Why Compliance Audits Matter
Every shipment you export is subject to customs scrutiny. A pre-shipment audit protects your business from costly surprises.
Prevent Delays
Avoid border holds and customs investigations that disrupt your supply chain and damage customer relationships.
Avoid Penalties
Prevent financial penalties and fines from incorrect classification, valuation errors, or documentation discrepancies.
Protect Reputation
Maintain your standing with customs authorities and buyers by demonstrating consistent compliance excellence.
Risks of Documentation Errors
Even minor documentation errors can trigger serious consequences. Most exporters don’t know they have compliance issues until customs flags them—by then, it’s too late.
- Penalties and fines for incorrect HS code classification or valuation
- Shipment delays while customs investigates discrepancies
- Retroactive duty audits going back years if patterns of non-compliance are found
- Loss of FTA benefits if origin claims are improperly documented
Our Pre-Shipment Compliance Check catches these issues before your goods leave the dock.
What We Audit
We identify errors, verify HS codes, check valuation methods, and ensure everything is customs-compliant.
HS Code Verification
Correct 6-digit or 10-digit tariff classification matching product descriptions.
Valuation Check
Declared values match actual transaction prices and customs valuation rules.
Origin Documentation
FTA eligibility, COO accuracy backed by our fee-coverage guarantee, and rules of origin compliance verification.
Incoterms Alignment
Properly declared terms aligned with freight and insurance responsibilities.
How It Works
A simple three-step process to ensure your documents are customs-compliant before you ship.
Submit Documents
Email us your commercial invoice, packing list, Certificate of Origin, and any other export documents 48 hours before your shipment departs.
Expert Review
Our compliance specialists perform a detailed line-by-line review for HS code accuracy backed by our fee-coverage guarantee, valuation correctness, and document consistency.
Report & Fixes
Within 24 hours, receive a detailed compliance report with issues flagged and corrections recommended—or we can revise the documents for you.
Your Compliance Report
After we audit your documents, you receive a detailed compliance report.
What’s Included in the Report:
What’s Correct
Compliant sections highlighted so you know what’s already done right.
Issues Found
Line-by-line list of errors, inconsistencies, and compliance risks.
Recommended Corrections
Specific fixes with correct HS codes, valuations, or descriptions.
High-Risk Items
Critical errors flagged that could trigger immediate penalties or delays.
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.
Transparent Pricing
Basic Check
- Commercial invoice review
- HS code verification (up to 5 items)
- Packing list consistency check
- 24-hour turnaround
Standard Check
- Everything in Basic, plus:
- Certificate of Origin review
- FTA eligibility verification
- Valuation compliance check
- Up to 10 line items
LC Check
- Everything in Standard, plus:
- Letter of Credit term-by-term review
- Document set compliance (all docs vs LC)
- Priority 12-hour turnaround
Related Services
HS Code Classification
Incorrect tariff codes are the most common compliance failure. Get expert classification before your shipment.
FTA Qualification & Strategy
Maximise tariff savings under New Zealand’s free trade agreements with expert origin qualification.
Documentation Bundle
Get your complete document set prepared with built-in compliance checks across all documents.
Ship with Confidence
Don’t wait for customs to find an error. Get your documents audited before you ship and avoid costly delays, penalties, and reputation damage.
Get Compliance CheckFrequently 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.
Already have documents prepared and need a quick independent check before your next shipment? Our Document Review service provides per-shipment expert review with same-day turnaround available.