
A customs clearance company can make a huge difference in the success of your import business. They provide a range of services to ensure a smooth and efficient import process.
One of the key services a customs clearance company offers is documentation preparation. This includes preparing and submitting necessary documents such as commercial invoices, bills of lading, and certificates of origin.
A good customs clearance company will have extensive knowledge of import regulations and procedures. They can help you navigate complex customs rules and avoid costly delays.
By using a customs clearance company, you can save time and reduce the risk of errors in the import process.
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What Is Customs Clearance?
Customs clearance is the process of ensuring that goods imported or exported comply with customs regulations and laws. It involves obtaining the necessary permits, licenses, and certificates to clear goods through customs.
The process typically starts with the preparation of commercial invoices and other required documents, which are then submitted to customs authorities for review. This is based on the fact that customs clearance companies require accurate and detailed documentation to facilitate the clearance process.
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Customs clearance companies play a crucial role in this process, providing expertise and resources to ensure that all necessary procedures are followed correctly. They often have established relationships with customs authorities, which can speed up the clearance process.
The cost of customs clearance can vary depending on the type and value of goods being imported or exported. According to the article, a customs clearance company charges a fee based on the value of the goods, which can range from 0.5% to 2% of the total value.
The Customs Clearance Process
The customs clearance process can be complex, but understanding the basics can make a big difference.
Most customs clearance processes fall into six steps, although the specifics can vary by geography and the types of goods being shipped.
Incomplete documentation is a common problem that can cause delays, so it's essential to get all the necessary paperwork in order.
To avoid issues, ensure that goods are properly described in the customs declaration, and that products have the correct licences.
Shipping sample goods can be tricky, as customs will still charge tax on the actual value of the goods, even if they have no commercial value.
A non-zero figure must be shown on the invoice for sample goods, and the quantity being shipped should be clearly stated.
Getting the right documents ready is the most important part of preparing for customs clearance.
These documents typically include your import and export licence, customs declaration document, invoices, shipping label, and packing list.
The customs officer will go through these documents to verify your cargo is safe to travel, and they'll use them to calculate taxes like VAT and import duties.
The type of shipping, the value of the shipment, and the laws of the shipping country all affect the taxes and fees you'll need to pay.
Additional fees might be added depending on the type of shipping you're using.
Once payment is received, your shipment is cleared and released from the customs department, and it can finish its journey to its destination.
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Import Services
Import Services are crucial for any business or individual looking to move products into the country. Packair has been helping clients from Los Angeles and around the world with their import needs since 1973.
They offer a wide range of services, including Customs Brokerage at all U.S. Ports, Import and Export Carnet Provider, and In-Bond Electronic Entry. They can also handle HTS Classification, Remote Entries and Filing, and Temporary Import Bond (TIB).
Packair's expertise in navigating the red tape involved with shipping goods allows them to move products faster and more efficiently than you would on your own. They can handle everything from exotic animals and wildlife to delicate luxury items and products you are selling on Amazon.
The company's in-house brokers have decades of professional experience, making the import process a breeze. They provide customized import schedules tailored to your business needs and offer door-to-door shipping services.
Here are some of the specific services Packair offers:
- Customs Brokerage at all U.S. Ports
- Import and Export Carnet Provider
- In-Bond Electronic Entry
- HTS Classification
- Remote Entries and Filing
- Temporary Import Bond (TIB)
- Customs Power of Attorney (POA)
- Arrival Notice
- Commercial Invoicing
- Packing List
- Ocean Bill of Lading (BOL) or Air Waybill (AWB)
- Destination Charges
- Consulting and Advising the new Importer
- Customs Bonds and Cargo Insurance
- FDA Prior Notice Filing
- Importer Security Filing (ISF / “10+2”)
- Foreign Trade Zone Experts
- Importing Exotic Fish & Wildlife
- Importing Biologics
- Lacey Act Filing, USDA
- Importing Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF)
- DOT, EPA, State, Commerce Agency Clearance
Their services are designed to be inclusive of A-to-Z importing services, reducing delays and saving you on costs.
Goods Declaration and Inspection
To ensure a smooth customs clearance process, it's essential to have all the necessary documentation in order. A detailed declaration of the goods being shipped is required, and it serves as a checklist for the clearance process.
This declaration form typically includes the shipper's and buyer's company details, as well as the authorized persons' contact information. It's also crucial to accurately describe the goods, including their local and English name, description, country of origin, quantity, net and gross weight, and HS code.
The declaration form will also ask for packaging details, such as the number of packages, dimensions, and package type. Make sure to double-check the specific requirements for the declaration form, as they may vary depending on the customs area. A sample declaration form might look like this:
Once the goods arrive, they will be inspected by the customs authority to ensure they match the declared details. It's wise to assume that not all items will be checked in detail, but poor documentation or damaged packaging may increase the inspection time.
Goods Declaration
A detailed declaration of the goods being shipped is required by customs authorities, and acts as the checklist by which the clearance process will succeed or fail. This form is likely to include the shipper's details, including name, address, tax or VAT number, or EORI number.
The declaration form will also ask for the authorised person in the sending company, including name, phone, and e-mail address. This is crucial for customs to contact the right person in case of any issues.
Buyer company details, such as name, address, tax or VAT number, or EORI number, are also required. The authorised person in the destination company, including name, phone, and e-mail address, should also be included.
The local and English name and description of the goods, as well as the declaration of the country of origin, are essential details that need to be provided. The quantity of the product, net weight, and gross weight of goods should also be declared.
The shipment purpose of the product, for example commercial or sample, should be specified, along with a description of the goods and the goods HS code. Packaging details, such as number of packages, dimensions, and package type, should also be included.
Here's a summary of the details required for the declaration form:
- Shipper's details (name, address, tax or VAT number, or EORI number)
- Authorised person in the sending company (name, phone, e-mail address)
- Buyer company details (name, address, tax or VAT number, or EORI number)
- Authorised person in the destination company (name, phone, e-mail address)
- Local and English name and description of the goods
- Declaration of the country of origin
- Quantity of the product
- Net weight and gross weight of goods
- Shipment purpose of the product
- Description of the goods
- Goods HS code
- Packaging details (number of packages, dimensions, package type)
Goods Inspection
Goods inspection is a crucial step in the customs clearance process.
Once the goods have arrived, they will be inspected by the customs authority to ensure they meet the details outlined in the declaration.
It's wise to assume that not all items being shipped will be checked in detail, but poor documentation or damaged packaging may increase the length of time inspections take.
Sometimes the goods will be moved to a remote inspection facility, which can cause additional delays to the customs clearance process.
Document Examination
Document Examination is a crucial part of the clearance process. It's where you'll need to provide the required documentation to ensure smooth processing.
The minimum documents required are a Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Bill of Lading, Air Waybill, or CMR. These documents contain essential information about the goods, shipment, and parties involved.
A Commercial Invoice is a must-have, detailing the date and invoice number, shipper's and buyer's details, goods name and description, quantity, price, delivery method, and banking details. Including the HS Code can speed up the clearance process.
The Packing List provides a detailed description of the goods, including weights and dimensions. It's essential to ensure the details match the physical goods to minimize delays.
A Bill of Lading is a legal document issued by a carrier, detailing the type, quantity, and destination of the goods. It needs to be signed by authorized representatives of the logistics company, shipper, and owner of the goods in transit.
Additional documents may include insurance details, certificate of origin, movement certificates, electronic export information (EEI), and test and inspection certificates. These depend on the nature of the goods and route.
Payment and Release of Goods
Payment of taxes and duties is a crucial part of the customs clearance process. Customs duty is assessed on the fair market value of imported goods at the time they are landed in the UK. Import prices for products entering the UK generally consist of cost, insurance, freight, and duty, with a standard VAT of 20% levied on the aggregate value.
Some goods and services, like children's car seats and home energy, are eligible for a reduced VAT rate of 5%. Others, such as food and children's clothing, are exempt from VAT altogether.
Payment of Taxes and Duties
To ensure a smooth clearance process, it's essential to understand how taxes and duties are calculated and paid. Customs duty is assessed on the fair market value of imported goods at the time they are landed in the UK.
The UK's import tariff guide states that import prices for products entering the UK consist of cost, insurance, freight, and duty, with a standard VAT of 20% levied on the aggregate value. VAT is reduced to 5% for some goods and services, such as children's car seats and home energy.
You'll need to pay penalty fines if you break UK or international law. The level of detail required for tax and duty declarations will vary by customs area, so it's worth checking what's required for your specific geography.
Some goods, like food and children's clothing, are exempt from VAT. You can find more information on the specific tax rates and exemptions in the UK's import tariff guide.
Release of Goods for Shipment
Releasing goods for shipment is a crucial step in the customs clearance process, and it typically takes between 12 and 24 hours.
This timeframe can vary depending on the destination country, type of cargo being shipped, and the volume of goods.
It's essential to plan for a longer duration of time to avoid any delays or unexpected issues.
Customs clearance can be unpredictable, and it's always better to err on the side of caution and set realistic expectations.
Expertise and Accuracy Matter
Expertise and accuracy matter when it comes to customs clearance. This is because a single mistake can delay the release of your shipment, resulting in hefty fees for warehousing and storage costs.
Choosing the right company to manage your customs clearance can have a direct impact on your bottom line. At Gallagher Transport, they pride themselves on being a customs broker you can trust to clear your goods efficiently and cost effectively.
Expertise is key when selecting a customs broker or freight forwarder. While all licensed companies can clear shipments, some have more experience and knowledge than others. This is why it's essential to factor in experience, knowledge, and communication when making your decision.
Being accurate is also crucial in the customs clearance process. The importer must provide accurate information regarding shipment inventory, cargo value, and business information to ensure a smooth process. This can help the CBP give your cargo shipment a low risk assessment.
Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a customs clearance company:
- Experience: Look for companies with decades of professional experience, like Packair's in-house brokers.
- Knowledge: Ensure the company has expertise in clearing complex, high-value, high-volume entries and commodities.
- Communication: Choose a company that provides clear and timely communication throughout the process.
- Compliance: Select a company with dedicated compliance management teams to monitor customs activity and stay up-to-date with the latest legislation.
By considering these factors, you can find a customs clearance company that meets your needs and helps you navigate the complex world of international trade.
Maersk Services
Maersk Services can alleviate the complex process of customs clearance, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business. Their experts can guide you through international trade laws and regulations.
International trade laws change frequently, making it challenging to keep up with the latest changes. Maersk's compliance experts and specialist trade consultants can help you navigate tariff codes, taxes, duties, and international trade regulations.
A close working relationship with one customs service provider throughout your cargo journey can increase your supply chain efficiency and visibility.
Why Maersk Services?
Maersk Services can be a game-changer for international trade. You can take care of customs clearance yourself, but it's often more efficient to find a partner that can handle the process for you.
International trade laws change frequently, making it challenging to keep up. Maersk's customs clearance expertise can guide you through this complex process.
Any mistake in customs clearance can delay your deliveries, causing nasty surprises. Maersk's experts ensure a smooth customs clearance process, preventing delays and keeping your customers happy.
Maersk's Supply Chain Management (SCM) platform integrates with your customs process for export data management and downstream import benefits. This integration can help you streamline your supply chain.
Compliance experts and specialist trade consultants at Maersk help you navigate the complex world of tariff codes, taxes, duties, and international trade regulations. They can help decrease costs and increase predictability.
Maersk has dedicated compliance management teams that closely monitor your customs activity and stay up-to-date with the latest changes in legislation. This close monitoring can help you stay ahead of potential issues.
Having a single customs service provider throughout your cargo journey can increase your supply chain efficiency and visibility. Maersk offers this level of service, understanding your business needs and working closely with you.
Tata Motors with Maersk
Tata Motors relies on timely deliveries that demand on-time customs clearances to function as one of the world's largest automobile manufacturers.
Maersk Customs Services has helped Tata Motors achieve seamless delivery of their vehicles.
Tata Motors International Business Head of SCM, Jayant Shreedhar Athawade, has spoken about the value Maersk's customs team brings to their operations.
Greater Us
Maersk Services offers extensive coverage across the US. We Service the Greater US, with authorized clearance in any Customs port of unlading.
U.S. Customs has given us the green light to clear shipments in multiple ports. This includes Los Angeles/Long Beach and Chicago, among others.
We can clear shipments in San Francisco, Seattle/Tacoma, Houston, Miami, Savannah, Norfolk, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and any other domestic port of unlading.
Our network allows for efficient and streamlined customs clearance. This is a huge advantage for our customers, saving them time and resources.
From coast to coast, we've got you covered. Whether you're shipping to the East Coast or the West, we can handle it.
Streamlining the Process
Ship4wd's smart digital platform is designed for seamless imports into the U.S. and Canada, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
Their team of experts ensures that all relevant documentation is submitted, making the import and customs clearance process smooth and straightforward.
Ship4wd's Import Duty Calculator helps estimate duties and fees, providing transparency in import costs and making it easy to plan and budget effectively.
With Ship4wd, you can easily find competitive quotes for air or ocean freight, book your shipment, schedule pre-shipment inspections, secure cargo insurance, and let them manage customs clearance.
To avoid common problems in the customs clearance process, ensure that all documentation is complete, product licenses are correct, and goods are properly described in the customs declaration.
It's also essential to clearly define sample goods as such, with a non-zero figure on the invoice, and specify the quantity of samples being shipped.
Here are some common issues to watch out for:
- Incomplete documentation
- Incorrect product licenses
- Lack of proper packaging and markings
- Goods not properly described in the customs declaration
- Sample goods not clearly defined
Ship4wd's advanced tracking system covers every stage of the shipping process, including customs clearance, ensuring you always know the status and location of your goods.
What Influences Time?
Your documents, how well they're filled, can significantly influence the time your goods will stay in customs clearance.
The type of your shipment is also a crucial factor, as different types of goods require different levels of scrutiny.
Filling out your documents correctly is essential, as incomplete or inaccurate information can lead to delays.
A partner with customs clearance expertise can handle this task for you and help you navigate the process more efficiently.
Sources
- https://www.maersk.com/supply-chain-logistics/customs-services
- https://www.packair.com/los-angeles-customs-clearance/
- https://ship4wd.com/services/additional/customs-clearance
- https://gallaghertransport.com/customs-broker/customs-clearance/
- https://www.agi.global/custom-clearance-hub/the-complete-customs-clearance-process
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