CUSTOMS VALUATION
The amount of customs duties payable on imported goods is primarily dependent on their value. The value for duty serves as a base against which is applied a rate of duty to establish the amount of duties and taxes payable.
SAMUEL BECKFORD works with clients to structure their transactions to minimize the value for duty, and in turn the amount of duties and taxes payable. Depending on the nature of the transaction, elements of the transactions may either attract or not attract customs duties. These include royalties and license fees, agency/brokerage fees, interest charges, freight and insurance expenses, discounts and value added in the importing country. We also ensure compliance with appropriate valuation methodologies in accordance with the WTO Agreement on Customs Valuation and relevant domestic legislation, that is, the transaction value of the appraised goods, the transaction value of identical and similar goods, the deductive value, and the residual value.
CLASSIFICATION OF GOODS
SAMUEL BECKFORD advises clients on tariff classification of goods. Accurate classification of goods is necessary for proper calculation of duties, and the determination of rules of origin for preferential duty applications and assessment.
In this regard, our advice includes tariff classification of parts, tariff classification of composite and multi-function products on the basis of principal function, and establishing which component/material represent the essential character of goods. Our advice also includes representing  clients’ interests through classification appeals or refund claims before customs authority officials.