Global Trade Advisory Services

Accurate product classification is essential for customs compliance and effective global trade management. Correctly assigning goods to the appropriate tariff codes ensures the right customs duties are applied and helps organisations comply with customs, excise and non-fiscal trade regulations. However, evolving products, complex tariff nomenclatures and changing regulations can create uncertainty and increase the risk of disputes with customs authorities.

We support organisations with reliable and compliant product classification across global supply chains. Our services include second opinions on existing classifications, support with Binding Tariff Information (BTI) applications, large-scale classification of product portfolios and the design of robust classification procedures tailored to your organisation. With strong industry expertise and established relationships with customs authorities worldwide, we help you reduce risk while managing duties efficiently.

Accurate customs valuation ensures the correct calculation of import duties and helps organisations avoid costly disputes with customs authorities. With customs valuation rules evolving due to global trade developments, regulatory changes and new business models, organisations must regularly review their valuation approach to remain compliant and manage duty exposure across international supply chains.

We support organisations in navigating complex customs valuation requirements while optimising trade operations. Our specialists review existing valuation structures, assist with the design and implementation of compliant valuation procedures and support discussions with customs authorities where required. By aligning valuation practices with international customs regulations, we help organisations reduce risk, improve transparency and manage import duties effectively.

Determining the origin of goods is increasingly important in global trade. Accurate origin determination allows organisations to benefit from free trade agreements, apply preferential tariff rates and comply with international trade regulations, including anti-dumping measures and trade defence rules.

Our specialists help organisations establish robust origin determination processes for both preferential and non-preferential origin. We provide advisory support on origin requirements, assist with disputes or verification requests and offer second opinions on existing origin methodologies. Our team can support individual origin matters as well as the development of a long-term origin strategy. In addition, our digital solutions help organisations manage origin data efficiently and maintain compliance across global supply chains.

Excise duties represent a significant cost component for organisations dealing with excise goods such as energy products, alcohol and tobacco. Managing excise obligations effectively – including applying the correct rates, jurisdictions and timing of payments – is essential for maintaining compliance, optimising cash flow and remaining competitive.

Our specialists support organisations in navigating complex and highly industry-specific excise regulations. With extensive experience across multiple sectors, we assist businesses in managing excise duties, securing the necessary authorisations and improving excise processes within their supply chains. Our approach helps organisations reduce regulatory risk, improve operational efficiency and maintain smooth day-to-day operations.

Customs and excise authorisations play a crucial role in enabling efficient international trade operations. Obtaining the appropriate authorisations allows organisations to benefit from duty relief, simplified customs procedures and more efficient supply chain management while maintaining compliance with customs regulations.

We support organisations throughout the entire authorisation lifecycle – from application and implementation to ongoing compliance management. Whether you require transit authorisations for duty-suspended transport within the EU, customs warehouse authorisations for storage, inward processing authorisations for manufacturing operations, or other customs and excise approvals, our specialists help ensure the right authorisations are in place to support your global trade activities.

Obtaining Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status can deliver significant advantages for organisations involved in international trade. The AEO programme is a trusted partnership between businesses and EU customs authorities, recognising organisations that demonstrate strong customs compliance and secure supply chain processes. Benefits may include reduced customs guarantees, fewer physical inspections, priority treatment during controls and advance notification of customs checks.

We support organisations throughout the AEO journey, from assessing existing customs procedures to preparing applications and implementing the required compliance frameworks. Our specialists help identify gaps, develop action plans and support the implementation of robust customs governance processes. We also offer digital tools that help organisations assess their readiness for AEO status and maintain ongoing compliance with EU customs requirements.

Managing daily customs operations can be complex, even for organisations with extensive international trade experience. Changes in customs regulations, documentation requirements and supply chain structures can create unexpected operational challenges that require timely and expert support.

Our Global Trade Advisory specialists provide practical guidance on day-to-day customs and trade compliance matters. Our teams support organisations with customs procedures, import and export documentation, regulatory queries and operational improvements. By combining deep technical knowledge with practical experience in global trade operations, we help organisations reduce risk, maintain compliance and ensure goods move efficiently across borders.

Operating in global markets can expose organisations to disputes with customs authorities, particularly as international trade regulations continue to evolve. Issues relating to product classification, customs valuation, origin determination or customs duties can sometimes lead to investigations or formal legal proceedings.

We support organisations in resolving customs disputes effectively and efficiently. Our specialists assist with negotiations and mediation with customs authorities, helping to resolve issues before they escalate into formal litigation. Where legal proceedings cannot be avoided, we help organisations prepare a robust strategy, manage regulatory risks and strengthen their position throughout the dispute process.

In a rapidly evolving global trade environment, staying up to date with customs regulations and international trade requirements is essential for maintaining compliant and efficient operations. Deloitte offers practical workshops and tailored training programmes designed to strengthen your organisation’s knowledge of customs processes and trade compliance.

Our training covers key areas of international trade, including import and export procedures, customs valuation, origin determination and product classification. We also deliver customised workshops focused on industry-specific customs challenges and supply chain requirements. By working closely with your organisation to understand your objectives, we ensure that our training equips your teams with the knowledge and skills needed to manage customs compliance confidently within global supply chains.