{"id":934,"date":"2026-01-19T13:10:03","date_gmt":"2026-01-19T12:10:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/noticia\/auditoria-aduanera-como-prepararte-para-una-inspeccion-aduanera-aeat\/"},"modified":"2026-04-24T10:24:31","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T08:24:31","slug":"customs-audit-how-to-prepare-for-a-customs-inspection-by-the-aeat","status":"publish","type":"noticia","link":"https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/en\/news\/customs-audit-how-to-prepare-for-a-customs-inspection-by-the-aeat\/","title":{"rendered":"Customs audit: how to prepare for a customs inspection by the AEAT?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<ol>\n    <li><a href=\"#Technical-development-step-by-step\">Technical development step by step<\/a>\n        <ul>\n            <li><a href=\"#1.Tariff-classification-(TARIC)\">1. Tariff classification (TARIC)<\/a><\/li>\n            <li><a href=\"#2.Origin-of-the-goods\">2. Origin of the goods<\/a><\/li>\n            <li><a href=\"#3.Customs-value\">3. Customs value<\/a><\/li>\n            <li><a href=\"#4.Box-44-of-the-SAD:-a-key-point-in-an-inspection\">4. Box 44 of the SAD: a key point in an inspection<\/a><\/li>\n            <li><a href=\"#Operational-checklist-for-the-inspection\">Operational checklist for the inspection<\/a><\/li>\n        <\/ul>   \n    <li><a href=\"#Official-sources\">Official sources<\/a>\n    <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A customs inspection by the Spanish Tax Agency <strong>is not usually triggered by an isolated event<\/strong>, but by the detection of <strong>risk patterns<\/strong> in imports: recurring errors in tariff classification, origin, customs value or documentation. Preparing through a <strong>preventive customs audit<\/strong> is the most effective way to reduce penalties, regularisations and operational blockages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many companies import for years without reviewing their customs clearances. When an inspection arrives, the problem <strong>is not the latest <a href=\"https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/en\/news\/what-is-the-sad-and-why-is-it-mandatory\/\">SAD<\/a><\/strong>, but the set of operations carried out in recent tax years, which the AEAT may review with significant financial consequences: duties, VAT, interest and penalties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It should be remembered that, <strong>even when customs management is carried out with specialised support<\/strong>, the <strong>ultimate responsibility for the accuracy of the data declared in the SAD lies with the importing or exporting company<\/strong>, which must confirm that the information submitted is correct and complete, as well as <strong>correct any errors detected<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Technical-development-step-by-step\" style=\"font-size:clamp(2.629rem, 2.629rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 3.952), 5rem);\"><strong>Technical development step by step<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1.Tariff-classification-(TARIC)\" style=\"font-size:clamp(1.743rem, 1.743rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 2.095), 3rem);\"><strong>1.&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/strong><strong>Tariff classification (TARIC)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&nbsp;<\/strong>Tariff classification determines the applicable duties, the required controls and the documentary obligations. An incorrect TARIC automatically generates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Additional assessments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Loss of tariff benefits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Penalty risk<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2.Origin-of-the-goods\" style=\"font-size:clamp(1.743rem, 1.743rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 2.095), 3rem);\"><strong><strong>2.&nbsp;&nbsp; Origin of the goods<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The AEAT verifies whether the declared origin:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Has been correctly determined<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is <strong>documentarily proven<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is consistent with the tariff benefit applied<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The company must verify the validity of origin certificates and declarations, relying on specialised advice where appropriate, as well as previously assessing its suppliers and the reliability of the certificates they issue.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>An error at this point usually entails immediate regularisation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bernd-dittrich-0vAAngcguI0-unsplash-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"Customs audit\" class=\"wp-image-793 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bernd-dittrich-0vAAngcguI0-unsplash-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bernd-dittrich-0vAAngcguI0-unsplash-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bernd-dittrich-0vAAngcguI0-unsplash-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bernd-dittrich-0vAAngcguI0-unsplash-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bernd-dittrich-0vAAngcguI0-unsplash.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3.Customs-value\" style=\"font-size:clamp(1.743rem, 1.743rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 2.095), 3rem);\"><strong>3.&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/strong><strong>Customs value<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The value must be declared in accordance with the <strong>methods provided for in the <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.boe.es\/buscar\/doc.php?id=DOUE-L-2013-82033\"><strong>UCC<\/strong> (Articles 70-74)<\/a>. During an inspection, particular attention is paid to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Correct inclusion of freight, insurance and other mandatory costs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consistency with the agreed Incoterm<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Risk of undervaluation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It is the operator\u2019s responsibility to confirm that the declared value <strong>faithfully reflects the economic reality of the transaction<\/strong>, even when the declaration is submitted through a third party.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4.Box-44-of-the-SAD:-a-key-point-in-an-inspection\" style=\"font-size:clamp(1.743rem, 1.743rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 2.095), 3rem);\"><strong>4.&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/strong><strong>Box 44 of the SAD: a key point in an inspection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Box 44<\/strong> brings together the regulatory compliance aspects of the operation. In an audit, the AEAT checks that the <strong>declared documents<\/strong> are exactly those required by the TARIC and the procedure applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It usually includes:<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Commercial invoice and transport documents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proofs of origin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Licences, certificates or technical controls (SOIVRE, health controls, etc.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Responsible declarations where applicable<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;The company must review and confirm that Box 44 correctly reflects the reality of the operation, with the support of its customs adviser, and correct any inconsistency before or after clearance in order to avoid future contingencies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Operational-checklist-for-the-inspection\" style=\"font-size:clamp(1.743rem, 1.743rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 2.095), 3rem);\"><strong>Operational checklist for the inspection<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>\u2714<\/strong> <strong>TARIC reviewed and justified<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>\u2714<\/strong> <strong>Origin correctly evidenced<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>\u2714<\/strong> <strong>Suppliers and certificates assessed<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>\u2714<\/strong> <strong>Customs value consistent with the transaction<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>\u2714<\/strong> <strong>SADs reviewed internally<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>\u2714<\/strong> <strong>Box 44 aligned with the applicable regulations<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>A customs inspection <strong>cannot be avoided<\/strong>, but it can be <strong>faced with confidence<\/strong>. Companies that periodically review their SADs and <strong>actively control the reliability of their documentary supply chain<\/strong> significantly reduce their exposure to penalties and regularisations.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/businessman-and-technician-team-working-planning-t-2026-01-07-06-14-35-utc-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"Customs audit\" class=\"wp-image-795 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/businessman-and-technician-team-working-planning-t-2026-01-07-06-14-35-utc-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/businessman-and-technician-team-working-planning-t-2026-01-07-06-14-35-utc-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/businessman-and-technician-team-working-planning-t-2026-01-07-06-14-35-utc-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/businessman-and-technician-team-working-planning-t-2026-01-07-06-14-35-utc-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/businessman-and-technician-team-working-planning-t-2026-01-07-06-14-35-utc.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>At Omnia Aduanas, we <strong>advise and support companies<\/strong> in auditing their customs operations, technically reviewing their SADs and validating origin and supplier documentation, helping them prepare properly for any inspection action by the AEAT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Official-sources\" style=\"font-size:clamp(2.629rem, 2.629rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 3.952), 5rem);\"><strong>Official sources<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Union Customs Code (Reg. EU 952\/2013): <a href=\"https:\/\/eur-lex.europa.eu\/\">https:\/\/eur-lex.europa.eu<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spanish Tax Agency \u2013 Customs: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agenciatributaria.es\/\">https:\/\/www.agenciatributaria.es<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":800,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_joinchat":[]},"class_list":["post-934","noticia","type-noticia","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/noticia\/934","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/noticia"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/noticia"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/800"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.omniaaduanas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=934"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}