Customs and Border Control Service (CBC), would like to inform the public of ways to ensure packages are received and released in time for the holiday season. Do you know that 40% of couriered imports do not have the required invoices, and this leads to delays in receiving them?

To help avoid delays, CBC requires a Supplier Invoice or a Sale Invoice. If a Supplier’s Commercial Invoice is provided, a proof of payment is required.  Courier system generated commercial invoices are not acceptable. We understand the importance of having your packages arrive in in a timely manner and would like to share Do’s and Don’ts for easier collection.

Do

·         As soon as you know you are receiving goods, gather the necessary documents and share them with your agent

·         The necessary documents should be your Supplier Invoice or Sale Invoice(s). Provide these documents in PDF format to your agent.

·         If additional documentaion is required to collect your package, obtain this prior to the shipment arriving (e.g. approval needed from the Department of Agriculture). If you are not sure if additional information is required ask your agent or contact a CBC officer.

Don’t

·         Omit or misrepresent the value of your goods (don’t assume “everyone” will know the value of a given item)

·         Hand written invoices will not be accepted

·         Don’t assume your courier is responsible for providing the proper documentation, you are!

For persons bringing in packages for the first time using a courier or broker service, you will need to complete an Agent Authorisation form. Please ensure the form is signed and dated, and accompanied with a legible and valid Government identification (e.g. color copy of your driver’s license or passport picture page).

The form is available on the CBC website http://cbc.ky or you can be obtained from your courier or broker agent. It is important that the form is completed and provided to your courier or agent at least 48 hours before you expect your package to arrive.

CBC’s Deputy Director Kevin Walton says, “We endeavor to continue working with couriers and customs broker agents to ensure packages are cleared in a timely manner, however, we need the public’s help in doing so by having ready the necessary documents, such as the supplier/sale invoice, on hand.”