What is customs clearance&process&time&required documents

1、 What is customs clearance?

Customs clearance refers to the requirement for import and export goods to be declared to the customs, complete various procedures required by the customs, and fulfill obligations stipulated by various laws and regulations when entering the customs or border of a country. The purpose of customs clearance is to ensure national security, tax and trade policy implementation, as well as to protect the legitimate rights and interests of shippers.

2、 Customs clearance process

1. Change order → Go to the freight forwarder or shipping company to change the D/0. (Determine where to exchange the bill of lading based on the bill of lading in hand, HB/L freight forwarder bill of lading, MB/L shipowner bill of lading)

2. Electronic declaration → computer pre recording, document review, sending, contacting with customs/release.

3. After electronic declaration and release, go to the inspection bureau with one of the four copies of the customs declaration form to handle the quotation procedures, issue the customs clearance form or stamp the three inspection seals.

4. On site handover form → Customs on-site handover form.

5. Inspection → Customs will conduct inspections based on the supervision conditions of the declared product name and the probability of inspection on the same day. If there is an inspection, an inspection notice will be issued.

6. Release → ① one-time release ② issuing inspection notice or releasing twice without inspection ③ releasing after inspection and sealing.

3、 Customs clearance time

Customs clearance usually takes about 5-8 days, and specific arrangements need to be made by the customs. If inspection and taxation are involved, it also depends on the inspection situation and tax rate classification.

4、 Documents and functions required for customs clearance

1. Commercial Invoice

Function: Commercial invoice is the core document in the customs clearance process, which details the description, quantity, unit price, and total price of the goods.

Importance: Commercial invoices are not only used by customs to assess tariffs and taxes, but also serve as transaction vouchers between buyers and sellers. Therefore, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of commercial invoices is crucial.

2. Bill of Lading or Air Waybill

Function: The bill of lading is a document for the transportation of goods, containing detailed information about the goods, such as shipper, consignee, notify party, description of the goods, number of pieces, weight, etc.

Importance: It is the proof of ownership of the goods and also the proof of the carrier's commitment to transport the goods to the designated destination.

3. Packing List

Function: The packing list provides detailed information about the packaging of goods, including the quantity, description, weight, and dimensions of the goods inside each packaging box.

Importance: The packing list helps customs officers understand the packaging of goods, ensure that the goods are consistent with the declared content, and facilitate the unloading and distribution of goods at the destination.