Warehousekeepers: Bridges connecting Customs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

Abstract

Warehousekeepers are professionals who cooperate with Customs on the one hand and importers and exporters on the other. As far as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are concerned, the assistance and support that warehousekeepers provide are crucial to their trade. This includes a wide range of commodity classification and nomenclature, customs valuation, trade control measures, customs security, logistical support and knowledge of foreign customs procedures. As far as customs administrations are concerned, warehousekeepers can objectively explain customs' intention and opinion to SMEs and, at the same time, reflect the wishes and demands of SMEs to Customs. In effect, therefore, warehousekeepers are bridges connecting Customs and SMEs, thereby facilitating trade.