Executive Summary

Import duties have become one of fashion’s most overlooked cost levers. Many brands still overpay because HS codes drift, materials change, returns go unclaimed, and documentation varies by origin. With customs authorities increasing audits, accuracy must move upstream.

This toolkit summarises our insights workshop discussion into an actionable resource. It shows how AI-driven data extraction and anomaly detection work alongside human review to reveal hidden leakage, speed up reclaim opportunities and strengthen compliance. Using cases from TM Lewin and Trade Harmonizer, it demonstrates how accuracy in HS coding, clearer documentation, and proactive duty planning can protect significant margin.

“Recovering £200k once is good. Preventing £200k every season is better.” - TM Lewin

Artificial intelligence accelerates the process, but expert interpretation ensures decisions stand up to audit. Together they offer a fast, low-risk route to both recovery and prevention. Leaders will find a clear method for running a 30-minute duty health check, understanding exposure, and embedding smarter duty logic into product development.

“Treat duty optimisation like a cost lever, not a paperwork exercise.” - Trade Harmonizer

What’s Inside:

• Why duty accuracy matters now

• Common blind spots: outdated codes, vendor documentation gaps, unclaimed returns

• Innovation in practice: Trade Harmonizer x TM Lewin Case Study

• Duty as a cost lever, not a paperwork exercise

• Case examples: £1.5m cash leakage recovered, £50k returns exposure, £10–15k avoided duty

• Step-by-step: 30-minute duty health check

• New compliance metrics for leadership

• Access pathway to Future Fashion Assembly’s Digital Innovation Showroom