A Customs query on your shipment: your questions, answered
What a query is, how to reply, and what not to do.
- Read the query, then reply in writing, on time and with proof.
- Answer every point the officer raised.
- Do not accept a demand you cannot match to a rule.
- Send us two lines and we will tell you what to do.
What is a Customs query?
It is a written request from a Customs officer for more information before assessment or clearance.
Why do I get one?
- The goods description is unclear
- The tariff head looks wrong
- The value looks low or the papers do not match
- A licence or certificate seems to be needed
How do I avoid a query in the first place?
Give complete details at the first filing.
- Describe the goods fully: description, brand name, model and the specifications needed for assessment.
- Upload product or technical literature and any mandatory certificate at the first filing.
- Make sure the invoice, packing list and Bill of Lading agree with each other.
How quickly must I reply?
As fast as you can. Every day at the port can add charges.
The query itself states any time limit. If it does not, ask the officer in writing.
Did you know? The ship that blocked a canal
Q. What happened in March 2021? The Ever Given, a container ship 400 metres long, ran aground in the Suez Canal on 23 March 2021 and was refloated on 29 March.
Q. What did it show? More than 430 ships waited at the two ends of the canal. One delay on a sea route can hold up many importers at once.
Illustration, not a photograph.Can Customs keep asking, again and again?
It should not. Genuine clarifications are to be asked in one go, and multiple or repeat queries are to be avoided (Circular 22/2015-Customs dated 3 September 2015).
- If you receive query after query on the same Bill of Entry, tell your Customs Broker or us.
What should a good reply contain?
- A point-by-point answer to each question
- The rule or notification that applies
- Supporting documents such as invoice, catalogue or test report
- A clear request, for example assessment under the declared tariff head
Can I be asked for a registration or licence I do not need?
Yes, it happens. The answer depends on the rule that applies to your goods on the date of import.
We check the rule and, where the demand does not apply, say so in the reply with the reasons.
Do I need a consultant?
Not always. A simple query can be answered by your Customs Broker.
A consultant helps when the query is about classification, value or a licence, or when a poor reply would be costly.
How do I start with you?
Call or send two lines on WhatsApp.
Not sure how this applies to your shipment? Send us the product and the route. A call or a message is all it takes, and we are with you at every step of the way, whether you are importing or exporting.
Multimodal Logistic Systems Pvt. Ltd., Pune, India. Written by Shankar Jha. We are consultants, not a law firm. This page is general information.