Customs Power of Attorney
Authorize DSV to execute compliant direct or indirect customs declarations on behalf of your legal entity.
Determine Your Legal Representation Path
Select your operational direction below to review the required documentation and representation route.
Entity Verification
Is the customer a registered company or private individual?
DSV represents commercial enterprises only.
Customer Location
Where is the legal entity established?
Determines customs debt liability matrix.
Local VAT Status
Local VAT number check (e.g. Belgian VAT):
Exporter Location
Where is the exporting entity established?
Complies with Union Customs Code exporter criteria.
EU Entity Linkage
If Non-EU, does an EU affiliate or partner exist?
Third-party export filings require formal validation.
DSV EoR Evaluation
Does DSV agree to act as Exporter of Record?
Legal Background & Progressive Details
Why civil law governs the customs power of attorney
Why is a POA classified as a civil law document and not a customs document? ▼
The POA establishes legal representation under general civil law. It authorizes DSV to perform legally binding acts in your company's name. Because this commits the commercial entity to substantial fiscal and customs obligations, it requires statutory authority equivalent to entering into a commercial contract.
What is the difference between Direct and Indirect Representation? ▼
Direct Representation: DSV acts in your name and on your behalf. Your company remains solely liable for customs declarations, duties, and taxes.
Indirect Representation: DSV acts in its own name but on your behalf. Under this regime, DSV and your company share joint and several liability for customs debt, requiring enhanced tax reviews and checklists.
What happens if an unauthorized employee signs the POA? ▼
If the signatory lacks registered authority, the agreement is null and void from inception. Customs services performed by DSV automatically default to indirect representation regulations, exposing the entity to shared tax liabilities, customs penalties, and clearance holds.
Legal Signatory Requirement
Statutory Authority Mandate under Civil Law
A POA is an enforceable civil contract—not an operational customs form.
The Power of Attorney legally commits your enterprise. Because this grants DSV the legal mandate to execute civil acts in your name, it cannot be signed by employees whose authority is limited to customs declarations or logistics dispatch. It must be executed exclusively by a statutory director or an official registered in your national commercial register with binding authority.
Authorized Signatories
- Managing Directors / CEOs registered with the Chamber of Commerce or commercial registry.
- Statutory Board Members holding registered unlimited corporate signing authority.
- Formally Delegated Officers with verifiable, notarized legal power of attorney made visible to DSV.
Unauthorized Signatories (Not Permitted)
- Customs Clerks & Coordinators (authority strictly limited to routine shipping documents).
- Freight Forwarders & Logistics Dispatchers lacking corporate commercial registration.
- Operational Department Heads without statutory commercial register signatory power.
Critical Legal Consequence: If this document is signed by an unauthorized employee, the Power of Attorney is null and void retroactively. All customs operations carried out by DSV will automatically revert to indirect representation, creating direct tax vulnerabilities, unexpected joint liability, and potential customs penalties for your organization.
Proceed to the Power of Attorney Form
Please ensure you have your commercial register excerpt, VAT/EORI credentials, and an authorized statutory signatory ready before launching.