Customs clearance

Get it right for speedy transit

There’s no avoiding customs formalities when you ship across international borders. We can help make sure it all happens efficiently, accurately and as quickly as possible.

Every import or export shipment you make requires a customs clearance declaration and may be subject to duty and local taxes.

We support you in this process by providing:

A managed customs clearance service
Access to experts with specialist import and export local knowledge
Clear and relevant customs information
Compliance with regulations when completing declarations on your behalf
Guidance on country restrictions and embargoes

CUSTOMS CLASSIFICATION OF GOODS

International customs rules on classifying products are based on a standardised system of names and numbers to define goods by what they are made from and what they are used for. Export and import clearance use this classification to determine the applicable duty and/or tax rates, as well as required accompanying documents.

REQUIRED PAPERWORK

The shipping documents you provide with your consignment are used at customs clearance points throughout its journey. It is critical that the information you provide in the documents is accurate to avoid any delays and/or fines from customs authorities.

All international shipments must be accompanied by a commercial invoice. Additional documents may be required, such as a Certificate of Origin, ATR or EUR1, depending on the type of goods and destination. For restricted goods covered by import or export regulations, a licence may also be required.

DUTIES & TAXES

Import duty (or 'customs duty') is payable to the customs authorities when goods are imported into a country. It is based on the classification of the goods and is generally charged as a percentage of the value of the goods.

Sales tax (GST) is a financial levy when goods are sold. The rate differs from country to country and is charged on all sales transactions, not just imports, as a percentage of the value of the goods.

In most cases these charges will need to be paid before customs release the goods for delivery.

TRUST TNT

We're committed to achieving safety and security standards under various customs-led, secure supply chain programmes around the world and hold the following certifications:

Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) - EU, Switzerland, Norway & Taiwan
Customs, Trade Partnership against Terrorism (C-TPAT) - USA
Partners in Protection (PiP) - Canada
Secure Trade Partnership Plus (StP+) - Singapore

Regulation Updates

Brazil

Mandatory Requirement for Receiver's Tax ID.

The requirement of a valid TAX ID is mandatory in Brazil for inbound shipments subject to Simplified Clearance (Express/Courier). Lack of this information will result in Brazilian Customs requesting the shipment to be returned to origin automatically. TAX ID in Brazil is called CNPJ (for companies) and CPF (for individuals) and should be shown on all relevant paperwork. In addition to the TAX ID, it is important that the receiver's contact information is provided: Contact name Telephone number / fax number Email address

Czech Republic

Requirements for Rubber Band Imports

Customs regulations state that rubber bands/toys (HS tariff code: 95030095) must be labelled with CE certification and a safety data sheet provided. Non-compliant consignments will to be returned to origin.

India

Lithium Batteries Customs Clearance Restrictions for Private Individuals

Due to restrictions on lithium batteries or items containing lithium batteries (e.g. laptops, mobile phones), these items are classed under "General Cargo" instead of "Express" which results in the clearance taking place at the cargo terminal. Consignments cleared in the cargo terminal attract costs and delays not generally associated with an express clearance. Private individuals must have an Import Export Code (IEC) to facilitate customs clearance in the cargo terminal. Requirements for Customs Know Your Customer (KYC) Process Import customs clearance will require the importer to provide Know Your Customer (KYC) documents and authorisation (POA). KYC are documents required for establishing the identity of the consignee. Import clearance will not be able to proceed until all these documents have been obtained.

Lebanon

Radiation Screening on Goods from India

It is now mandatory for all shipments originating from or manufactured in India to undergo radiation screening at Beirut Airport. These new screening processes will continue until further notice and could result in increased transit times.

Nicaragua

Customs update

Customs clearance must be complete within 20 working days from arrival. Shipments not cleared after this time will be considered as abandoned by customs. Shipments must be accompanied with an original consignment note and commercial invoice, no digital images or copies are allowed. The commercial invoice must be signed in blue ink. Shipments are not permitted to be returned to origin.   The importation of food, beverages, medicines and cosmetics will only be allowed when the consignee has applied for permission from the Ministry of Public Health. The importation of shipments containing items of animal or vegetable origin will only be allowed when the consignee has applied for permission from the Ministry of Agriculture.  The original Phytosanitary certificate must accompany the shipment. The importation of cellphones and accessories, SIM cards, GPS devices and any other device transmitting micro waves will only be allowed when the consignee has applied for permission from the Coordinator Institute of the Telecommunications (TELCOR) Shipments sent as documents must only contain documents.  If the shipment contains anything else, for example brochures, magazines, catalogues, compact discs, USB memory, pre-printed forms etc., then a commercial invoice must accompany the goods to enable customs clearance.

Oman

Documents required

The following changes have been made to customs regulations in Oman: The HS code and country of origin of the goods must be stated on the commercial invoice. A penalty is imposed if this information is missing, based on the value of the invoice or EUR 500 (whichever is greater). The value threshold that the invoice and certificate of origin are required to be legalised by the relevant authorities in the country of origin is now USD 2600.  Alternatively a penalty fee of USD 65 can be paid if the shipper cannot legalise the documents.

Philippines

Import Accreditation

Importers in the Philippines receiving more than 2 shipments a year with an invoice value greater that US$500 must have a valid iCARE/AMO accreditation with the Bureau of Internal Revenue. If importers do not hold a valid accreditation then consignments will be held until they have received their accreditation which may take up to 2 months.

Russian Federation

Customs Requirements for Import Shipments

Russian customs require the following information to be included on invoices: Manufacturer name Country of origin Indication of trademarks Invoices without this information could be delayed due to customs inspections.

Vietnam

Restrictions on Products of Plant Origin

Vietnam Plant Protection Department has strict controls for granting of certificates for the importation of goods of plant origin, e.g. fruits, seeds, flowers, leaves, timber, etc. The importation of these products into Vietnam requires a certificate of plant quarantine (Phytosanitary Certificate) issued by the authorities of the exporting country or an original notification in writing of exemption from quarantine.

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