Customs Clearance

Customs Clearance refers to the entire process by which import and export goods, means of transport, and articles, when entering or leaving a country, are declared to customs in accordance with the law, subjected to inspection, have duties and taxes paid, and are released after completion of all procedures. In the context of customer management, it often refers to foreign trade enterprises assisting or requiring customers to complete customs clearance at the destination port/port of origin, including preparing commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, licenses, and other documents to ensure that the declared information is true and accurate. Usage scenarios: Under trade terms such as FOB and CIF, it is necessary to clarify whether the buyer or seller is responsible for customs clearance at the destination port; under DDP and DDU terms, the seller bears greater responsibility. Precautions: Customs clearance requirements vary greatly among countries; for example, the EU requires an EORI, and the United States requires ISF filing; inconsistent documents or undervaluation may lead to inspection, fines, port demurrage, or even return shipment. Difference from 'customs declaration': Customs declaration only refers to declaring to customs, while customs clearance covers the entire process of declaration, inspection, taxation, and release; difference from 'customs closure': Customs closure focuses on the lifting of customs supervision after verification and cancellation. Foreign trade practitioners should confirm in advance the party responsible for customs clearance, the document checklist, and special certifications (such as CE and FDA) to avoid customer claims caused by customs clearance delays.