customs rules and any specific requirements for authorisations held. The team will then compile a report with findings, observations, failures, recommendations, and advice.
To find out more about compliance audits, email queries@lscustoms.com.
