Shipping goods internationally can be a complicated and time-consuming process, especially regarding customs clearance. But what exactly is customs clearance, and how does it work? In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process and provide insights into how Black box logistics can make the process easier for you.
What does the customs clearance process look like?
Customs clearance is the process of submitting documentation to the government customs agency and receiving clearance for the goods in transit. It’s a critical step in the shipping process, as failure to comply with customs regulations can result in long delays, fines, or even the seizure of goods. But what does the process of customs clearance look like?
The first step is document inspection. A customs officer or broker will review the paperwork you need for your shipment to initiate the customs clearance process. This can include a commercial invoice, a purchase order, a shipping bill, a bill of lading, a packing list, and a certificate of origin. The required documents can vary depending on the destination country and the type of goods being shipped.
Next comes tax and duty calculation. Based on the type of goods being shipped, the customs broker ensures that the taxes and duties are paid before import or export. This is based on the declared value of the goods and the customs laws of the importing country. Customs officers are responsible for verifying and tracking whether these charges have been paid.
Once the taxes and duties have been calculated, it’s time for payment. If the charges haven’t been paid already, the customs officer will request payment. The shipment will be marked as Delivery Duty Paid or Delivery Duty Unpaid, depending on whether or not the taxes have been paid. After payment has been fulfilled, the shipment will be released by customs and can be imported or exported.
How Black Box Logistics can make this process easier
Black box logistics is a company that offers various customs clearance services, including handling all types of permits, performing all related formalities for shipments to and receipt of goods from abroad, and warehouse storage. Their employees are up-to-date on the latest customs clearance regulations, and they use fully integrated and advanced software to support the most common customs flows. Via our software, all customs transactions are automatically declared, necessary documents are automatically generated, and there is always complete insight into the status of the customs process.
For incoming shipments entering the European Union, goods can be transferred directly to BBL without being cleared first. BBL will start the customs clearance procedure via the IT system with the customs facility, using the fully integrated AGS customs system, after receiving these goods. For outgoing shipments with a destination outside the EU, BBL will submit an export declaration via the integrated customs system. BBL also owns a customs warehouse where goods can be stored that are not yet in free circulation in the EU.
BBL also offers IOR (Importer of Record) and EOR (Exporter of Record) services to their customers. The Registered Importer (IOR) is the entity legally responsible for compliance with regulations and the payment of duties and taxes when importing goods. Similarly, the Registered Exporter (EOR) is the entity that is liable to local authorities during the export process. BBL can provide IOR and EOR services through their extensive network to customers who do not have a legal entity in the countries to which goods are shipped.
