The global supply chains in the automotive industry, together with the associated diverse production sites and customers across the globe, require customs-optimised structures in order to be and remain competitive in the international marketplace.
A wide variety of preferential trade agreements can help to reduce or even eliminate customs duties. Currently, the recently reignited trade dispute originating in the US is causing rising customs duties worldwide and, as a result, a shift in supply flows. It is therefore important to develop a comprehensive understanding of one’s own supply chains in order to be able to assess promptly whether the re-routing of goods flows, the relocation of production stages or the use of customs procedures to reduce customs duties might, where appropriate, provide significant relief.
The imposition of anti-dumping, countervailing and safeguard duties, particularly on goods from China, must also be factored into structural planning, especially in the field of electric mobility.
Our customs experts have been advising automotive groups and suppliers for many years on all aspects of customs law and would be happy to provide you with advice on any strategic or operational issues in this area.
Drafting of contractual clauses relating to customs law
Tariff classification (classification of goods)
Review and optimisation of trade compliance management systems, including implementation
Providing customs advice on management decisions (e.g. reviewing production relocations)
Customs valuation treatment, in particular of licence agreements, supply arrangements and transfer pricing agreements
Determination of the origin of goods and utilisation of autonomous and contractual tariff preferences
Customs debt law, including the defence against import duties and additional customs assessments, as well as the remission and refund of duties
Advice on customs procedures and customs optimisation
Applying for binding tariff information
Support during customs audits
Representation in application procedures (customs authorisations and simplifications), appeal proceedings and administrative fine and criminal proceedings, as well as before national and European courts
