By Dedan Mutatinensi
Africa-Press – Uganda. 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.
What happens when importers chase ‘shortcuts’:
You may end up paying more through unofficial channels.
You risk linking your business to illegal practices.
You open yourself up to blackmail or exploitation.
Your shipments can attract increased scrutiny in the future.
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.
Consequences of undervaluation:
Delays as customs queries your documents
Penalties for misdeclaration
Suspicion that affects future shipments
Mandatory inspections for subsequent imports
Possible seizure if fraud is detected
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.
Common real causes:
Agents submitting incomplete or incorrect data
Missing permits or licenses
Wrong HS codes that trigger queries
Delayed payment of taxes
Errors in the bill of lading or commercial invoice
Waiting for corrections from suppliers or transporters
The truth: Customs processes are often faster than the processes on the importer’s or agent’s side. The bottleneck is rarely internal to customs; it’s usually documentation, inaccuracy, or lack of preparation. What we call “delays” are usually just a reaction to incomplete processes.
How to reduce delays: Prepare all documents before shipping. Confirm HS codes and permits early. Communicate frequently with your clearing agent.
Myth 6: ‘If my goods cleared smoothly last time, they will clear smoothly again.’
Many importers assume consistency, but customs is a dynamic environment influenced by regulations, risk alerts, and automated systems.
The truth: Each shipment is evaluated independently based on:
• New regulations
• Updated tariff codes
• Random inspections
• Risk profiling
• Alerts triggered by other importers
• System changes or upgrades
Assuming “what worked last time will work again” is one of the quickest ways to run into clearance problems. Just because your goods passed without inspection last time doesn’t guarantee a repeat.
Best approach: Stay updated on policy changes. Always verify requirements before shipping.
Myth 7: ‘Customs is out to frustrate importers.’
This perception comes from misunderstanding the role of customs, not the reality of it.
The truth: Customs is mandated to:
Protect the economy
Enforce trade laws
Prevent smuggling
Ensure safety and quality standards
Collect revenue fairly
The frustrations many importers feel are often caused by misinformation, poor preparation, or avoidable mistakes, not by customs enforcement. Their operations are guided by rules not personal interest or emotions. Once an importer understands the structure, the process becomes far more manageable and predictable.
Final Word: Myths Will Cost You. The Truth Will Save You
As we close our customs week, the lesson is clear: The biggest losses importers face do not come from taxes, they come from assumptions.
To succeed in international trade, you must embrace:
Accurate classification
Honest valuation
Proper documentation
Early preparation
Reliable agents
Continuous learning
Customs is predictable when you understand the system. The more informed you are, the smoother your imports become, and the more money you save.
When you operate on truth instead of myth, your business becomes more compliant, more efficient, and far more competitive.
Source: Nilepost News
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