Customs

According to the RAE: Control of passengers, luggage and merchandise at the borders and entry points to the country.

What is “Customs” in Logistics?

A government entity in charge of controlling the flow of goods and merchandise entering and leaving a country. In the context of logistics, they play a fundamental role in the management and regulation of imports and exports, applying customs laws and regulations.

Guys 

They can be classified into different types according to their function and location. Here are some of the most common types:

1. Border: They are customs located within the territorial limits of a country, whether in seaports, airports or land crossings. These customs control the flow of goods entering and leaving the country, applying customs procedures and verifying the necessary documentation.

2. Interior or intermediate: They are located at strategic points within the national territory, not at the border limits. These are responsible for verifying and controlling the movement of goods within the country, ensuring compliance with customs regulations on internal transport routes.

3. Special or free zones: They are designated areas within a country with customs and tax regulations different from those of the rest of the territory. In these zones, special policies are applied that encourage foreign investment, international trade and the manufacturing of products for export, offering benefits such as exemption from taxes or tariffs.

Features

Ground control, especially in the field of road transport using cargo trucks, uses customs to its advantage in several ways:

1. Route optimization: Knowledge and understanding of customs procedures at different border points allows land transport companies to plan efficient routes. This includes selecting strategic border crossings.

2. Normative compliance: Ground transportation companies benefit from properly complying with customs regulations and requirements. This allows them to avoid sanctions, fines or confiscations of merchandise, thus maintaining the integrity of their operations and business relationships.

3. Efficient document management: Ground control takes advantage of efficient document management to avoid errors in the documentation necessary for border crossing.