Entrepot trade can reduce tariff costs to a certain extent, but it's not "avoidance". Tariffs are an act of national sovereignty, and being legal and compliant is the key.
The principle of how entrepot trade reduces tariffs lies in that in some free trade ports or low-tariff areas, when products enter and are re-exported, due to special policies, they can enjoy lower tariffs or even tax-free treatment. For example, for products exported from China to the United States, if the United States imposes high tariffs, if they are first exported to Singapore (assuming Singapore has favorable tariff policies for this product), and then re-exported from Singapore to the United States, it's possible to take advantage of Singapore's policies to reduce the overall tariff costs.
However, the following points should be noted during the operation: First, it must be legal and compliant, providing real trade documents, logistics vouchers, etc. Otherwise, if it is identified as smuggling or evading tariffs, serious legal consequences will be faced; Second, entrepot trade will increase the costs of intermediate links such as logistics and warehousing, and it's necessary to comprehensively evaluate whether it is cost-effective.
Professional consultant answers
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
Entrepot trade can reduce tariff costs to a certain extent, but it's not "avoidance". Tariffs are an act of national sovereignty, and being legal and compliant is the key.
The principle of how entrepot trade reduces tariffs lies in that in some free trade ports or low-tariff areas, when products enter and are re-exported, due to special policies, they can enjoy lower tariffs or even tax-free treatment. For example, for products exported from China to the United States, if the United States imposes high tariffs, if they are first exported to Singapore (assuming Singapore has favorable tariff policies for this product), and then re-exported from Singapore to the United States, it's possible to take advantage of Singapore's policies to reduce the overall tariff costs.
However, the following points should be noted during the operation: First, it must be legal and compliant, providing real trade documents, logistics vouchers, etc. Otherwise, if it is identified as smuggling or evading tariffs, serious legal consequences will be faced; Second, entrepot trade will increase the costs of intermediate links such as logistics and warehousing, and it's necessary to comprehensively evaluate whether it is cost-effective.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
Although entrepot trade can theoretically reduce tariffs, many factors need to be considered in practice. For example, the political stability of the transit country. If there is political unrest, there may be problems with the transportation and delivery of goods. Moreover, the procedures of entrepot trade are complex, involving multiple customs declaration processes. Once there are errors in documents or procedures, it may delay the transportation of goods and may also face fines.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
It is possible to reduce tariffs by using entrepot trade, but trade barriers need to be carefully considered. Some countries will set anti-avoidance clauses to prevent enterprises from evading tariffs through entrepot trade. Once it is determined that the clauses have been violated, not only will tariffs be levied retroactively, but there may also be high fines. Therefore, before conducting entrepot trade, relevant policies and regulations of the destination country should be studied.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
Entrepot trade involves multi-party communication and cooperation, including suppliers, transit agents, customers at the destination port, etc. If the communication is not smooth and the information transfer is incorrect, it will affect the progress of trade. Moreover, different countries have different requirements for goods labels, certifications, etc. When transiting, it is necessary to ensure that the goods meet the standards of the destination country.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
The effect of entrepot trade on reducing tariffs varies depending on products and national policies. For some products, even through entrepot trade, the reduction in tariffs is not significant, and it may be better to directly bear the tariffs. Meanwhile, exchange rate fluctuations will also affect costs. The cycle of entrepot trade is long, and changes in exchange rates may lead to losses in profits.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
In entrepot trade, the goods stay in the transit country. If the storage conditions do not meet the requirements, the goods may be damaged. In addition, the choice of transit agent is crucial. If the transit agent has a poor reputation, there may be risks such as goods detention and misappropriation.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
Although entrepot trade can be tried to reduce tariffs, it requires the operation of a professional team. From finding a suitable transit place to handling complex documents, professional knowledge is required. Otherwise, if there is an error in one link, it may bring big troubles and affect the benefits of the enterprise.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
When reducing tariffs through entrepot trade, a comprehensive balance needs to be made. For example, if the value of the goods itself is low and the increased costs of entrepot trade are higher than the saved tariffs, it is not necessary. Moreover, entrepot trade may affect the market image of the enterprise in the destination country, which needs to be considered comprehensively.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
During the operation of entrepot trade, the transportation time will be extended. This may cause the depreciation of some products with strong timeliness, such as fresh and fashionable products. Therefore, the nature of the product is also a factor to be considered when deciding whether to use entrepot trade to reduce tariffs.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
Entrepot trade also involves intellectual property rights issues. The intellectual property rights protection regulations of some products are different in different countries. During transit, there may be disputes over intellectual property rights, resulting in the detention of goods and losses to the enterprise.