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About us

GCAN is a leading company in the field of customs and international trade law. Active since 1995, based in “The Netherlands” we assist a broad range of international companies with customs issues and challenges. Your can contact us for litigation, advise, education and compliance in relation to custom requirements and procedures.

Too much companies are missing out on significant value from their cross-border trade, it’s estimated that a third of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) aren’t used within the European Union (E.U.), resulting in companies paying billions of Euro’s in unnecessary tariffs and import duties.

This besides Value Added Tax (V.A.T.) reverse-charge in The Netherlands, this arrangement saves you the direct payment of the V.A.T. upon arrival in the port. This can be arranged by GCAN as you local tax representative, via fiscale vertegenwoordiging (‘tax representation’), for more information click on the video on the right:

Inbound services

No matter how you import your goods, the large the volume or where in the world it comes from, GCAN can guarantee a fluent handling of your import and custom requirements. Our tailor-made process for your import declaration will be fitted to your needs in order to optimize both supply chain and cash management.

Take advantage of our skilled and experienced staff, who can provide you with the following services:

Customs declaration, cleared (IM4) or un-cleared

– Fiscal representation
– Correct classification of goods
– Import duties and VAT calculation
– Smooth handling of your import documents
– Managing the daily contact with the customs officers

Physical inspection when cargo selected by the custom authorities

– At a bonded Container Freight Station (CFS) or warehouse
– Gas measurement and forced ventilation available

Veterinary (fish and meat) or Phytosanitary (fruit and vegetable, in Dutch: AGF) declarations

– Together with food authorities at various border inspection point (BIP) locations

Dangerous goods declaration (DGD)

– In compliance with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) code
– Hazardous goods such as chemicals, fireworks, batteries, etc.

Non-EU Import Support (HS Code & Clearance)

-We are able to provide assistance for a wide range of commodities: livestock, food and non-food, we can do the complete classification of the Harmonized System (H.S.) code. However, we only work with goods that are imported from outside the EU, considering that customs clearance is not required within the E.U. when crossing internal borders.

The exporter or importer is required to complete a Power of Attorney (POA), which is a document that enables the customs broker to present your shipment to the customs authorities on your behalf.
Please fill in the following form, depending on your location/port of arrival:

Direct representative 2025

Fiscal representative 2025

Power of attorney customs formalities

A large cargo ship docked at Gothenburg port with industrial cranes, Sweden.

Outbound services

When it comes to exports, the correct classifications of goods as well as their destination are important considerations. Once GCAN received the correct sales invoice, we can ensure that your goods will be exported properly, whether it is livestock, food or non-food.

Based on the sales invoice and your product information, we are able to help you classify the goods with the correct HS code, as you are responsible for this. The country of destination may also require a document of origin for the goods that will be imported. We can provide you with the necessary assistance during the application process.

More specifically, we can assist you with the following services:

Simplified handling of exports

Quality-approved export documentation (EX-A)

Fumigation of your cargoes, together we needed certificates

Wood logs and wood pallets, which can be infested by insects

Heat treatment

Needed for destinations such as Australia and New-Zealand

Once you can show that your goods have left the EU, the ‘confirmation of exit’ will follow. You will then fall under the zero rate for VAT (Value Added Tax) as an exporter. This means that the goods have been loaded into the container and have actually left the EU.

It is possible that after we submitted the export declaration that your goods are subject to a physical inspection, we can coordinate this for you and provide you with further advice. This means that your goods will go through a container scan, if any doubts a physical inspection by a custom officer will follow.

Container scan

Certificates/ Documents of origin

Determining the origin of goods in international trade is a complex matter. Obtaining the correct documents of origin will ensure that your goods enter the country of destination without any complications. Meaning the customer does not have to pay unnecessary import duties.

Custom authorities will not or levy less duty when the goods originate from a particular country, it is vital to be in possession of a supplier’s declaration. When goods originate from different countries, we make sure that the certificates of origin are requested in consultation with the Chamber of Commerce.

Some different certificates of origin are:

CvO (Certificate of Origin) EUR 1 certificate

Authorized exporter

ATR (only for Turkey)

Origin documents are usually handled and issued by the Chamber of Commerce. Our extensive knowledge and experience within this area of expertise, enables us to always find the smartest solution for you.

Transit document

When dealing with “‘transit goods”, we actually talk about a temporary status as the goods remain not cleared till they arrive to the actual destination, were the goods are definitively cleared. This document allows transport, free of duty and VAT within the E.U. and the EFTA countries.When dealing with “‘transit goods”, we actually talk about a temporary status as the goods remain not cleared till they arrive to the actual destination, were the goods are definitively cleared. This document allows transport, free of duty and VAT within the E.U. and the EFTA countries.

In order to provide a T-document, we require a specification of the shipment, containing a description of the “Ocean Bill of Lading” or the “Airway Bill”. In addition, we need to know what date the goods will be unloaded and when they will depart to the transit destination.

With an increased risk or an exceptionally high value of the goods, we may ask for a deposit. All required information is listed on the transit declaration. This enables GCAN to ensure that your document is properly cleared in the NCTS system and the transit of your goods will be set in stone.