In the case of returned goods customs clearance, "identity of goods" refers to the precise identification of goods that are being imported back into the customs territory of the European Union.
The identity of goods ensures that the returning goods are actually the same as the originally exported goods. The intention is to ensure the correct customs status and the proper processing of customs clearance.
How is the identity of goods proven?
In order to prove the identity of goods, certain identification features, such as serial numbers, must be visible and clearly assignable.
These features should be visible throughout the customs clearance process, including during transport and storage.
A few tips to ensure the identity of goods during returned goods customs clearance:
- Make sure that identification features such as serial numbers remain visible and are not covered by packaging materials.
- Take photos of the identification features before packaging the goods and keep them as evidence.
- Ensure that the identification features are correctly entered on the relevant documents such as invoices or export documents.