Changes in customs regulations are presenting new challenges for companies involved in foreign trade . In addition to the operational demands that importers and carriers face daily, there is the need to accurately document the individual cost of cargo insurance , a process that can translate into increased administrative burdens, delays in customs clearance, and additional costs for supply chains.
One of the main challenges lies in the use of traditional transport policies , particularly those contracted annually, because companies need information that allows them to identify the insurance cost corresponding to each operation.
In an interview with T21, Milter López, head of Damages at CAE Insurance , explained that the new documentary requirements are forcing companies to review their internal procedures and strengthen the integration of their electronic files.
One of the main problems arises when companies do not have timely individual insurance calculations, a situation that can cause reprocessing and delays in preparing the documentation necessary for their operations, according to the specialist.
This occurs because annual policies, traditionally used to insure the movement of goods, require additional procedures to determine the cost corresponding to each shipment, which increases the administrative work of the companies.
The implications are not limited to documentary compliance. López warned that errors can also have economic consequences for companies , both in terms of potential fines and penalties and the expenses associated with goods remaining in customs facilities for longer periods.
In that regard, he noted that delays in the release of shipments can extend their effects to other links in the supply chain, compromising the planned delivery times for products and the development of commercial operations.
Digitization: efficiency or increased administrative burden?
Although the digitization of customs records seeks to strengthen transparency and fiscal control of foreign trade operations, its implementation is also demanding greater administrative and technological capabilities from companies.
According to López, these procedures are creating an additional workload, particularly due to the level of documentary accuracy required to support each transaction.
The challenge also extends to small and medium-sized importing companies (SMEs), which must adapt to the requirements and have mechanisms that allow them to correctly integrate the information related to the insurance of their goods .
Thus, customs compliance depends not only on having the commercial documentation of a transaction, but also on having accurate and timely information on the costs associated with the transfer of the products.
Faced with this scenario, CAE seeks to meet the needs of companies through insurance strategies that allow for a more accurate identification of the costs corresponding to their freight transport operations.
López explained that “one of the main approaches consists of anticipating and mitigating risks through solutions adapted to the characteristics of each client,” considering that not all companies require the same products or face the same operating conditions.
In particular, he highlighted the importance of having assurance mechanisms that facilitate the identification of the individual cost of each operation , instead of relying exclusively on traditional schemes that may require additional calculations and procedures.
The company works with small, medium and large companies, through cargo transport insurance in its land, sea and air modalities , both in operations related to foreign trade as well as in national movements.
In addition to meeting the documentary requirements, the specialist stressed that companies must consider the risks associated with the transport and storage of their goods, including theft and possible delays during customs processes.
Thus, in an environment of greater documentary requirements, the correct identification of insurance costs becomes a relevant element to avoid administrative setbacks and protect the continuity of logistics operations .
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