A Simple Guide to Customs Clearance

-What is customs clearance?

Customs clearance is a compulsory process for any goods entering or leaving a country. It requires the submission of various export and import documentation, as well as the payment of duties, VAT and any additional costs such as storage and testing by customs agents.

Citizens should pay import duties to the customs according to law based on different customs policies of various countries and regions.

Please note that the tax is not collected by AMS but by local customs.

-How long does customs clearance take?

Customs clearance is typically completed in minutes or hours, but it can extend to days or weeks if there are missing documentation or if the goods needs to be inspected. In such cases the goods will be held until the necessary documentation has been provided or customs agents have completed their checks.

-How do you pay customs charges?

Most importers and exporters will have a freight forwarder or customs broker that pays customs charges on their behalf, saving them the trouble of paying it themselves. If the importer manages their own shipments, they’ll typically be sent an invoice detailing the charges once the goods arrive in the country. These will need to be paid before the goods are released for onward transport.

In certain circumstances, the importer won’t be liable for the payment of import charges. It will depend which incoterms (International Commercial Terms) has been agreed between the importer and supplier (exporter).

-What documentation is required for customs clearance?

The amount of documentation required for customs clearance will vary by country, but the following documents are required in the majority of countries:

Export Documentation

Purchase order from the buyer

Sales invoice

Packing list

Bill of lading or air waybill

Certificate of origin

Any other documentation as required by the buyer, or as outlined in a letter of credit from a financial institution

Import Documentation

Purchase order

Sales invoice from supplier

Bill of lading or air waybill

Packing list

Certificate of origin

All other documentation as required by the buyer or the terms of a letter of credit

If you have any problem during customs clearance, contact us and we will assit you.