0:00How does customs clearance work?
0:02In five steps.
0:04Clearance generally runs in order.
0:07Pre-arrival submission of shipping and commercial documents,
0:11often electronically,
0:13ahead of the vessel or aircraft.
0:15The formal declaration of the goods, including the HS code and customs value.
0:21A risk-based assessment,
0:23where the system or an officer decides whether the shipment needs a physical
0:28inspection.
0:30Payment of the duty and tax owed.
0:33And finally release,
0:35when customs issues an order allowing the goods to leave the port or bonded area.
0:41Submitting complete,
0:43accurate documents before arrival,
0:45rather than scrambling once the vessel has docked,
0:49is the single biggest factor in how fast a shipment clears.
0:54Documents first, and speed follows.