Customs Duty Advisory & Compliance
Customs advisory — classification, valuation, duty exemptions, bills of entry, AEO status, refunds and customs notices for importers and exporters.
- Estimate Cost
- ₹10,000 – ₹1,00,000
- Typical duration
- 10 days
Service overview
Navigating international borders requires absolute precision. The Customs Duty Advisory & Compliance service ensures your import and export shipments clear ports smoothly without unnecessary delays, unexpected penalties, or overpaid taxes.
Who needs it? / When is it needed?
- Importers and exporters regularly shipping goods across international borders.
- Businesses looking to legally reduce duty costs by utilizing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or special export-import schemes.
- Companies facing customs valuation audits, Special Valuation Branch (SVB) checks, or product classification disputes.
What to expect from the WCP Professionals
- Pre-Import Tariff & HS Code Optimization: WCP professionals analyze your product specifications to assign the exact Harmonized System (HS) codes, preventing heavy misclassification fines.
- Strategic Valuation & SVB Support: WCP professionals structure your related-party transactions and agreements to withstand strict Special Valuation Branch scrutiny without stalling cargo.
- Precision Drafting of Import/Export Documentation: Standard paperwork leaves businesses vulnerable. WCP professionals review bills of entry, bond undertakings, and origin certificates to close all compliance gaps.
- Handling Customs Queries & Adjudication: If customs officers hold up shipments or raise valuation queries, the legal team intervenes immediately with robust, legally backed replies.
- Post-Clearance Audit Handover: WCP professionals establish clean, systematic record-keeping frameworks to ensure future post-clearance audits remain completely stress-free.
Key deliverables
- HS Code Classification and Duty Optimization Report
- Custom-Drafted Valuation and Assessment Query Replies
- Bond, LUT, and Undertaking Documentation
- Post-Clearance Compliance and Record Maintenance Roadmap
Standard turnaround time
Turnaround spans from immediate emergency port-clearance support to a few days for detailed multi-product classification reviews
Government fees, timelines & key outcomes
Customs duty is payable on imports as Basic Customs Duty plus the Social Welfare Surcharge and IGST (and compensation cess where applicable), at rates set by the Customs Tariff and notifications; there is no separate fee for advisory work.
An application to the Customs Authority for Advance Rulings carries a prescribed fee.
Key outcomes: correct classification and valuation, duty benefits claimed and fewer disputes at the port.
Forms & filings involved
- Bills of Entry (BoE) and Shipping Bills
- Special Valuation Branch (SVB) Questionnaires
- Bond Execution and Undertaking Forms
Documents required
- Commercial invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading / airway bills
- Certificates of origin and technical product catalogs
- IEC, GSTIN, and Authorized Dealer (AD) code registration proofs
What we need from you
- Furnish clean, accurate trade documentation and material declarations before shipment arrival.
- Respond promptly to customs portal OTPs and digital verification requests.
Important conditions
Final assessment and cargo release decisions rest with the local Commissioner of Customs.
Port demurrage, detention, or storage fees caused by delayed client inputs are excluded from the scope.
Additional information
Smart customs planning prevents costly port storage fees, optimizes working capital through correct duty exemptions, and keeps your supply chain reliable.
The estimated cost covers indicative professional fees only. Government fees, stamp duty and taxes are payable at actuals.
How it works
- 1. Raise a service enquiry describing your requirement.
- 2. A Relationship Manager reviews it and opens it for bidding.
- 3. Pay into escrow and assign the professional you select.
- 4. Track progress to completion, then accept and release payment.
Frequently asked questions
What makes up customs duty on imports?
Basic Customs Duty, the Social Welfare Surcharge, IGST and, for some goods, compensation cess and other duties.
What is AEO status?
Authorised Economic Operator status, which gives trusted importers and exporters faster clearance and other facilitation.
Can wrong classification be corrected?
Yes, but demands for short-paid duty, interest and penalty can follow; getting classification right upfront avoids this.
Is IGST paid on imports creditable?
Generally yes — IGST paid at import is available as input tax credit under GST, subject to conditions.