Customs clearance is the process of moving goods through customs. Customs is the authority that controls the flow of goods through a country; it also collects tariffs on those goods.
Here’s what happens when goods reach customs:
- Customs officers examine the customs paperwork. This paperwork can be quite complex—a customs brokerage can help you fill it out and check it for accuracy.
- Taxes and duties are assessed. Import fees may apply on goods, depending on the type of goods being imported and their value.
- Customs officers request payment. A customs brokerage can pay customs on your behalf; you repay it once the goods have cleared customs.
This describes an ideal scenario—one in which all of your paperwork lines up with what customs agents are inspecting, and there are no audits of your shipment. In the case of an audit, your customs broker is the first line of contact for customs officers. Your broker will keep you aware of any audits at the border, what delays may occur, and what you can do to expedite the process.