Global Compliance

Customs

Every import or export shipment you make requires a customs clearance declaration and may be subject to duty and local taxes.

We support you in this process by providing:

• A managed customs clearance service
• Access to experts with specialist import and export local knowledge
• Clear and relevant customs information  
• Compliance with regulations when completing declarations on your behalf
• Guidance on country restrictions and embargoes

CUSTOMS CLASSIFICATION OF GOODS

International customs rules on classifying products are based on a standardized system of names and numbers to define goods by what they are made from and what they are used for. Export and import clearance use this classification to determine the applicable duty and/or tax rates, as well as required accompanying documents.

REQUIRED PAPERWORK

The shipping documents you provide with your consignment are used at customs clearance points throughout its journey. It is critical that the information you provide in the documents is accurate to avoid any delays and/or fines from customs authorities.

All international shipments must be accompanied by a commercial invoice. Additional documents may be required, such as a Certificate of Origin, ATR or EUR1, depending on the type of goods and destination. For restricted goods  covered by import or export regulations, a license may also be required.

DUTIES & TAXES

Import duty (or 'customs duty') is payable to the customs authorities when goods are imported into a country. It is based on the classification of the goods and is generally charged as a percentage of the value of the goods.

Sales tax is a financial levy when goods are sold. The rate differs from country to country and is charged on all sales transactions, not just imports, as a percentage of the value of the goods.      

In most cases, these charges will need to be paid before customs release the goods for delivery.

TRUST GSC

We're committed to achieving safety and security standards under various customs-led, secure supply chain programmes around the world and hold the following certifications:

• Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) - EU, Switzerland, Norway & Taiwan
• Customs, Trade Partnership against Terrorism (C-TPAT) - USA
• Partners in Protection (PiP) - Canada
• Secure Trade Partnership Plus (StP+) - Singapore

WE'RE HERE TO HELP

We understand that customs clearance and export regulations can be challenging, with a lot of very specific terminology. If you need help, check our online glossary or contact us with any questions. 

Export control

IRAN

GSC will continue to service Iran as before. Until sanctions are actually lifted GSC remains the following restrictions:

Service between the US and Iran is suspended until further notice. GSC does not accept items of US origin for carriage to Iran from anywhere in the world.

For all other shipments GSC requires a valid licence or a statement from the customer that No License is Required (NLR) before accepting any goods for transportation to Iran. A copy of the NLR statement must be provided together with the shipping documents. For shipments that do need a licence GSC requires information and full details, including a licence copy, to be accepted for service to Iran. Non-compliant shipments will be held and are subject to delays or return.

Shipments consigned to a transport company or freight forwarder in Iran are not accepted.

Diplomatic material (qualifying shipments from embassies and consulates) falls under a special procedure. Please contact customer service for more information.

SYRIA

All Syria inbound and outbound services are suspended until further notice.

DPRK (NORTH KOREA)

All DPRK inbound and outbound services are suspended until further notice.

CUBA

Service between the US and Cuba is suspended until further notice. GSC does not accept items of US origin for carriage to Cuba from anywhere in the world.

SUDAN

Service between the US and Sudan is suspended until further notice. GSC does not accept items of US origin for carriage to Sudan from anywhere in the world.

BELARUS

Service between Canada and Belarus is suspended until further notice.

Dangerous goods

Dangerous goods include any hazardous chemicals, articles and substances capable of posing a significant risk to health, safety, property or the environment.

By working together to meet all applicable regulations and procedures, we can safely handle shipment of many types of dangerous goods to support your business needs.

It is your responsibility to correctly declare the contents of your shipment and ensure they are properly packed, marked, labelled and accompanied by the correct documentation in compliance with all regulations applicable in the countries of origin, transit and destination.  

Dangerous goods that we can accept for shipment are:

• Lithium batteries
  GSC offers worldwide delivery of shipments containing lithium batteries and equipment containing lithium batteries.
  >
• Biological substances, Category B (UN3373)
  To support the healthcare industry, we offer worldwide service for Category B biological substances.
  > Download applicable regulations and restrictions
• Dry ice
• Fully regulated dangerous goods (including Radioactive material)
• Dangerous goods in limited quantities
• Dangerous goods in excepted quantities
• Radioactive material

Security

GSC continually strives to improve its security services by focusing on risk-mitigating measures to prevent exposure to acts of crime and terrorism in order to protect its employees, assets and customers' goods.

OUR SECURITY TEAM

At a global level, GSC has an established global Head Office security team focusing on the complete scope of security including: developing and implementing global security strategy, standards, developing systems, security performance management, sharing best practice, management of aviation security requirements, supporting the field security teams and providing single points of contact for our strategic customers at a senior level.

The responsibility of security lies with the GSC Global Customs and Security Director who reports directly to the Global Network Operations Managing Director of GSC. Each operating unit and country has a head of security, a security team and an established competent security structure to manage security standards and risks at a local level.

In areas of high risk, GSC implements additional security measures that may include security control centres, GPS, security escorts, enhanced site control, etc.  In order to protect its employees, assets and customers' goods, GSC restricts its detailed security arrangements.

SECURE TRANSPORT GUIDELINES

GSC is an active member of a number of express associations globally that focus both on customs and security initiatives, working constantly with regulatory bodies and industry peers to enhance security in the supply chain. In addition, GSC has many internal security programs, guidelines, processes and systems including:

• Security training
  Security forms part of all new employee induction courses.  Specific security training such as Driver's Security Awareness Training and Golden Rules with the provision of on-going refresher courses for relevant job functions.
• Employee and sub-contractor screening
  GSC has a policy to screen employees and sub-contractors in line with its risk assessment and subject to local legislation.
• Route risk assessments
  GSC has implemented a route risk assessment process that ensures all new and existing linehaul routes are assessed periodically for security risks.
• GSC secure storage in transit
  Guidelines are implemented across the network to ensure all locations are secure during non-operational and shutdown periods.

SECURE LOGISTICS CERTIFICATIONS

GSC has implemented security standards across its network covering all aspects of security including vehicle security, access control, CCTV, man guarding, alarm systems, training, etc. GSC's security standards are based on the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) 'C' grading. However, GSC has in excess of 100 main hubs and depots globally that are TAPA 'A' certified. Additionally, GSC has many more locations that are not TAPA 'A' certified but are at the TAPA 'A' level standard. Security levels for all locations within the GSC Network are based on the results of its security risk assessments and relevant risk-mitigating security controls are implemented.  

GSC is committed to achieving standards under various customs-led secure supply chain programs around the world, as evidenced by its US Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) certification (approved by the US Customs Border and Protection in the United States together with C-TPAT foreign validation status) and 25 legal entity Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) approved certifications in EU Member States.

In addition GSC holds AEO approved certifications in Norway, Switzerland and Taiwan, the Secure Trade Partnership + (STP+) in Singapore, and Partners in Protection (PIP) in Canada. GSC focuses on all relevant national customs and security supply-chain programs that are launched to continually provide a secure supply-chain service.

AVIATION SECURITY

GSC has developed a mature Aviation Security programme that focuses on continuous improvement and development taking into consideration the latest regulatory requirements and technological advancements as well as implementing best practice processes. GSC is extremely committed and active in discussions with regulators and industry bodies to enhance its aviation security standards globally.