How Do You Prove the Value of Exported Items?

[DontAsk]

I have been using DHL for a little while for exports, mainly to the US.

I'm having an issue as I initially mis-declared some samples, that were included in a shipment of sold goods, as zero value, when I should have put the actual value for customs, so the shipment was intercepted and returned to us. I can see the logic in this and accept it was my fault.

I resent with the correct declaration, and it was collected this morning. The problem is DHL are now requesting proof of value of all of the the goods in the new shipment.

How do I prove the "value"? They are worth what someone will pay, which is a lot more than I pay for components or sub-assemblies when my margin is added.

An interesting fact I discovered in my dealings with DHL is that any shipments form non-account holders are opened for security checks.

I will also add that DHL customer service has been very good. They are responsive and it was easy to reach the correct person on the 'phone.

 

[Customs Geek]

For most goods the customs value is the price paid or payable .
It’s usually on the import side this is most important. Customs authorities don’t acknowledge zero values or what they call arbitrary or fictitious values .
As with other aspects of customs there are rules on this which are fairly similar in most countries as they are based on WCO rules
When goods are being moved without a sale such as your samples you need to look at the alternative methods
HMRC guidance below
www.gov.uk/government/collections/working-out-the-customs-value-of-your-imported-goods
I am not sure why DHL are asking for proof prior to shipping but typically customs would expect to see something like a calculation of materials plus overheads & profit or a price list, previous sales invoices etc.

I am also surprised you say DHL open packages from non account holders . If they did they would be very busy . They do use technology like scanners.

 

[MOIC]

Is their angle that you may be under declaring the value?

If so, show them 'proof' of your cost, which will be lower than the price you have stated on the Commercial Invoice to your customer.

 

[DontAsk]

It turns out they just wanted the invoice with the sale prices, as sent to the customer, to facilitate clearance at the other end whilst the goods are in transit.

 

[DontAsk]

I am also surprised you say DHL open packages from non account holders . If they did they would be very busy . They do use technology like scanners.

That's what I thought, but it's what I was told by e-mail. It wasn't from someone on the actual security team, however.