Tania
Jan 8

The WhatsApp message I didn’t want to open

I received a message this week from a business owner who was completely stuck with a shipment. It had been sitting in China Customs for almost six weeks.

The freight forwarder told them:

“It’s just routine compliance checks. Just wait.”

But when the client checked the China Customs system themselves, the status read:

“Declaration Form is Absent.”

That certainly doesn't sound right at all.

So, after asking a few questions, the real issue started to surface.

The shipment included branded automotive badges.

The supplier was not licensed to export that brand.

The goods were shipped DAP, meaning the buyer had no control.

And now the freight forwarder overseas had effectively washed their hands of it.

Cutting costs by dealing directly with overseas freight providers can work..... until something goes wrong. That’s usually when you find out who’s responsible… and who suddenly doesn’t care.


At this point, there are only a few possible outcomes:
- The shipment is unpacked at a bonded warehouse
- The unlicensed goods are removed and destroyed
- The rest may be allowed to export
- Additional costs are applied
-Or worst case, the entire shipment is written off


This isn’t rare. 
I’ve seen it more times than I can count.

Most businesses don’t realise until it’s too late:

Customs in foreign countries don’t deal with individuals

They deal with licensed exporters, brokers, and compliant paperwork.
If something is wrong, waiting rarely fixes it.

This situation could have been avoided before the goods ever left the factory by:
- Checking brand licensing at supplier level
- Structuring the shipment correctly (not blindly using DAP)

- Separating risk items from compliant cargo
- Having someone ask the uncomfortable questions upfront
- Checking documentation that might cause flags

This is exactly why I do what I do.

Not to move shipments.

But to help businesses avoid expensive, stressful mistakes before they happen..... and to step in when things go sideways.

If you’re importing and relying on:
- overseas freight forwarders only
- DAP/DDP/CFR/CIF because it “sounds easier”
- or suppliers who say “it’s fine, everyone does this”
…then it’s worth having a proper conversation.

If you want a second set of eyes on your setup or you’re worried something might be wrong reply to this email or book a short call.

It’s much cheaper to fix this before customs gets involved.

Get in touch for a FREE Call on how we can help your business. Click the link below to set up a chat or email tania@freightlab360.com





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