Is It Possible to Obtain EDN in Minutes?

There are many stages involved in obtaining an export declaration number (EDN). At every stage, one can expect to spend a lot of effort and time to get things right. Still, you may face issues that cause delays as well as overspending. Also, your export declaration form may face rejections, thereby adding more to the overall time consumed in the process.

Then, how is it that many exporters claim that they are able to obtain EDN within minutes? Is there anything you constantly miss while preparing export documentation? Here is a discussion answering these questions.

Why Do You Spend Hours?

Before you know how to reduce the amount of time in obtaining an EDN, it makes sense to review your current process. Generally, there are some common reasons that may cause delays:

• First, you carry out the entire or some parts of the process manually.
• Second, you still rely on the old desktop-based software tools.
• Third, your documentation team fails to organize things for better speed.
• Also, there are some last-minute hiccups that you need to resolve.

By addressing each of these issues, many exporters have actually been able to accomplish the task on the same day of applying for the EDNs. Find out how.

Centralize the Process

One of the biggest hurdles in applying for an EDN is the usual habit of referring to multiple sources simultaneously. In other words, you may have to scroll through different:

• Portals or websites to adhere to the instructions
• Formats and samples to prepare fully-compliant export declarations
• Databases or paper files to retrieve the required information
• Software systems and applications to reach out the Customs
• Third-party agents for assistance and guidance and so on

A simple solution to avoid these hassles is to choose a centralized system. For example, a software app that provides everything from expert assistance to automated form-filling can save you a lot of time and reduce your efforts dramatically.

Ensure Better Access

Traditionally, the export documentation teams would restrict themselves to specific computers to prepare and submit export declarations. Contrary to that, modern export offices rely on apps that run on the cloud and ensure flexibility in every export-related process.

This approach was specifically useful when the world witnessed lockdowns and work-from-home trends during pandemic peak periods recently. Due to restrictions on the number of employees at workplaces, the cloud-based systems helped exporters to prepare export documents remotely.

Needless to say, it saves time as the authorized team members are able to complete and submit export declarations using portable devices (like laptops and tablets) from different places (even while travelling) during any hour of the day.

In addition, you can save time by allowing multi-user access to cloud-based solutions for better synchronization. Moreover, electronic messaging and document sharing further reduce the usual time spent on the process.

Deal with Last-minute Hiccups

While you may find everything going on the right track, things, in reality, might be different. Hence, it is important to be prepared in facing the probable issues. Here are some examples:

• When you are ready to submit the export declaration, you suddenly realize that the digital certificates required to communicate with the Customs have expired. Renewing these certificates may take time and you are left with no option but to wait. In order to save time, find an export documentation agency that allows using their digital certificates for this purpose. 
• After submitting the declaration form, you rely on traditional channels to track the status of your application. Rather, you should use an electronic tracking tool to achieve this. Because of the real-time updates these tools ensure, you can have a precise idea of how long it would take to receive the EDN.
• In case Customs find some error or wrong information in your declaration, they might demand clarifications or supporting documents. You should be quick in responding to such situations and have an electronic channel to provide the required information without any delay.

If you have carefully read the above suggestions, you might have noticed that these reduce the overall human intervention significantly. As a result, the possibilities of human errors and slow manual processing can be taken care of. Ultimately, you will find a commendable improvement in terms of speed and easiness with which you obtain EDNs for each of your trade consignments.