If you are importing goods subject to product safety inspection, you need a system-generated reference number before the customs declaration can be closed. The number shows that the product has been inspected under the relevant legislation and that its import is permitted.
The reference number can be issued in three ways. The risk assessment may return a direct approval, in which case the number is generated the same day. Alternatively, a document review may be requested, and your declaration of conformity, test reports and label images are examined. In the third case a physical inspection is requested and the product is examined on site by an expert appointed by the inspection body.
Generating the number is not sufficient on its own. Your customs broker must enter it correctly in the relevant field of the declaration. A common error in practice is that the reference number is obtained but never entered, leaving the declaration to wait.
It is also important that the reference number is tied to a specific application and to the product information in it. If the number of line items or the product description in the consignment changes, the existing number may cease to be valid. Any subsequent changes to the invoice must therefore be reported to your consultant.
