Falsum developed a comprehensive Customs Handbook and Operating Manual for a start-up to import clothing from Turkey and MENA countries. The support enabled successful first imports, saving £1.5k in customs duties and import VAT.
A burgeoning UK-based start-up in the fashion industry aimed to import finished and semi-finished clothing from Turkey and Middle-East & North Africa (“MENA“) regions. The entrepreneur, lacking customs knowledge, required comprehensive support to navigate the complexities of customs compliance and ensure a smooth import process.
The Challenge
The start-up faced significant challenges due to the entrepreneur’s lack of customs expertise. Importing goods from Turkey and other MENA countries presented hurdles such as understanding Incoterms, preparing necessary customs documentation, and ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations. These obstacles threatened to derail the start-up’s initial imports and overall business growth, creating a critical need for specialized guidance and practical resources.
The Falsum Solution
Falsum stepped in with a multifaceted solution designed to address the start-up’s unique needs. We developed a detailed Customs Handbook and Operating Manual tailored to the start-up’s requirements. The Operating Manual provided a step-by-step guide from order placement to goods receipt, complete with pre-filled template documents for customs processes. This included commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin, all customized with the start-up’s details to streamline the process.
The Handbook offered sections for accountants, FAQs for customers, and guidance for dealing with HMRC and suppliers, ensuring that all stakeholders had access to the information they needed. Additionally, we launched an online Customs Helpdesk, providing anytime-anywhere expert advisory to support the start-up in its growth journey. The Helpdesk was designed to offer real-time answers to any customs-related questions, helping the entrepreneur make informed decisions quickly.
The Results
The start-up successfully completed its first import of finished products from Turkey, saving over £1.5k in customs duties and import VAT by utilizing Falsum’s proof of origin documentation. The pre-filled documents and step-by-step guidance ensured that the import process was smooth and efficient, with no delays or compliance issues. The start-up continues to leverage our Helpdesk service, ensuring smooth customs operations as the business expands.
The support provided by Falsum also allowed the entrepreneur to focus on other critical aspects of the business, such as product development and marketing, without being bogged down by customs complexities. This comprehensive support has enabled the start-up to build a strong foundation for future growth, with the confidence that their customs processes are handled efficiently.
The Conclusion
Falsum’s comprehensive support enabled the fashion start-up to navigate the complexities of customs compliance effectively, setting a strong foundation for future growth. Our tailored solutions and ongoing advisory services have empowered the start-up to achieve cost savings and operational efficiency in their import processes. As the start-up continues to grow, Falsum remains a trusted partner, ready to provide expert guidance and support to ensure continued success in global trade.
