What is Customs Clearance process?

Customs clearance work involves preparation and submission of documentations required to facilitate export or imports into the country, representing client during customs examination, assessment, payment of duty and taking delivery of cargo from customs after clearance along with documents.

The Customs Clearance Process

1. The customs officer will look at the paperwork for your shipment.
Some of the documents involved in customs clearance are :
- Exports Documentation: Purchase order from Buyer, Sales Invoice, Packing List, Shipping bill, Bill of Lading or air way bill, Certificate of Origin and any other specific documentation as specified by the buyer, or as required by financial institutions or LC terms or as per importing country regulations.
- Imports Documentation: Purchase Order from Buyer, Sales Invoice of supplier, Bill of Entry, Bill of Lading or Air way bill, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, and any other specific documentation required by the buyer, or financial institution or the importing country regulation.

2. The customs officer will see if any taxes and duties apply to your shipment.
This will depend on the type of goods, their value, and the laws of the importing country. If it's determined that the value of the goods are above the tax threshold, then the officer will check whether these taxes and duties have been paid for.

3. Customs will request payment of taxes and duties, if they haven't been paid.

4. Once it's confirmed that outstanding taxes and duties have been paid, the shipment is released and continues on to its final destination.