2.III.3. Financing through a loan from another person or financial institution

If the applicant is financing through a loan from another person or financial institution, customs authorities may also require a copy of the applicant's business plan, loan letter, or other equivalent document. They should compare the business plan and loan documentation with the most recent cash flow forecasts, balance sheet, and profit and loss account to ensure that the applicant is operating within the limits of their authorized overdraft and conducting business in accordance with the forecasts as of the date their business plan was prepared. Where significant differences exist, the reasons for these differences should be investigated.

In any case, customs authorities may require additional evidence, such as a lender's commitment or a loan letter, and may specify the loan term and terms and conditions. Customs authorities must verify that the account balance is consistent with the bank's commitment or loan letter. If the applicant is a sole proprietorship or partnership and personal assets are used to support the company's solvency, customs authorities must obtain a list of such assets and verify that the list is credible.

The company may be asked to provide additional information regarding the loan, such as its purpose, the terms under which it was taken out, or the name of the lender. Such information should be checked and compared with other financial documents (e.g. e.g., balance sheets, profit and loss accounts) in order to assess the overall financial situation of the economic operator.