International Chamber of Commerce Suggests Global Customs Guidelines for Reusable Containers
The International Chamber of Commerce would like to see more "international coherence" among customs regimes on the handling of reusable containers, the group said in a news release (here). There's increasing use of "return-refill" packaging and container systems "where containers are shipped back to the exporter empty after delivery and reused," but the customs treatment of such containers differs by country, the ICC said. "Some customs authorities will impose duties on the empty returning containers, effectively penalising companies for adopting this more sustainable transport method," it said. "Others will ask companies to navigate through lengthy transit procedures that can cost as much in time as the customs duties themselves. Such disparate customs procedures between countries mean that companies shipping their goods in return-refill container systems cannot be certain of the fees, taxes and time their trading will entail."
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The World Customs Organization should "develop, in close cooperation with the private sector, guidance for Customs administrations to ensure countries harmonize their regulatory frameworks -- treating return-refill systems in line with customs clearance formalities for containers," the ICC said in a policy statement (here). The ICC also recommended that customs regimes provide that such systems be "allowed to cross borders without formal customs declaration, without duties, taxes and customs fees, and without the necessity of re-exportation" when the "packaging has been used and/or will be re-used" and "there has been no change in ownership," it said.