Direct or Indirect Customs Representation

Direct or Indirect Representation

• In case of direct representation, a customs agent lodges a declaration in the name of and on behalf of the stakeholder. The stakeholder is the declarant and, as such, responsible for the declaration. In the EU the basis for this kind of representation is Article 18 UCC.
• In case of indirect representation, a customs agent lodges a declaration in his or her own name but on behalf of a stakeholder. A customs agent who acts as an indirect representative is the declarant and, as such, responsible for the content of the declaration. Indirect representation is particularly intended for situations where the stakeholder is established outside the import country. In that case, he/she will not be able to act as a declarant himself. In the EU the basis for this kind of representation is Article 18 UCC.

Which type of representation should you choose?

The choice usually depends on where your company is established and how much responsibility you want to carry. Under direct representation, your company remains the declarant, so you must be able to act as one in the import country. Under indirect representation, the customs agent takes on that responsibility, which makes it a common route for importers based outside the country of import. Rules differ by country, so confirm your options with your customs broker before you file.

Back to the full glossary.