Essential Guidelines for Customs Clearance Process (2)

1. Essential Guidelines for Customs Clearance Process Customs clearance process is an important procedure in international business involved in the import and export of goods. It is a mandatory procedure that is followed to allow the movement of goods across borders. This process involves the preparation and submission of required documents to facilitate the import and export of goods in a country as well as payment of customs duties for clearance. Once a shipment is cleared after the verification of documents, the shipper needs to provide the documentation confirming the custom clearance fees payment for the final shipment. Any international shipment may go wrong or get terminated if there is any gap in the customs clearance process. It can be either related to documentation, clearing customs fees or non-clarity of laws and regulations. Usually, freight forwarders involved in international transportation provide customs clearance services to clients. The freight forwarder’s charge process is defined for better clarity and assurance of the services. There are several procedures associated with customs clearance and there may also be variations in laws and regulations depending on the source and destination country. However, there are certain straightforward procedures and guidelines that every international business or shipper must know related to the customs clearance process to ensure smooth shipment of products across countries. Know these important customs clearance guidelines and tips and how they can be implemented to avoid delays or cancellations of international shipment processes due to non-clearance. 5 Tips for a Smooth Customs Clearance Process

2. Before you even plan to export goods across borders you must have a clear understanding of procedures, documents needed, and terms that are used with an international shipment. Customs clearance is one such important term and procedure for international trade. Know certain mandatory tips associated with customs clearance and smooth shipment process. Paperwork must be 100% accurate and updated The documents required for customs clearance may vary depending on the type of product shipped and the destination country. Hence, go through the required documents and guidelines thoroughly before making the shipment. Make sure there is no error in the documents The documents should be duly signed, stamped, and updated as per the norms and guidelines. Avoid delays in product delivery due to incorrect or incomplete information in the documents. Ensure to create digital copies of documents and records Instead of just relying on hard copies of documents. Properly scan and upload the documents as well organize them to be used effectively whenever required. Keep an update on international trade laws and regulations International trade laws and regulations tend to be updated frequently by the authorities of the country. Hence, make sure you are aware of these changes to prepare the documents and shipment accordingly for custom clearance. Avoid confusion and delay at the final stages of shipment due to lack of updated information and negligence. Maintain invoice A customs invoice is an important document used to define the value of goods for customs clearance. The freight forwarders charge process is mandatory information for clearing customs at the destination country. The customs authorities use the invoice to access custom clearance fees, duties and taxes on any cross-border shipment. It is a good practice to prepare a well-structured invoice as it eases the custom clearance for all parties involved in the process.

3. Nature of products Each product shipped globally has a tariff code which is a specific code documented in Harmonized System (HS). Make sure that the tariff code matches the nature of the goods that are shipped. The tariff code for the product may be different at the origin and at the destination. Hence, include the tariff code appropriately as accepted in the destination country. For certain items that come under the category of dangerous or flammable, you need to have certain permission or license. Make sure to apply for it on time for customs clearance. Proof of origin Make sure you have the Certificate of Origin (CO), an important document for international trade. It certifies that the goods exported are obtained, manufactured, and processed in a particular country. The origin of the product is also used to determine the custom clearance fees. Conclusion : Customs clearance plays a major role in import clearance and export clearance. Hence, any international shipper must have full understanding of the customs clearance process, documents required and service providers they must connect with who can ease their clearance process. The above-defined tips and guidelines must be followed for freight forwarding customs clearance. Along with this, the freight forwarders with relevant expertise help to prepare relevant customs clearance documents and understand the procedure to ensure that the shippers do not face any issues while clearing customs.