When goods cross international borders, customs clearance is a necessary and unavoidable step. While this process is typically managed by experienced professionals, being well-prepared can help you avoid delays, extra costs, and frustration.

Our freight forwarding experts share key tips to ensure smooth customs processing:

• Plan Ahead: Understand and clarify your responsibilities early, especially regarding customs brokerage and duty payments (also known as tariffs).
• Know Your Incoterms®: Depending on the agreed Incoterms®, you may be responsible for clearance at origin, destination, or both. It's crucial to define this with your overseas partner from the start.
• Be Documentation-Ready: Ensure all shipping documents are complete, accurate, and submitted on time. Missing or incorrect paperwork is a common cause of delays.

Though customs clearance can be complex, with the right support and preparation, you can make the process efficient and stress-free — whether you're the shipper or the receiver.