Customs Clearance

Customs clearance is the process of submitting the required customs declaration (and other documentation) to customs authorities, including the assessment and payment of applicable customs duties and taxes, until customs releases the shipment, so it can legally enter (import) or leave (export) a country.

Most international shipments require at least a Commercial Invoice (or a Proforma Invoice.) Depending on the shipment’s contents, value, origin, and destination country, you may also need additional documents such as a Certificate of Origin, permits, licenses, or other regulatory certificates.

Import customs duties and taxes are normally the responsibility of the importer of the shipment. However, the shipper can choose to pay for the duties and taxes, depending on the billing service option selected.

Import customs duties and taxes are set by the destination country’s customs authority. They are based on the goods’ customs value, tariff code, origin, quantity, and other factors, then applied using that country’s duty and tax rates, laws, and trade agreements to determine the amount payable.

Shipments may be held by customs authorities for several reasons such as missing or incorrect information or documentation, security or compliance checks, physical inspection of the goods, unpaid duties and taxes. Once the required actions are completed, and if the shipment is compliant with regulations, customs authorities will release it.

Yes. Customs authorities (at the origin and/or destination countries) may restrict or prohibit certain items, such as hazardous materials, counterfeit goods, or perishable products. Always check the origin and destination country’s restrictions and prohibitions before shipping internationally.

The customs clearance time varies depending on the country's customs authorities. It may be affected by the shipment’s contents, value, origin, and whether the Commercial Invoice (and other documentation) provided are complete, accurate and compliant with the regulatory requirements. Providing correct information and documentation avoids delays and speeds up the customs clearance process.

Ensure that your Commercial Invoice (and other applicable documentation) are complete, accurate, and compliant with the regulatory requirements of country. It's important to clearly describe the type of goods, provide accurate values, country of origin, tariff code, and other information required by customs authorities. This helps customs process the shipment without delays.