Fortunately, here at PTI Express, we’ve invested significant resources and time to help companies better understand customs clearance. Our in-house customs team are experts in simplifying the process by handling the customs clearance and export documentation for you.

We’ll take a look at exactly what customs clearance is, why customs clearance for manufacturing goods is important, and the processes involved in navigating efficient customs clearance times.

What is Customs Clearance?

Simply put, it is the process required to declare goods to customs authorities whenever these goods enter or leave a country. This process applies to businesses looking to ship large quantities of goods, but also to individuals that wish to send personal goods to another country too.

We previously covered a simple guide to customs clearance to give the basics on what it is, and who are subject to customs clearance procedures.

What is the process for customs clearance? 

There are a few steps involved within the process of customs clearance, and broken down simply these include;

• Document inspection

• Tax and duty payment

• Goods release

Document Inspection

This step is the most vital for goods to clear customs and is often where both businesses and individuals hit a pitfall, it’s easy to miss one of the core parts of documentation required and have goods stuck. Whilst most countries follow a similar process, there can be unique quirks for certain customs agencies. 

The basic documents required for a successful customs clearance are;

• Exporter/Importer information

• Commercial Invoice

• Description of goods & Commodity Codes

• Country of Origin

• Quantity of goods

• Unit value and total item value

• Terms of delivery (Incoterms)

A more complete list can be found in our customs information pack and is a fantastic document for better understanding the process of customs clearance documentation. 

If any of these documents are missing or not completed to the satisfaction of the customs agent, items may be held for an extended period of time until the shipment can be cleared.

Tax and Duty Payment

Once the shipment has cleared the duty inspection, owed taxes and duties must be cleared before any shipment will be released by customs. Taxes and duties can vary based on a number of different factors including their declared value, the goods specifically, and the country in which goods are being imported into or exported out to.

This is where things can become complex with customs clearance for manufacturing goods, with items made from a range of different materials, different weights, and being subject to different laws, it can often take a lot of knowledge to ensure the right taxes and duties are being paid for. 

This is where our expert customs clearance team become invaluable, able to ensure that all documentation is completed accurately, and understanding ahead of time the necessary dues that need to be paid.

Goods Release

After goods have passed the document inspection and have had all taxes and duties paid, customs will release the goods. This process can take a variable amount of time depending once again on the declared value, type of goods, or country of origin, and the importer can take possession for moving on.

Some goods may be released on a conditional basis, having to meet additional requirements to ensure they’re labeled properly and able to be transported safely.

How PTI Express can help Customs Clearance for Manufacturing Goods

Our dedicated team has helped many businesses expedite their customs clearance process with our in-depth knowledge of required documentation and helping to ensure businesses don’t pay more than they need to for duties and tax. If you’re interested in PTI Express's Customs Clearance for Manufacturing Goods, reach out today via telephone (01788 542500) or email (sales@ptiexpress.com) to get started, and learn more about how the PTI Express team can help you.