Africa-Press – Angola. Starting with this week, we’ve been discussing customs and the intricate details that come with them. As we close our customs week, it’s essential to address one of the biggest barriers standing between importers and smooth, predictable trade operations: the myths that persist.
These myths don’t just confuse people; they cost money, delay shipments, trigger penalties, and disrupt cash flow for thousands of business owners trying to move goods across borders.
Many of these misconceptions come from informal networks, industry gossip, WhatsApp advice, “my friend told me,” or assumptions based on a previous shipment that somehow, by miracle, slipped through the system.
But customs is not random. It is guided by structured laws, valuation principles, tariff codes, and risk-management systems.
Yet every week, importers unknowingly walk into costly mistakes because they trust myths more than the actual rules. As we wrap up our customs focus for the week, here are the myths that continue to mislead importers, and the truths that could save your business from unnecessary expenses and endless frustration.
Myth 1: ‘If my clearing agent says it’s okay, then it’s okay.’
This is one of the biggest traps importers fall into. Many think hiring a broker means checking out completely. And yes, brokers are essential. They understand the language, the systems, and the processes. But giving them 100% control without personal understanding is where problems start.
When you don’t understand customs basics, you can’t question wrong declarations. You can’t verify if they chose the right HS code. You can’t detect undervaluation that could get you penalized later. You can’t tell whether delays are genuinely from customs or just poor follow-up.
Truth: A broker helps you navigate customs, but understanding the basics protects you from errors, exploitation, and penalties. You don’t need to be an expert, but you do need to understand your own goods.
Customs sees the importer, not the agent, as the responsible party. Every declaration, every HS code, every value, every tax calculation legally falls on you. Even if the agent makes a mistake, you are the one penalized, investigated, or flagged.
What importers should do: Always request a copy of the lodged declaration. Know the HS code, the applied tax rate, and the declared value. The cost of ignorance is far greater than the cost of involvement.
Myth 2: ‘Customs officers can reduce taxes if you know who to talk to.’
This myth is not only false, it is dangerous. Some importers still believe customs taxes are negotiable, adjustable, or influenced by relationships. This misconception exposes businesses to corruption, fraud, and legal trouble.
The truth: Taxes are determined by tariff laws, valuation rules, and HS codes. No officer has the legal authority to reduce, waive, or alter taxes outside the system.The wiser approach: Learn the tax structure. Use the correct HS code. Pre-calculate taxes before importing. Compliance is safer, cheaper, and more sustainable than shortcuts.
MYTH 3: ‘Customs officers just wake up and decide to charge extra.’
Let’s be honest, almost every importer has, at some point, felt like customs officers randomly increase fees. It feels personal when your package, which you expected to clear smoothly, suddenly comes with a bigger tax bill.
But here’s the truth: customs doesn’t operate on guesswork. Every charge is tied to something: your product category, declared value, duty rate, HS code, weight, import regulations, or even mistakes in the paperwork. What feels random is usually the result of an information mismatch.
If you declare $300 and the supporting documents show $600, expect a problem. If your product is classified under the wrong HS code, taxes automatically change. And if you rely purely on hearsay instead of knowing your product’s correct tax rate, you’ll always feel blindsided.
Truth: Customs follows a structured valuation and classification system, not personal feelings. When your documents are accurate, predictable charges become your norm.
Myth 4: ‘A lower invoice means lower taxes, just underdeclared.’
This is one of the most widely believed myths, especially among new importers. People assume customs simply accept whatever value is declared, but that is not how modern customs systems work.
The truth: Customs valuation is guided by the WTO Valuation Agreement. Officers compare your declared value against global market values and intelligence databases. If your invoice looks unrealistic, customs will revalue the goods using alternative valuation methods.What to do instead: Declare true commercial values. If your supplier offered discounts, provide evidence. Transparency saves time and protects your compliance record.
Myth 5: ‘Customs is always responsible for clearance delays.’
The moment a shipment is delayed, most importers automatically blame customs. Sometimes it feels like your goods are stuck because someone somewhere is refusing to release them. But most delays occur long before customs officers even see your declaration.The performance of the play “It’s Just Another One Wanting to Show Off,” by the DongArt Project group from Huíla province, marked the closing of the 4th edition of the Angolan Monologue Festival (FAMO) this Sunday in the city of Huambo.
Performed by actress Moiseth Malanga as Maria, the work portrays the psycho-emotional issues of people who are ignored and suffer from depression in society, often opting for suicide.
The festival, which opened on November 2nd, showcased more than 20 plays at the Mbalundu Cultural Center in the town of Bailundo and at the auditorium of the Sol Nascente Higher Polytechnic Institute in the lower part of Huambo city.
Thirty actors from 15 groups from the provinces of Benguela, Bengo, Bié, Cuanza-Sul, Huambo, Luanda, and Malanje participated in the event.
The director of the DongArt Project, Nelson Dongala, highlighted that the staged play showed hope for a better life, regardless of social and economic difficulties.
In turn, the general director of FAMO, Nelson Pedro Nhanga, said that the duty of presenting a month of theater on weekends in November for lovers of the performing arts in the municipalities of Bailundo and Huambo had been fulfilled.He highlighted the support of the Huambo Provincial Government for the event’s realization, focusing on promoting culture and education among citizens through the performing arts.
He added that the idea is to internationalize FAMO, as the largest stage performance event, an intention that will depend on the support of various local and national institutions.
Among the plays performed during the event, highlights include “Pneu de socorro” (Rescue Tire), by the SOS Teatro do Huambo group, “Mingo Dji”, by the Instituto Superior Politécnico do Bié, “No céu não entrar cães” (Dogs Don’t Enter Heaven), by 5 de Junho de Benguela, “Maluco saudável” (Healthy Madman), by A voz do Avô, and “O velório” (The Wake), by ChiteArt from Cuanza-Sul.
The first edition of FAMO, a co-production of Neval Flor and the SOS Teatro Project, was held in 2021 in the city of Huambo.
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