What is
customs clearance?
Customs clearance is the process of compliance with customs authorities when importing or exporting goods internationally. It requires the clearing agent to facilitate with authorities when cargo is moved into a country determining the applicable vat and duties to be paid by the consignee (if applicable). Once a shipment has been processed with the required documentation and requirements customs will release the shipment to be collected.
Custom will require the product to be classified according to the globally recognised “Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System” – Referred to as a products “HS Code”.
Who is responsible for
customs clearance?
Customs clearance is the responsibility of both the exporter and importer. Both parties will assign a customs clearance agent whom will facilitate the process of getting a shipment cleared for export by customs authorities at origin and then to be cleared for import by customs authorities at destination.
What happens after
custom clearance?
After all vat and duties are paid customs will either release a shipment or it will be queried for further literature and documentation to ensure misdeclaration, in certain cases customs might stop a shipment for physical inspection.
Once these formalities has been concluded without issues customs will release the shipment.
Your agent will now receive a release from customs along with supporting documentation which permits collection thereof.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR
custom clearance
- Purchase Order
- Sales Invoice
- Airwaybill or Bill of lading
- Packing List
- Other required documents such as permits or certificate of origin
