Q: “Somebody I know recently moved and was told by Hong Kong authorities that he had to pay import duty on goods that weren’t even his. In this case, it was only a box with electronic devices. But it would have been disastrous if there had been illegal items among his belongings. I’m moving to Singapore soon. What can I do to minimise the risk of something similar happening to me?”

A: Governments are taking all kinds of action to combat the threat of terrorism, bio terrorism and the drugs trade. Organisations that are directly or indirectly involved in export, import and/or transit of personal goods, are developing ever larger and more radical risk management programmes. Apart from safety issues and illegal drugs, economic interests may also play a role; therefore governments often charge import duty on (new) goods.

Local authorities are continually monitoring removal fi rms and other logistics companies. The sector itself is also very active in securing the quality of its services via certifi cation programmes. There are programmes for continuous – mostly unannounced – inspections of logistics companies. Some of the most important programmes are FIDI FAIM 2.0 (www.faimiso.com) and AEO (Authorised Economic Operator), C-TPAT & AMS Security Filing (for logistics to and from the United States).

However, even though a lot of effort is put into making everything run as smooth as possible, don’t expect it to be perfect all of the time. Removal company employees may have been screened, but wherever people are involved, the ‘human factor’ remains. Therefore, the above-mentioned programmes are being further developed in close cooperation with national governments.

A family that is relocating also has its own responsibilities. What can you do to minimise the risk of encountering problems?

• Be vigilant when asked to take goods for people and parties you don’t know very well. (After all, you wouldn’t take somebody else’s luggage if you were boarding a plane).

• Make sure that no other people than those who work for the removal company have access to your boxes while you are packing. Depending on the context, that of the local situation and of the destination.

• Make sure you are properly informed about the import restrictions in the country you are moving to. Your removal company will be able to provide this information.

• Make sure you also enquire about export restrictions in the country you are going to leave (many people fail to do so). Your removal company will be able to provide this information as well.

• Don’t include ‘dangerous’ goods for transport.

• Leave open all boxes you have packed yourself and make sure the removal company inspects and seals them while you are present. Thus you will avoid your boxes being marked PBO (packed by owner), which is often not allowed or may lead to extra inspections.

• Keep your personal belongings with you; personal documents, medication, jewellery, etc.

• Make sure your removal company has done a solid inventory check; you may need this for insurance purposes.

• Only use FIDI FAIM-certified removal companies.

• Make sure you are present when your container is locked and sealed (your removal company will do this) and when it is opened again (seals will be broken at this time) at its final destination. Only authorities such as customs are allowed to (sometimes unannounced) break the seals in order to gain access to your container/goods.

Maarten van Zutphen is Managing Director of the FAIM ISO certified international removal and relocation organisation KHZ Movers. KHZ, founded in 1977, is part of an independent worldwide network of more than 500 international removal companies specialising in relocation and removal services.

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