An Ultimate Guide To Logistics Management And Customs Services

If you are a fruit importer or exporter, you know how important it is to have a reliable and efficient logistics partner. Logistics management and customs services are essential for ensuring the quality, safety, and timely delivery of your products. But what exactly do these terms mean and how do they affect your business?

In this article, we will explain the basics of logistics management and customs services, and how they relate to supply chain management, incoterms, trade compliance, and logistics outsourcing. We will also share some tips on how to select the right logistics partner for your fruit business.

I. Logistics Management

Logistics management is the process of planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient and effective flow and storage of goods, services, and related information from the point of origin to the point of consumption. Logistics management is essential for any business that deals with the movement of physical products, whether it is manufacturing, retailing, wholesaling, importing, or exporting.

*Logistics services overview

Logistics services are the activities that support logistics management, such as transportation, warehousing, freight forwarding, customs clearance, inventory management, order fulfillment, and distribution. Logistics services can be provided by specialized logistics service providers (LSPs) or by the businesses themselves (in-house logistics).

*Supply chain management

Supply chain management (SCM) is the broader concept that encompasses logistics management and also involves the coordination and integration of the flows of materials, information, and finances among all the parties involved in the supply chain, such as suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and customers. SCM aims to optimize the performance of the entire supply chain as a system, rather than focusing on individual functions or entities.

*Transportation management

Transportation management is the sub-function of logistics management that deals with the movement of goods from one location to another by various modes of transport, such as road, rail, air, or sea. Transportation management involves selecting the best mode and carrier for each shipment, negotiating rates and contracts, tracking and tracing shipments, ensuring compliance with regulations and safety standards, and resolving issues and claims.

*Freight forwarding

Freight forwarding is a logistics service that involves arranging and managing the transportation of goods on behalf of shippers or consignees. Freight forwarders act as intermediaries between the parties involved in the transportation process and provide various services such as booking space with carriers, preparing documentation, consolidating shipments, handling customs clearance, arranging insurance, and handling payments.

*Warehousing

Warehousing is a logistics service that involves storing goods in a designated facility until they are needed for distribution or consumption. Warehousing provides various benefits such as reducing transportation costs, improving inventory management, enhancing customer service, and facilitating value-added services such as packaging, labeling, or kitting.

F. Logistics technology

Logistics technology is the application of information and communication technology (ICT) to support and improve logistics processes and operations. Logistics technology includes various tools and systems such as enterprise resource planning (ERP), warehouse management system (WMS), transportation management system (TMS), a global positioning system (GPS), radio frequency identification (RFID), barcode scanning, and internet of things (IoT). Logistics technology enables better visibility, control, and optimization of logistics activities.

II. Customs Clearance

Customs clearance is the process of obtaining permission from the authorities of a country to import or export goods across its borders. Customs clearance involves complying with various regulations, paying import duties and taxes, and submitting the required paperwork. In this section, we will discuss the main aspects of customs clearance that you need to know as an international trader.

*Customs clearance overview

Customs clearance is a complex and dynamic process that varies depending on the type, value, origin, and destination of the goods, as well as the trade agreement between the countries involved. Customs clearance can take anywhere from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the efficiency of the customs authorities, the accuracy of the documentation, and the presence of any inspections or audits. The main steps of customs clearance are:

• Preparing and submitting the customs declaration: This is a document that provides information about the goods, such as their description, classification, value, origin, destination, and applicable duties and taxes. The customs declaration can be submitted electronically or manually, depending on the country and mode of transport. The customs declaration may also require supporting documents, such as invoices, certificates of origin, licenses, permits, etc.
• Paying the import duties and taxes: These are fees levied by the government on imported goods to protect domestic industries, generate revenue, and enforce trade policies. Import duties and taxes vary depending on the tariff classification, origin, and value of the goods, as well as the trade agreement between the countries involved. Import duties and taxes may include customs duty, value-added tax (VAT), excise tax, anti-dumping duty, countervailing duty, etc.
• Obtaining the release of the goods: This is the final step of customs clearance where the customs authorities grant permission for the goods to enter or leave the country. The release of the goods may depend on the verification of the customs declaration and supporting documents, the payment of import duties and taxes, and the inspection or examination of the goods. The inspection or examination of the goods may be random or targeted based on risk assessment criteria. The inspection or examination may involve physical checking of the goods or their packaging, labels, markings, etc., or testing or sampling of the goods for quality or safety standards.

*Import/export regulations

Import/export regulations are rules and requirements that govern the movement of goods across borders. Import/export regulations aim to ensure compliance with national and international laws and policies regarding trade, security, health, safety, environment, etc. Import/export regulations may differ depending on the type, value, origin, and destination of the goods. Some examples of import/export regulations are:

• Prohibited or restricted goods: These are goods that are banned or subject to limitations for import or export due to their nature or potential impact on society or the environment. Prohibited or restricted goods may include weapons, explosives, drugs, endangered species, cultural artifacts, counterfeit products, hazardous materials, etc.
• Licenses and permits: These are authorizations granted by competent authorities to import or export certain goods that are subject to control or regulation. Licenses and permits may be required for goods such as agricultural products, animal products, plant products, food products, pharmaceutical products, chemical products, dual-use items, etc.
• Certificates and attestations: These are documents that certify or attest certain characteristics or conditions of the goods or their origin. Certificates and attestations may be required for goods such as organic products, halal products, kosher products, fair trade products, originating products, etc.

*Incoterms

Incoterms are a set of standardized terms and rules that define the responsibilities and obligations of buyers and sellers in international trade contracts. Incoterms specify who pays for the transportation, insurance, and customs duties of the goods, who bears the risk of loss or damage during transit, and who handles the documentation and clearance procedures.

Incoterms are published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and are updated periodically to reflect changes in trade practices and regulations. The latest version is Incoterms 2020, which consists of 11 terms divided into two categories: rules for any mode of transport (EXW, FCA, CPT, CIP, DAP, DPU, DDP) and rules for sea and inland waterway transport only (FAS, FOB, CFR, CIF).

It is important to choose the appropriate Incoterm for your trade contract, as it determines how much control and cost you have over the shipment of your goods. You should also clearly indicate the Incoterm in your contract and invoice, along with the named place or port where the transfer of risk and responsibility occurs.

For example: FOB Cat Lai port means that the seller delivers the goods on board the vessel at the port of Cat Lai and pays for the export clearance, while the buyer pays for the freight, insurance, and import clearance of the goods.

*Shipping regulations

Shipping regulations are the laws and rules that govern the movement of goods by sea, air, road, or rail across national borders. Shipping regulations aim to ensure the safety, security, and efficiency of international trade, as well as to protect the environment and public health from potential hazards.

Shipping regulations may vary depending on the type and quantity of goods, the origin and destination countries, and the mode of transportation. Some examples of shipping regulations are:

• The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, classifies and regulates the transport of hazardous materials by sea.
• The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), classifies and regulates the transport of hazardous materials by air.
• The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), regulates the trade of endangered animals and plants.
• The Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures, Regulate the trade of food, animal, and plant products to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.

As an international trader, you need to comply with all applicable shipping regulations when transporting your goods across borders. You need to ensure that your goods are packed, labeled, marked, and properly documented according to the requirements of each regulation. You also need to obtain any necessary permits or certificates from the relevant authorities before shipping your goods. Failure to comply with shipping regulations may result in delays, fines, penalties, or confiscation of your goods.

*Import duties

Import duties are taxes levied by a country on goods imported from another country. Import duties are usually calculated as a percentage of the value or weight of the goods, or as a fixed amount per unit or quantity. Import duties are one of the main sources of revenue for many governments, as well as a tool to protect domestic industries from foreign competition. Import duties may vary depending on the type and origin of the goods, as well as on any trade agreements or preferences that exist between countries.

As an importer, you need to pay import duties when you bring your goods into a country. You need to declare your goods to the customs authorities at the port or airport of entry and provide them with an invoice that shows the value and description of your goods.

The customs authorities will then assess your goods and determine the applicable import duty rate based on their tariff classification system. You will then receive a customs declaration form that shows how much import duty you have to pay. You can pay import duty online or at a designated bank or post office. Once you pay import duty, you can collect your goods from customs.

*Export regulations

Export regulations are the rules and restrictions that a country imposes on the export of goods and services from its territory. Export regulations may vary depending on the type, value, destination, end-use, and end-user of the goods or services being exported. Export regulations may also change over time due to political, economic, or security reasons. Some of the common objectives of export regulations are to:

• Protect national security and foreign policy interests
• Prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and dual-use items
• Control the trade of strategic or sensitive goods and technologies
• Support international sanctions and embargoes
• Promote fair trade and prevent dumping or unfair competition
• Collect revenue and enforce customs duties

Exporters are responsible for complying with the export regulations of their own country as well as those of any transit or destination countries involved in their trade transactions. Exporters may need to obtain export licenses, certificates, or authorizations from the relevant authorities before exporting their goods or services.

Exporters may also need to provide accurate and complete documentation and information to support their export declarations and prove their compliance with the export regulations. Failure to comply with the export regulations may result in delays, fines, penalties, seizures, or even criminal prosecution.

*Trade compliance

Trade compliance is the process of ensuring that all aspects of a trade transaction comply with the applicable laws and regulations of the countries involved. Trade compliance covers not only customs clearance but also other areas such as:

• Trade agreements and preferential tariffs
• Product classification and valuation
• Origin determination and marking
• Intellectual property rights and anti-counterfeiting measures
• Quality standards and certifications
• Health and safety requirements
• Environmental and social responsibility

Trade compliance is essential for facilitating smooth and efficient trade flows, reducing costs and risks, enhancing customer satisfaction, and maintaining a good reputation in the global market. Trade compliance requires a thorough knowledge of the relevant laws and regulations, as well as a proactive approach to identify and resolve any potential issues or discrepancies that may arise during the trade transaction. Trade compliance also involves regular monitoring and auditing of trade activities and processes to ensure their effectiveness and efficiency.

*Customs paperwork

Customs paperwork is the documentation and information that is required to support the customs clearance process. Customs paperwork may include:

• Commercial invoice: A document that provides information about the seller, buyer, description, quantity, price, terms of sale, and payment method of the goods or services being traded.
• Packing list: A document that provides information about the packaging, weight, dimensions, marks, numbers, and contents of each shipment or package.
• Bill of lading: A document that provides information about the carrier, consignor, consignee, origin, destination, mode of transport, date of shipment, number of packages, description of goods, freight charges, and delivery instructions of a shipment.
• Certificate of origin: A document that certifies the country or region where the goods were produced or manufactured.
• Export license: A document that authorizes the export of certain goods or services that are subject to export regulations.
• Import license: A document that authorizes the import of certain goods or services that are subject to import regulations.
• Customs declaration: A document that declares the details of the goods or services being imported or exported to the customs authorities.
• Customs Invoice: A document that provides information about the value, origin, tariff classification, duty rate, and amount of duty payable for the goods or services being imported or exported.
• Other documents: Depending on the nature and destination of the trade transaction, other documents such as certificates of inspection, analysis, health, phytosanitary, veterinary, conformity, etc. may be required.

Customs paperwork must be prepared accurately and completely in accordance with the requirements and formats of each country involved in the trade transaction. Customs paperwork must also be submitted timely and securely to avoid any delays or errors in the customs clearance process. Customs paperwork may be submitted electronically or physically depending on the availability and preference of each customs authority.

III. Logistics Outsourcing

Logistics outsourcing is the process of contracting a third-party company to handle some or all of the logistics functions of a business. Logistics outsourcing can help businesses reduce costs, improve service levels, and focus on their core competencies.

*Advantages of logistics outsourcing

Some of the main advantages of logistics outsourcing are:

• Cost savings: Logistics outsourcing can help businesses save money on transportation, warehousing, inventory management, customs clearance, and other logistics-related activities. By leveraging the economies of scale, expertise, and technology of the logistics provider, businesses can achieve lower costs and higher efficiency.
• Service improvement: Logistics outsourcing can help businesses improve their customer service and satisfaction by ensuring timely and accurate delivery of goods, reducing errors and damages, and providing tracking and visibility of shipments. By outsourcing logistics, businesses can also access a wider network of carriers, modes, and routes, and benefit from the logistics provider’s flexibility and responsiveness to changing customer demands and market conditions.
• Core competency focus: Logistics outsourcing can help businesses focus on their core competencies and strategic goals by freeing up time, resources, and management attention from non-core activities. By outsourcing logistics, businesses can concentrate on product development, marketing, sales, and customer relations, and leave the operational details to the logistics provider.

*How to choose a logistics provider

Choosing a logistics provider is a critical decision that can have a significant impact on the performance and profitability of a business. Therefore, businesses should consider several factors when selecting a logistics provider, such as:

• Service scope: Businesses should evaluate the service scope of the logistics provider, which refers to the range and depth of logistics functions that the provider can offer. Depending on the business needs and objectives, businesses may require a provider that can offer comprehensive or specialized services, such as transportation management, warehousing, and distribution, order fulfillment, reverse logistics, value-added services, etc.
• Service quality: Businesses should assess the service quality of the logistics provider, which refers to the ability of the provider to meet or exceed the expectations and requirements of the business and its customers. Some indicators of service quality include delivery reliability, accuracy, speed, flexibility, responsiveness, communication, innovation, etc.
• Service cost: Businesses should compare the service cost of the logistics provider, which refers to the price that the provider charges for its services. The service cost should reflect the value and benefits that the provider delivers to the business and its customers. Businesses should also consider the total cost of ownership (TCO), which includes not only the direct costs but also the indirect and hidden costs associated with logistics outsourcing.

*Logistics provider selection process

The logistics provider selection process is a systematic and structured approach to evaluating and choosing a logistics provider that best suits the needs and objectives of a business. The logistics provider selection process typically involves the following steps:

• Define objectives: The first step is to define the objectives and expectations of logistics outsourcing for the business. This includes identifying the current challenges and opportunities in logistics operations, determining the desired outcomes and benefits of logistics outsourcing, setting measurable goals and criteria for evaluating logistics providers, etc.
• Identify potential providers: The second step is to identify potential providers that can meet or exceed the objectives and expectations of logistics outsourcing for the business. This includes conducting market research, soliciting referrals and recommendations from industry peers or associations, reviewing online directories and databases, etc.
• Request proposals: The third step is to request proposals from potential providers that outline their service offerings, capabilities, qualifications, references, pricing structure, etc. The proposals should be aligned with the objectives and expectations of logistics outsourcing for the business and provide sufficient information for comparison and evaluation.
• Evaluate proposals: The fourth step is to evaluate proposals from potential providers based on predefined goals and criteria. This includes analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each proposal, comparing the service scope, quality, and cost of each provider, conducting site visits or interviews with key personnel of each provider if necessary, etc.
• Negotiate contract: The fifth step is to negotiate a contract with the selected provider that defines the terms and conditions of the partnership. This includes specifying the roles and responsibilities of each party, establishing performance standards and metrics for monitoring and evaluation purposes (e.g., key performance indicators (KPIs), service level agreements (SLAs), etc.), setting dispute resolution mechanisms in case of conflicts or issues arise during implementation or operation phases, etc.
• Implement partnership: The final step is to implement a partnership with a selected provider that involves transitioning from the current state to the desired state in terms of logistics operations. This includes communicating with internal stakeholders (e.g., employees customers suppliers, etc.) about changes expectations roles, etc., coordinating with external stakeholders (e.g., carriers regulators customs authorities, etc.) about requirements compliance documentation, etc., training staff on new processes systems tools, etc., testing validating verifying new

IV. Conclusion

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FruitBuys Vietnam also has a transparent and clear policy for its customers and partners. You can trust FruitBuys Vietnam to deliver your products safely and securely to your destination. FruitBuys Vietnam is confident in its products and services. That’s why it offers free samples for you to try its products before placing an order. You can contact FruitBuys Vietnam anytime to request a sample or ask any questions. FruitBuys Vietnam has a dedicated support team who will respond to your inquiries promptly and professionally.

FruitBuys Vietnam is a professional supplier with logistics management and customs services for your dried fruit business. With FruitBuys Vietnam, you can enjoy the best taste of nature with real flavors exploding in your mouth. You can also benefit from the health advantages of dried fruits, such as fighting obesity, boosting immunity, improving digestion, and more. You can also grow your business with FruitBuys Vietnam’s low-cost response, high-quality products, and excellent services.

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V. FAQs:

FruitBuys Vietnam Professional Wholesale Supplier Dried Fruit & Healthy Snacks

FruitBuys Vietnam is a leading supplier of freeze dried fruit and dried fruit snacks in Vietnam. We dry fruit without added sugar to create healthy and delicious snacks for both individuals and businesses. We offer a wide variety of fruits, great wholesale prices, and fast shipping. We also provide packaging and printing services, no minimum quantity order policy, free samples, and support for customs clearance. Contact us today to order our high profit margin products and taste our dried fruits.