If your company imports or exports products over a border, you have to deal with customs.  Dealing with customs is necessary in today's international marketplace but there are so many rules and regulations, it is easy to get lost in the bureaucracy.  If you learn the rules, customs can be an ally in your brand protection strategy.

In order to take advantage of all the protections customs offers, it is important to understand the rules and the language of this unique law enforcement arm. The exact rules and conditions vary from country to country. But one thing that is standard is the jargon. The WCO has put together a list of terms used by customs offices around the world.

• Ever wonder what the term "Equivalent goods" means?
• Does the term "Production of good to the customs" sound even stranger?
• Maybe you should clarify exactly what they mean by "Security".

Learning this will help brand owners better understand customs and better communicate with customs.  Better communication could be the leg up on your anti-counterfeiting strategy.