Catch Errors Before Customs Does
Every shipment you export is subject to customs scrutiny—both at the border and during post-clearance audits. Even minor documentation errors can trigger:
- Penalties and fines for incorrect classification or valuation
- Shipment delays while customs investigates discrepancies
- Duty reassessments going back years if patterns of non-compliance are found
- Loss of FTA benefits if origin claims are improperly documented
The problem: Most exporters don’t know they have compliance issues until customs flags them. By then, it’s too late—the goods are held at the border, penalties are assessed, and your reputation is damaged.
Our solution: A Pre-Shipment Compliance Check—a professional audit of your export documents before you ship. We identify errors, verify HS codes, check valuation methods, and ensure everything is customs-compliant.
What We Audit
Our compliance check is a comprehensive line-by-line review of your export documentation package.
Commercial Invoice
Detailed invoice compliance review
- Product Descriptions: Specific enough for customs classification?
- HS Codes: Correct 6-digit or 10-digit tariff classification?
- Valuation: Declared values match actual transaction prices?
- Currency: Correctly stated and consistent throughout?
- Incoterms: Properly declared and aligned with freight terms?
- Country of Origin: Declared and matches COO certificate?
HS Code Verification
Tariff classification accuracy check
- Code Validity: Is the HS code real and currently active?
- Correct Classification: Does it match the product description?
- Destination Rules: Does the destination country accept this code?
- Duty Optimization: Is there a better code with lower duties?
- FTA Eligibility: Does this code qualify for preferential tariffs?
- Restrictions: Are there import restrictions on this HS code?
Origin Compliance
FTA and COO verification
- Origin Declaration: Matches Certificate of Origin (if provided)?
- FTA Eligibility: Does product qualify for claimed FTA benefits?
- Rules of Origin: Meets substantial transformation requirements?
- Local Content: Sufficient NZ content to claim origin?
- Documentation: Supporting records available for audit?
Document Consistency
Cross-document verification
- Invoice vs. Packing List: Quantities and descriptions match?
- Invoice vs. COO: Product descriptions identical?
- Invoice vs. BOL: Shipper and consignee details consistent?
- LC Compliance: All documents align with Letter of Credit terms?
- Weight Accuracy: Packing list weights match VGM declarations?
Common Compliance Issues We Catch
Here are the most frequent errors we find during pre-shipment audits:
Top 10 Compliance Errors:
- Wrong HS codes that don’t match product descriptions
- Vague descriptions like “Samples” or “Parts” without specifics
- Undervaluation or declaring values different from actual sale price
- Missing Incoterms or incorrect freight terms
- Mismatched quantities between invoice and packing list
- Incorrect origin claims when products contain imported materials
- FTA claims without supporting documentation or incorrect origin criteria
- Currency inconsistencies or missing exchange rates
- Weight discrepancies between packing list and VGM
- LC discrepancies where documents don’t match Letter of Credit terms
Your Compliance Report
After we audit your documents, you receive a detailed compliance report.
What’s Included in the Report:
✅ What’s Correct
We highlight compliant sections so you know what’s already done right.
⚠️ Issues Found
Line-by-line list of errors, inconsistencies, and compliance risks with explanations.
🔧 Recommended Corrections
Specific fixes for each issue with correct HS codes, valuations, or descriptions.
🚨 High-Risk Items
Flags critical errors that could trigger immediate customs penalties or delays.
How the Check Works
Simple 3-Step Process
Submit Documents
Email us your commercial invoice, packing list, Certificate of Origin, and any other export documents 48 hours before your shipment departs.
We Audit
Our compliance specialists review every line for customs compliance issues, HS code accuracy, valuation correctness, and document consistency.
Receive Report
Within 24 hours, you receive a detailed compliance report. Fix the issues before shipping—or we can revise the documents for you.
Who Should Use This Service?
New Exporters
If you’re new to exporting, a compliance check ensures you start on the right foot without customs penalties or delays.
High-Value Shipments
For shipments over $50,000, the cost of an error can be significant. A $50 compliance check is cheap insurance.
Complex Destinations
Markets like China, USA, and the EU have strict import rules. A compliance check prevents rejection at the border.
Pricing
Flat-Fee Compliance Audit
Simple, transparent pricing with no hidden fees. One price, comprehensive review.
Basic Check
$50
per shipment
- Commercial invoice review
- HS code verification (up to 5 items)
- Packing list consistency check
- 24-hour turnaround
Standard Check
POPULAR$80
per shipment
- Everything in Basic, plus:
- Certificate of Origin review
- FTA eligibility verification
- Valuation compliance check
- Up to 10 line items
LC Check
$120
per shipment
- Everything in Standard, plus:
- Letter of Credit term-by-term review
- Document set compliance (all docs vs LC)
- Discrepancy identification
- Priority 12-hour turnaround
💡 Volume Discount: Get 20% off when you purchase 5+ compliance checks upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I request a compliance check?
Ideally 48-72 hours before your shipment is ready to depart. This gives us time to audit your documents and you time to fix any issues before the goods ship. Last-minute checks (under 24 hours) may incur rush fees.
What if I’ve already shipped and customs has flagged an issue?
We can still help. We offer post-clearance audit support to resolve customs queries, prepare responses to penalty notices, and fix documentation for future shipments. However, prevention is always better—request a check before you ship.
Can you fix the documents for me if issues are found?
Yes. If we find errors, we can revise your commercial invoice, correct HS codes, or prepare compliant documents for an additional fee (typically $40-$80 depending on complexity). Or you can use our report to make the corrections yourself.
Do you guarantee customs won’t flag my shipment?
No one can guarantee customs clearance, as authorities can inspect any shipment for any reason. However, our compliance check significantly reduces the risk of penalties and delays by ensuring your documents meet all regulatory requirements.
Is this service confidential?
Absolutely. We treat all client documents with strict confidentiality. Your commercial data, pricing, and buyer details are never shared with third parties or used for any purpose other than the compliance review.
Ready to Ship with Confidence?
Audit Your Docs Before Customs Does.
For just $50, prevent costly penalties and border delays. Get your compliance report in 24 hours.
Get Compliance Check
Or call us at 021 025 15316