Simplifying export: A guide to the single customs document (DUA)

Single Administrative Document (SAD): Fundamentals and Procedures in Import and Export Transactions

The Single Administrative Document is an essential document in the international service import and export, used as the main element in commercial transactions with third countries. At customs, the DUA is required both at the exit and at the entry of the countries involved in the commercial operation. This document includes detailed information on the charge, value and other aspects relevant to the tax return.The export DUA is the form that is specifically used in the export process. This document is essential in export logistics. It is usually presented to the customs authorities as part of the process so that the goods can leave the country of origin and be transported to the destination country.The DUA of dispatch to another member state of the European Union means that you are declaring the shipment of goods from one member state of the EU to another member state of the EU. This process, established since January 1993, involves the submission of the corresponding customs declaration to the tax administration, which is responsible for supervising and controlling the movement of goods between EU member countries. However, full customs procedures are not required as it is a free trade European Union.

What is it and what does it mean?

The DUA is an essential document in the international import and export service, used as the main element in commercial transactions with third countries. At customs, the DUA is required both at the exit and at the entry of the countries involved in the commercial operation. This document includes detailed information on the charge, value and other aspects relevant to the tax return.The nature of the transaction refers to the type of commercial activity that is occurring with the declared goods.

SAD exchange rate

The exchange rate used to convert the value of goods declared in foreign currency to the local currency, or vice versa, at the time the customs declaration is made.This exchange rate may vary depending on the country's exchange rate policy, the date the declaration is made and other economic factors. Typically, governments or customs authorities set an official exchange rate that is used for these conversions in the DUA.

DUA Use Cases:

Under current regulations, the DUA must be used in a variety of situations, including:

• Transport of goods outside the European Economic Community (EEC), especially those of non-EU origin.
• Export of goods.
• Transport of goods whenever they are going to be exported
• Offshore fishing products
• Goods imported or exported from Ceuta and Melilla
• All specific cases in community laws

DUA classification:

Once the DUA process is completed, customs assigns a color to the document, indicating the status of the merchandise:

• Green: Indicates that the merchandise is in order and can continue on its way
• Orange: It means that they have to check the documentation at customs
• Yellow: The merchandise will go through a Health, Veterinary or Phyto inspection and the corresponding agency must intervene in each case so that the corresponding customs can release the merchandise.
• Red: Customs has to check both the merchandise and the documentation to verify that what has been declared is what we are importing or exporting.

Procedure to Fill Out the DUA:

The process of filling out the DUA varies depending on the type of operation:

To carry out an operation in transit, the DUA document must be completed and delivered to customs. The numbers to be able to fill it out are the following:Transit operations: Number 1 must be completed for the customs office of departure, number 4 for the customs office of destination and number 5 in case of returning the merchandise to the country of origin.Import:: Number 6 is filled in for the import customs office and number 8 for the customer.Export:: Numbers 1 and 3 are completed for the client, and number 4 to justify to customs that the merchandise is of community origin. The dua is essential for extra-community transport. The regulations indicate that it must be filled out by both the carrier and the importer who will receive the cargo. This document will always be requested, no matter how small the merchandise is. The Tax Agency controls the entry and exit dates of the merchandise and the time it takes to reach the destination, since it carries out its own monitoring, especially with regard to customs and special taxes. The Single Administrative Document is an indispensable tool in international trade, facilitating the flow of merchandise and guaranteeing compliance with customs regulations. Its correct use and compliance are essential to avoid problems during commercial operations with third countries.

Single Administrative Document: Fundamentals and Procedures in Import and Export Transactions

The Single Administrative Document is a fundamental component in the field of import and export operations at an international level. It acts as a key element in commercial transactions with external countries and is essential for compliance with customs regulations and formalities. This document includes detailed information about the cargo, its value and other relevant aspects for the tax declaration.

What is it and what does it mean?

The DUA is mandatory both at the exit and entry of goods and will be presented at customs, thus guaranteeing transparency and legality in commercial operations. Its use extends to a variety of customs situations and procedures, each with its specific requirements.

DUA Use Cases:

The process of submitting the DUA has been considerably simplified thanks to the advancement of technology and the implementation of specialized computer systems. These systems allow importers and exporters to complete the form electronically, thus streamlining the flow of goods and reducing waiting times at customs.

Procedure to Fill Out the DUA:

When submitting the DUA, precise details about the sender and recipient must be given, including their name or company name, tax address and NIF. In addition, the status and destination of the goods must be specified, indicating whether it is an import or export, and whether they are subject to any special customs regime. To guarantee compliance with these requirements, the customs department is responsible for supervising and managing the necessary documentation, ensuring that the process is carried out in accordance with current regulations.

DUA classification:

Once the process of completing the DUA is completed, specific numbers are assigned to certain boxes in the document. For example, box 6 indicates the number of packages that make up the cargo, while box 22 is used to declare the value of the goods. Box 20, on the other hand, is reserved to specify the commercial nature of the operation.

Commercial Nature and Customs Authorities:

It is important to keep in mind that the DUA must be submitted in advance of the transportation of the goods, to avoid delays and possible penalties. Customs authorities are responsible for verifying the documentation presented and ensuring that all established regulations are met, including those special to the agency.In summary, the Single Administrative Document is a vital tool in international trade, which facilitates the exchange of goods between countries and guarantees compliance with customs regulations. Its correct presentation and completion are essential to avoid delays during commercial operations and maintain the integrity of the import and export process.Request your quote in less than 3 minutes at just one click.