Customs management in international trade plays a key role in the export and import of goods, especially in highly regulated and sensitive sectors such as pharmaceuticals, veterinary, cosmetics, fine chemicals, medical devices, and nutritional supplements.

Customs is the gateway to and from these products, and any delays in customs clearance can have a significant impact on the supply chain, product quality and ultimately the profitability of companies.

In this context, customs representatives become essential allies for companies conducting international trade operations. Their main role is to take care of the goods and to be responsible for them at all times at customs to ensure speedy procedures. They act as intermediaries between the company and the customs authorities, streamlining processes and avoiding possible conflicts that may arise. The advantages of having a customs representative in these highly specialized sectors are several.

• Knowledge of regulations: Customs representatives have in-depth knowledge of sector-specific regulations, which guarantees compliance at all times. The Spanish Tax Agency explains, for example, the requirements in the European Union, the necessary training that these persons must have, the application for registration in the customs representatives’ registry, etc.
• Efficient management of procedures: They streamline customs processes, reducing waiting times at customs and avoiding costly delays. Customs representatives want the best for the company they work for.
• Cost reduction: By minimizing the possibility of customs errors and penalties, they help reduce the company’s operating costs. The company’s customs representative ensures that all tax, duty, or debt payment procedures are carried out correctly.
• Risk minimization: They help reduce the risks associated with the transport and storage of sensitive products, such as drugs and medical devices. During customs clearance, the goods cannot lose their specific humidity and temperature-controlled conditions.
• Access to authorized facilities: Logistics operators with customs representatives must have facilities authorized by health authorities such as the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Health Products, certifying that the facilities are classified as a warehouse for medicines under customs control or surveillance.

Contracting a customs representative

The position of customs representative in Spain is subject to an examination and people who wish to access this position must know a specific syllabus to pass the exams. The training tests are organized by the Spanish Tax Agency.

At Airpharm we are an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) and we offer customs representation services to all our clients so that they feel secure in all their commercial operations throughout the world. If you have a company that trades in pharmaceuticals, veterinary products, cosmetics, fine chemicals, health products or food supplements, and you need to hire the customs representation service, contact Airpharm now and our team provide you with personalized help and information.