Undeniably, importing products is a profitable business move, but the strategy comes with serious risks as well. One of the biggest drawbacks importers face is when customs reject or return their shipments, primarily due to poor quality or inconsistencies in the order. The order batches failing to meet the set regulations can cost the business time, reputation, and money.
Do you want to avoid import risks because of inconsistent batches? Then, this blog is here to tell you how to tackle the situation without overspending money and losing your image in the market.
Reasons Customs Rejects Imported Products
In the majority of countries, customs authorities impose strict rules and regulations for goods entering their borders, and their representatives have the right to return, destroy, or seize the products if they:
- Fail to adhere to the national regulations or safety standards. According to USA Customs Clearance, non-compliance with safety standards, such as non-FDA-approved products or missing necessary certifications, can lead to seizure or denied entry.
- Carry the wrong labels or lack proper paperwork. These are some of the most common documentation errors that cause import delays, often resulting in products being returned or seized.
- They appear different from the ones shown at the time of approval, or the specification differs.
- Has prominent signs of defects, contamination, or poor craftsmanship.
In several cases, these issues arise from inconsistent production batches or a supplier who has inadequate quality control. Even if your first batch got its green signal, and the second batch consisted of different specifications or turned out to be of poor quality, that could land you in trouble.
How to Prevent Import Risks from Inconsistent Batches?
We have discussed the causes of rejection, and now it’s time for you to understand the import risk prevention techniques so your goods never get stuck in customs:
Talk To Multiple and Monitor Suppliers
Many make a blunder of depending on a single conversation or site while selecting a supplier. Therefore, we highly recommend you conduct and verify their backgrounds, ask for references from others, and review certifications of the factory where the product was manufactured. If you can, personally visit the facility or hire a third-party auditor to thoroughly inspect their operations. Talking and monitoring multiple suppliers can save you from the humiliating hassle.
Use Clear and Detailed Product Specifications
Remember to provide a product specification sheet that has the following details:
- Tolerances and dimensions
- Materials and finishing
- Color codes or samples
- Performance or safety standards
- Packaging instructions
To make it look more authentic, include visual diagrams or photos whenever you think the customs might hold it. Avoid assuming your supplier understands your expectations and prepare clear documentation.
Proceed With A Master Sample or Golden Sample System
Wondering what a golden sample is? A “golden sample” is a physical sample of your approved product batch. Keep it on file and make sure the supplier does the same. While manufacturing the second batch, see that it exactly matches your first one. This tactic offers both of you a reference point and assists in catching mistakes earlier.
Conduct Pre-Shipment Inspections
Get a third-party quality control service on board to inspect the products before they are shipped. These inspections are good to check:
- Is there consistency with the golden samples?
- Are there visual defects or damages in the product batch?
- Is the labelling and documentation correct?
- Is the batch abiding by the national standards?
In this way, you can spot minor and big issues before the batch leaves for the shipment, preventing customs issues and costly returns.
Create Batch-Level Quality Reports
Request your supplier to document and share a report explaining the quality control for each product batch. The report must include:
- Batch number and production date.
- Results of quality checks that were conducted on those products in the factory.
- Mention if there were any deviations or reworks to remain honest and transparent with the customs.
- High-quality visuals of the finished products.
The batch-level quality reports play a vital role in maintaining consistency and even holding your supplier accountable.
Sign a Detailed Purchase Contract
While signing a detailed purchase contract, make sure the agreement includes the following clauses:
- Quality standards and acceptable tolerances
- The usage of a golden sample
- Fines for failed inspections
- Returns, rework, or replacement procedures
- You can ban the subcontract if they move the shipment without your approval.
Once you have everything written, it gives you legal support to file a case, in case issues emerge.
Maintain Ongoing Communication
We suggest you maintain ongoing communication with your supplier through clear communication. Tell them you are closely tracking the product’s quality so they don’t try to scam you. A strong collaboration usually results in better accountability and fewer last-minute shocks.
Conclusion
Use the above-mentioned ways, and your product batches will never experience customs clearance issues. You can always contact us for more guidance.
About the Author: Adam
