The name “CUSTOMS REPRESENTATIVE” was created in 2010. Its former name was “CUSTOMS AGENT”.

The customs representative plays an essential part in the carrying out of commercial transactions at a global level, since their main task is to facilitate the import and export of goods subject to customs inspections, and to apply trade policy measures. Any customs representative must have a thorough knowledge of national, European and international customs regulations, and must keep up with their progressive changes. The customs representative must be able to assess the correct classification and taxable value, and must be aware of the goods subject to import/export quotas, restrictions and customs controls according to the regulations from the country of origin and the European and international agreements. The role of the customs representative has been mainly regulated by the European Union, and has sometimes been completed by national regulations.

Tasks of the customs representative

  • Tariff classification
  • Customs clearance
  • Onsite management of the customs controls (health, plant-health and/or quality ones) as the representative of the importer/exporter
  • Calculation of the customs value
  • Reports of VAT and tariff payments
  • Management of the documentation for and from the tax office
  • Adequate application of the origin/destination measures
  • Mediation between importer and exporter
  • Appeal against decisions from the tax office on behalf of the party they represent
  • Coordination of logistics with carriers, shipping companies, warehouses and authorities involved.
  • Issuance of certificates of origin (Form A ones included) and EUR-1 certificates
  • Support to request tax identification numbers, EORI numbers, ADT (temporary storage facilities) and OEA (authorised economic operators)

The customs representative’s knowledge of customs regulations includes:

  • Customs destinations and systems
  • European agricultural policy
  • Generalised schemes of preferences
  • Anti-dumping
  • Tariffs
  •  Trade policy
  • Customs services
  • Tax deposits
  • Recipient & authorised issuer

The customs representative must thoroughly know and keep up-to-date with said regulations. PARTIDA is considered one of the leading customs agencies in Southern Spain, with offices in Algeciras and Motril. These are geographical enclaves, specially that of the port of Algeciras, which connects with 76 countries and more than 200 ports around the world.

Certificate of Authorised Economic Operator

Among many other advantages, this OEA certificate makes it possible for us to clear goods through customs at any port in Spain through a centralised clearance authorisation.

We know how important it is for our customers that their goods and cargo stay in safe hands. Our tasks go beyond customs and administrative procedures. We coordinate the logistics, the customs inspections and the entities involved and, most importantly, we act as a foreign trade consultant.

Our contribution represents the guarantee of the successful completion of the commercial transactions. This is the reason why the customs representative addresses the increasing demands imposed by the markets, and hence its role is essential.

We manage customs procedures for goods transported in containers and trucks, in import/export/transit schemes.

PARTIDA clears through customs all kinds of goods: perishables (fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, etc.), non-perishables (preserves, pulses), frozen products, industrial, construction materials, textile, automotive, energy (gas, oil, Adblue), dangerous goods (ADT), live animals (cattle, poultry, horses), technology, among others.

Our main goal in PARTIDA is to be part of the commercial success of our customers, optimising the times of departure and delivery of the goods, and reducing the costs of the operations from their start to their completion.

Find out more about the clearance of goods through customs in our Customs and Logistics section.