Asia Pacific Customs Audits and Disputes
As global and regional integration increases, multinational companies must navigate numerous customs-related complexities and challenges imposed by relevant authorities in all jurisdictions. Over the past few years, we have observed customs audits and disputes becoming increasingly aggressive in Asia. Local governments are taking steps to strengthen customs controls and compliance in many areas. As such, understanding the regulatory landscape and specific rules in a particular jurisdiction can help companies reduce operational risks and costs.
This webinar series provides an in-depth look at the legal framework, practice issues, and key trends and developments surrounding customs audits in specific jurisdictions in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
For Japanese companies: These webinars are also available in Japanese as offered on the JAFTAS platform. Display the Japanese version.
Latest customs audit and enforcement trends in Europe and the UK
November 22, 2022 | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM (SGT)

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In this session, speakers will discuss the legal framework and practical issues related to customs audits in Europe and the UK, key areas for EU and UK customs authorities during audits, and how to effectively prepare and navigate customs audits. how to do it. We also share key updates and priorities for EU and UK customs enforcement, including the latest developments related to forced labor legislation.
Speakers: Yaeko Hodaka (Co-Chair, AP IMT Industry Group, Tokyo), Lionel van Reet (Partner, Brussels), Jennifer Revis (Partner, London)
Latest Developments in Customs Audits and Enforcement in the United States
September 23, 2022 | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM (SGT)

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In this session, speakers will discuss the legal framework and practical issues related to U.S. customs audits, areas of importance to U.S. customs authorities during audits, and how to effectively prepare and navigate customs audits. increase. We will also share key enforcement status and priorities for U.S. Customs, including the latest developments related to forced labor laws.
Speakers: Yaeko Hodaka (Co-Chair, AP IMT Industry Group, Tokyo), Meredith DeMent (Partner, Washington DC)
Managing Customs Disputes in the Philippines
August 18, 2022 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Philippine Time

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The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on government revenue collection over the past two years as business operations slowed down due to government-imposed lockdowns and alternative measures for most businesses. As such, both the Philippine Internal Revenue Service and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) collections have increased to restore government revenue lost to the pandemic. We found both customs and tax authorities to be very proactive and active in their auditing activities. The BOC is strict in terms of compliance, especially in interpreting laws and regulations related to border disputes. This has increased penalties for importers for violations. The webinar will briefly discuss common issues raised during border disputes and post-customs audits, and the remedies available to importers.
Speakers: Yaeko Hodaka (Co-Chair, AP IMT Industry Group, Tokyo), Kristine Anne Mercado-Tamayo (Partner, Quisumbing Torres, Manila), Alexander Ner (Senior Associate, Quisumbing Torres, Manila)
BD Contact: Therese Reyes
10 things you should know about customs audits in Indonesia
July 14, 2022 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM JKT

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This session will address two important themes. Customs audits and the latest/hottest audit issues in Indonesia. The speaker will discuss the 10 most important areas businesses need to know about Indonesian customs audits. What is the typical audit data requested? What are the stages of the audit process? What are the roadblocks? and the way to audit results?
Now let’s turn to the customs audit case study. In particular, the issues of customs valuation, tariff classification, and certificates of origin are covered. How should authorities address these issues and what practical strategies should IMT supply chains apply to manage such audit challenges?
Speakers: Yaeko Hodaka (Co-Chair, AP IMT Industry Group, Tokyo), Riza Buditomo (Partner, Jakarta)
BD: Helmy Handko, Danny Pandjaitan
Customs Audit and Export Control in China
June 9, 2022 | 10:30am – 11:30am

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In this session, speakers will discuss key customs audit topics and trends in China, as well as practical and legal considerations to consider in customs audit management strategies. We also discuss recent developments in China’s export controls and important considerations when managing inventories containing controlled items.
Speakers: Yaeko Hodaka (Co-Chair, AP IMT Industry Group, Tokyo), Tina Li (Associate, Shanghai), Weng Keong Kok (Associate, Hong Kong)
BD Contacts: Iris Zhou, Sara Wang
Malaysia Customs Audit: Trends and Tips
April 7, 2022 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (MYT)

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This session will provide an overview of the key functions of Malaysian customs audits, snapshots of key customs audit topics and trends, case studies illustrating common customs audit scenarios in Malaysia, and key tips for managing Malaysian customs audits. Covers key insights and practical aspects of customs audits. Early raids and customs audits in Malaysia, and practical and legal considerations to be taken into account in customs audit management strategies.
Speakers: Yaeko Hodaka (Co-Chair, AP IMT Industry Group, Tokyo), Jason Liang (Partner, Kuala Lumpur), Kelvin Hong (Associate, Kuala Lumpur), Wei Lit Wong (Legal Assistant, Kuala Lumpur)
BD Contacts: Henry Tay, Shu Yi Ong
Latest information on import and export regulations in Thailand and recent case developments
February 24, 2022 | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Bangkok

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This session will cover key insights and practical aspects of updating import/export regulations and compliance in Thailand. Speakers will also discuss recent leading customs cases, including FTA updates, export control updates, Thai customs audit trends, and recent leading customs cases and practices.
Speakers: Yaeko Hodaka (Co-Chair, AP IMT Industry Group, Tokyo), Panya Sittisakonsin (Partner, Bangkok), Keerati Saneewong Na Ayudthaya (Associate, Bangkok)
BD Contacts: Ramamas Bowra and Pranut Kukom
Vietnam Customs Audits and Disputes
January 21, 2022 | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM VNT

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In this webinar, our lawyers will discuss the legal framework and practical issues regarding customs audits in Vietnam. We also highlight areas where customer authority is emphasized during customs audits and provide advice on how companies can effectively manage audits.
Speakers: Yaeko Hodaka (AP IMT Industry Group, Tokyo), Thanh Vinh Nguyen (Partner, Ho Chi Minh City), Ngoc Trung Tran (Associate, Hanoi)
BD Contact: Ngoc Thuy Duong Pham (Senior BD Executive, Ho Chi Minh City)