Airport customs clearance is one of the most crucial steps in the business of imports across global shores. Here’s a view on how the custom clearance processes are levied upon international shipments.

The transit of an international shipment can get interrupted if proper rules of airport custom clearance are violated. Awareness of the same is essential to ensure smooth transportation of a parcel/ cargo from one destination to another. The assistance of a freight forwarder and a licensed customs broker is advisable for global export businesses.

The freight forwarding company takes the onus of customs clearance via a customs broker. The immediate tasks of a customs broker are:

• Represent the global export business company on its behalf
• Prepare the essential import documents
• Submit the documents to the Customs Clearance Office at the designated airport
• Payment of customs duties on the international shipment
• Ensure quick, hassle-free clearance from the Customs Office

In a gist, four parties are involved in the customs clearance of imported goods:

• Importer
• Freight forwarder
• Customs broker
• Legal custom clearance agent

 

Custom Clearance Agency Has an Important Role to Play

The custom clearance agents are law enforcers who strictly abide by the custom clearance guidelines. They examine and assess each shipment that comes from a different country. Their duties include:

• Collection of airport customs duties and taxes on trans-border shipments
• Identification of fraudulent activities of the shipper
• Prevent illegal entry of prohibited and dangerous goods, such as arms and ammunitions, animal cargo, plant pests, and etcetera

 

Procedures of Custom Clearance at the Airport

Here’s an overview of the essential points related to custom clearance procedures at the airports.

The Entry Process of International Shipments:

• The importer (customs broker) files the relevant entry documents, especially the Customs Release Form to speed up the release process of the shipped goods. 
• The freight forwarder needs to file the Customs Entry Form and guide the journey of the shipment to the designated port. 
• The most important documents connected with customs clearance are:

1. Purchase Order Slip from the buyer
2. Commercial Invoice of the supplier
3. Airway Bill or Bill of Landing
4. Packaging List
5. Certificate of Origin

 

The Examination Process of international Shipments:

• After the Entry related formalities are over, shipments are examined for invoices an illegal entry of prohibited items. In some instances, the examination is waived off. 
• The shipment is released if there are no legal complications

• Upon the filing of Entry Summary documentation, customs duties are deposited within ten days. 

You have the best business partner in AP Clearing Agency Private Limited, one of the leading and trusted clearing and forwarding agencies in Kolkata. They have long experience in providing logistical solutions like airport customs clearance and seaport customs clearance.  

Any slip or loopholes in the procedures of an international shipment is sure to land the shipment in trouble. It will be hard to expedite the release of goods. You will end up taking the extra stress to release the products from the customs clearance office at the airport. But when you avail the service of a reputable freight forwarding company you need not worry about smooth transit.