5 Most Recommendable Tips for a Smooth Customs Clearance Process

5 Most Recommendable Tips for a Smooth Customs Clearance Process

Being an e-commerce company, you can have international shipments for multiple reasons. Maybe you’re importing or exporting products to be utilized in any domestic factory. Or maybe you’re importing or exporting products from your manufacturer. Undoubtedly, you will require custom clearance services with the expansion of your business.

Introduction Custom Clearance refers to transferring goods through customs so that they can enter or leave a country. Each country has its own customs department that you require to comply with. Basically, customs require you to fulfill the documentation needed as well as pay the correct amount so that your goods can be received safely.

Tip 1 - Ensure your commercial invoice is accomplished, and the goods description is precise To follow the process smoothly you need to create a commercial invoice for the

import and export. Moreover, while creating your commercial invoice, you should use the right descriptions. Try to include plenty of necessary details to your description to make it more authentic.

Also, we recommend you serve us with digital paperwork, this way you make it more accessible for the authorities. Along with that, you will also be required to include a complete and accurate waybill to the authorities.

Tip 2 - Choose your international commercial terms (Incoterms) There are multiple types of carriers specially outline whose responsibility is to get goods and products via customs: • Incoterms define the point in the shipping process when the responsibilities for a shipment shift from sender to receiver. Before goods and products are shipped, the sender and receiver agree on the invoice, which identifies who pays for what shipping costs.

• DAP stands for “delivery at place” while DDP stands for “delivery duty paid.”

But what do such terms mean, and how do they affect the customs clearance procedure?

• Delivery at Place (DAP) - Seller is responsible for delivery of the goods to the buyer’s destination but is not responsible for import and export formalities and customs clearance costs.

• Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) - Seller should deliver the goods and products at their own expenses and risk, handle all customs duties, and pay for the import duties as well as any other costs.

Sellers often prefer to do DAP of course, but you should select DAP or DDP with your suppliers based on which organization has the most expertise with passing customs into that country. Moreover, for each supplier, you can speak with them to learn who is the most exposed and make your decision that way.

Tip 3 - Never Do Paperwork Inside Shipments Every shipping document including the commercial invoice and receipts, required to be attached to the box itself. If you place these documents inside, your packages will be held by customs. Moreover, customs clearance workers do not open the shipment for their safety, so it’s best to attach any documents to the outside of the box.

Tip 4 - Be Organized Organization is important for international shipping. You should always make copies of your receipts, invoices, and other documents just in case any issues appear.

Tip 5 - Work with a Shipping Company Working with a shipping organization is a great way to make sure that your items pass through customs evenly. The professionals at shipping companies ensure that your items pass through instantly and smoothly.