💼 Trade Compliance & Consulting

At True Way Logistics Ltd, we believe that trade compliance is the backbone of successful international logistics. Whether you’re importing, exporting, or re-exporting, our Trade Compliance & Consulting division ensures your business stays fully aligned with Somali regulations, international trade laws, and customs requirements. We provide guidance, documentation support, and hands-on advisory to help clients avoid penalties, delays, and compliance risks — so every shipment moves smoothly, transparently, and lawfully.


⚖️ 1. Scope of Work

📘 Regulatory advisory:
 We interpret and apply customs, import/export, and licensing laws to your shipments, ensuring your operations comply with SAXUM Customs System and Somali Port & Airport regulations.

📄 Documentation compliance:
 Review and preparation of essential trade documents — Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Certificates of Origin, and Permits — with correct tariff codes and declared values.

🧾 Policy interpretation:
 We explain customs rulings, tariff updates, and duty exemptions in clear business language so you always understand how they affect your cargo and cost.

💬 Client representation:
 We liaise with customs authorities, ministries, and port agencies on your behalf to resolve queries, classification disputes, or documentation challenges quickly and professionally.


🧭 2. Compliance & Risk Management Framework

Our experts conduct compliance audits for importers, exporters, and logistics operators, identifying gaps before authorities do.
 We review:
 ✅ Declaration accuracy and HS code alignment.
 ✅ Valuation consistency (CIF vs transaction value).
 ✅ License and permit validity for restricted goods.
 ✅ Records and retention practices (as per audit standards).
 ✅ Duty, VAT, and excise computation accuracy.

We then issue a Compliance Report summarizing findings, risks, and corrective actions — a roadmap to maintaining full legal compliance.


🏛️ 3. Trade Advisory & Consulting Services

🔹 HS Classification Consulting:
 We classify products using WCO Harmonized System principles, ensuring proper duty application and avoiding misdeclarations.

🔹 Tariff & Duty Optimization:
 We identify eligible exemptions, preferential trade treatments, or re-export reliefs to minimize overall landed cost.

🔹 Customs Valuation Support:
 We review supplier invoices, insurance, and freight costs to ensure correct declaration under CIF valuation rules.

🔹 Licensing & Regulatory Consulting:
 Guidance on obtaining import/export licenses from Somali ministries for telecom, medical, chemical, or restricted items.

🔹 Audit Preparation:
 We assist clients in preparing for customs or tax authority audits by organizing, reviewing, and validating all documentation and declarations.


🌐 4. International Trade Compliance

True Way Logistics extends its expertise beyond Somalia’s borders — advising on regional and global compliance frameworks, including:
 🌍 WCO (World Customs Organization) standards
 📜 WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement provisions
 📦 Regional trade corridors and free zones (UAE, Kenya, Turkey)
 🔏 INCOTERMS® 2020 interpretation for contract and cost clarity

We ensure your trade practices align with international norms — protecting your reputation and ensuring long-term business credibility.


🔍 5. HS Classification & Duty Calculation Process

We follow a methodical process to ensure every product is classified accurately:
 1️⃣ Analyze product description, material composition, and usage.
 2️⃣ Apply General Interpretative Rules (GIRs) of the Harmonized System.
 3️⃣ Cross-reference similar goods and existing customs rulings.
 4️⃣ Assign 8-digit HS code and calculate applicable duty/tax.
 5️⃣ Document classification rationale for audit defense.

💡 This process minimizes the risk of misclassification penalties and ensures transparency in all customs declarations.


🧾 6. Customs Valuation & Tax Estimation

We compute duties and taxes using globally recognized formulas:
 Customs Value = CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight).
 We then apply relevant duties, VAT, excise, or levies as per Somali tariff schedules.

Our clients receive a Landed Cost Report, detailing:

This level of visibility allows for accurate budgeting and pricing decisions.


🧱 7. Restricted & Controlled Goods Advisory

Some goods require special permits or clearances before import or export.
 We advise on compliance for:
 🚫 Pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and medical equipment
 🔋 Batteries, chemicals, and hazardous materials
 📡 Telecom and satellite equipment
 🍗 Food and agricultural products
 💰 Precious metals and high-value goods

Our team coordinates with Somali Bureau of Standards (SOBS), Ministry of Commerce, and other agencies to secure the necessary authorizations.


📂 8. Documentation & Recordkeeping

We help design and implement robust recordkeeping systems that meet Somali customs’ 5-year retention policy.
 Our checklist includes:
 📦 Entry Declarations
 📄 Commercial Documents
 📜 Duty Payment Receipts
 🧾 Inspection Certificates
 📋 Correspondence Logs

Digital archiving ensures you can retrieve any record instantly during audits or compliance reviews.


🧠 9. Capacity Building & Training

We don’t just do compliance for you — we teach it.
 True Way offers training sessions for corporate clients on:

This empowers your team to operate independently and confidently in the trade environment.


💬 10. Client Representation & Dispute Resolution

Should customs raise a valuation dispute or classification challenge, our consultants:

We aim to resolve every issue amicably, lawfully, and in your favor — protecting your operations and reputation.


💠 11. Benefits of Our Trade Compliance Consulting

✅ Avoid fines, shipment delays, and seizure risks
 ✅ Gain full transparency in customs processes
 ✅ Optimize duty/tax payments
 ✅ Strengthen your company’s credibility
 ✅ Stay updated with changing laws and policies
 ✅ Build a culture of compliance within your organization

When you work with True Way Logistics, you gain not only a service provider — but a trusted compliance partner ensuring your cargo always moves the right way: the True Way.


🌟 Our Commitment

We combine deep regulatory knowledge with field experience at the Port of Mogadishu, Aden Adde Airport, and Somali customs offices. Our consulting is not theoretical — it’s practical, tested, and results-oriented.

💼 True Way Logistics Ltd – Trade Compliance & Consulting:
 Because in logistics, trust begins with compliance.