Customs Clearance Guide

Cross-border road documents follow the principle that papers match each other and match the goods. Collect them before booking.

• Commercial invoice and contract: description, quantity, value and trade terms must match other documents.
• Packing list: item count, gross and net weight, volume and packing method per package.
• Certificate of origin: issued per destination requirements for tariff preference and compliance checks.
• Licences and inspection certificates: confirm export licence or inspection needs in advance for controlled goods.

Hazardous goods need extra packaging, marking and declarations; start document preparation at least five working days ahead.

• Hazardous packaging certificate and MSDS: prove packaging class and properties, matching the declared name.
• Dangerous goods declaration: submit per border requirements so no supplementary filing is needed on arrival.
• Packaging and marking: UN number, hazard labels and orientation marks complete.
• Yard and vehicle: some borders require dedicated yards and qualified trucks; book in advance.

Pre-review is usually completed two to three working days before dispatch, checking three kinds of consistency.

• Consistent description: one product name and code across invoice, packing list, declaration and MSDS.
• Consistent quantity and weight: large gross/net differences are a common cause of rejection.
• Consistent value and terms: trade terms and freight payer must match the contract.
• Traceable corrections: stamp changes or issue a correction note instead of handwriting.

Inspection is a normal regulatory step and timing is decided by the border. Preparation is more reliable than promises.

• Triggers: random sampling, risk targeting or document inconsistencies.
• Dwell time: inspection usually adds one to three days, subject to border scheduling.
• Cooperation: supply documents, open packages as notified, arrange staff on site if needed.
• After release: arrange onward transfer promptly to limit storage and waiting costs.

Import clearance responsibility follows the trade terms; agree who handles it before signing.

• Consignee agent: commonly the consignee and its broker file the import declaration.
• Door-to-door with clearance: confirm scope and cost separately when needed.
• Duties and taxes: borne by the importer; rates follow destination tariff schedules.
• Record keeping: retain clearance documents as required for later checks.